Kusadasi

Golf in Turkey now doesn’t just mean Belek. There is also a stunning new resort overlooking the Aegean Sea to consider…

Turkey is arguably THE golf destination in the world these days. From a standing start, it has become a serious player on the golf holiday scene in little more than a decade.

And think of golf in Turkey and you immediately think ‘Belek’. But now there is a new player on the Turkish scene: Kusadasi International Golf Resort, the first ever leisure and golf development of its kind near the Aegean Sea.

Located 55 miles south of Izmir international airport, it is home to a magnificent 18-hole championship course, spreading over 6,930 yards and overlooking the site where gods and goddesses are said to have emerged from the sea. This spectacular golf course has just been officially opened and was designed by the acclaimed architect, Jose Canales Galvez of Mas Golf Uno Golf Design.

This respected firm believe Kusadasi to be the perfect mix of challenging pot bunkers, manicured fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generous tiered fast greens.

Visually spectacular, the course expands through indigenous olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaus separated by a dramatic ravine with outstanding views over the National Park. Untouched nature as well as exhilarating views to mountain ranges and the Aegean Sea are the backdrop to this unique design and the generous practice facilities; these are the striking aspects of the new Kusadasi championship course.

It has plenty of length off the tips but even off forward tees, the natural landscape of the 70-acre site means it is a real challenge for even the experienced travelling golfer.

It offers a great example of risk and reward golf on the back nine especially, with two artificial lakes, 54 bunkers (many severe pot bunkers) and several carries over gorges. But five teeing grounds per hole means higher handicappers – and especially ladies – can enjoy themselves without an onerous test.

It is the first golf club in Turkey to have high-quality residential complex attached. Here, there are various luxurious apartments, studios and penthouses for discerning guests and customers who love to enjoy golf, fitness, wellness, beauty treatments and relaxing in an upscale ambience.

Buggies are available while a shuttle service connects the residential area with the modern and functional clubhouse. Built on two levels, the clubhouse offers stunning views of the mountains as well as the sea and you can almost see the whole course from the terrace.

It has a first-class restaurant with cocktail bar as well as a VIP Lounge, a golf reception, caddy shack, locker rooms and a pro shop offering the latest fashion in golf apparel.

A team of resident PGA-qualified professionals – Turkish, English, German and Swedish speaking – are equipped with a full video swing analysis system to provide the very best one-on-one tuition.

There is a large 30-bay, 330-yardlong driving range, a short-game area with a large pitching and chipping green. These training facilities are good enough for national teams, professionals and elite amateurs.

WEBSITE: www.kusadasiinternationalgolf.com