REPORT Golf in Turkey spreads its wings A new resort course will open next year in Dalaman, designed and built with sustainability very much at the forefront. Since the first courses of the Belek region of Antalya were built in the 1990s, Turkey has become established as a popular destination for golf holidaymakers. From April 2026, they will have a new area of the country to consider, as a new 18-hole course will open at the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme resort. Also on the Mediterranean coast, it’s about 200 miles west of Belek, and very close to Dalaman International Airport. First conceived in 2006, the project stalled due to the 2008 financial crisis as well as environmental and planning challenges. The development restarted in 2023 with revised plans and new client ambitions. Construction of the course began in April 2024 and was completed in September 2025. Ümit Yasar Atalay, the club’s general manager, says: “Our vision is to create an environmentally conscious, natureintegrated golf course that meets international standards and positions Turkey where it rightfully belongs in the global golf tourism arena. The area’s rare qualities inspired us to envision a course that would not only coexist with the landscape but also enhance it. It’s been designed as a sustainable, aesthetic living space and one that provides a premium experience for players of all levels. Our guests won’t just play golf here; they’ll enjoy a peaceful experience in harmony with nature.” The golf course site is bordered by the beach resort to the south and a river to the west, and features diverse vegetation and lakes that serve as a stopover for migratory birds. The project team says the region is one of the most ecologically rich areas in southwestern Turkey. Golf course architect Andrew Craven of International Design Group (IDG) says: “The site is a gift; with sand dunes, mountains and marshlands, it’s both varied and delicate. Photo: International Design Group 84
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