Antalya Golf Club Overview:
Antalya Golf Club is a renowned PGA certified club with two courses: Sultan and Pasha. Offering 36 holes, the club boasts excellent facilities including a terrace, indoor restaurant, bar, locker rooms, and a pro shop. Nearby are two hotels: Kempinski the Dome and Sirene Golf Resort. Both courses were designed by European Golf Design. The Sultan Course is particularly challenging and is a PGA Championship course.
The Sultan Golf Course: A Jewel in Turkey's Golfing Crown
Nestled in the tourism haven of Antalya, Turkey, the Sultan Golf Course at the Antalya Golf Club offers an exquisite blend of natural beauty and architectural marvel. Designed by European Golf Design, the course is renowned for its seamless integration with the pine and eucalyptus-lined landscapes, presenting a challenging yet captivating experience for golfers of all levels.
The course stretches over a vast area, offering diverse challenges across its 18 holes. With a length ranging from 5,731 to 7,125 yards, the course demands precision, strategy, and, at times, boldness. Its PGA-certified quality is evident in the meticulously groomed Bermuda grass and the strategic placement of bunkers filled with uniquely brown sand, creating both a visual appeal and a test of skill.
Each hole on the Sultan Course tells its own story, with the Par 4, Hole 1, introducing players to its stringent standards. Water hazards guard both sides of the fairway, and the approach shot requires a deft touch to navigate the water and bunkers protecting the green. As players advance, the Par 3, Hole 2, surrounded by fairway bunkers and a forest, provides a respite with its scoring opportunities.
However, the true essence of the Sultan lies in its strategic complexity. The Par 5, Hole 3, named "Gamble," exemplifies this, asking players to choose between an aggressive play over water or a conservative approach that navigates around hazards. Such thought-provoking play is a consistent theme, with the Par 4, Hole 4, known as "The Pines," being the toughest on the course, demanding absolute precision to avoid the pine tree obstacles.
The practice facilities complement the course's standards, featuring two putting greens, a chipping green, and a driving range. The clubhouse's terrace, overlooking the picturesque 18th hole of the Sultan Course, invites guests to relax and reflect on their game.
What sets the Sultan Golf Course apart is not just its technical challenges but also its ability to immerse players in the natural beauty of the Antalya region. From the serene water bodies and lush forestry to the stunning views of the Taurus Mountains on the final hole, the course is more than a sporting challenge; it's an experience that captivates all senses.
In conclusion, the Sultan Golf Course is more than a destination for golf enthusiasts. It's a sanctuary where natural beauty, architectural prowess, and sporting challenge coalesce to provide an unforgettable experience, making it a shining jewel in Turkey's golfing crown.
Sultan Golf Course Insights:
Hole 1 - A challenging par 4 with water hazards on both sides.
Hole 2 - A par 3 surrounded by bunkers, a forest, and named "Surrounded."
Hole 3 - Named "Gamble," this par 5 has a wide fairway and players can choose to play aggressively or conservatively.
Hole 4 - The toughest hole, named "Pines."
Hole 5 - Offers a view of Kempinski Hotel's dome.
Hole 6 - A tough par 3 with deep greenside bunkers.
Hole 7 - Named "Hannibal," this par 5 is challenging with narrow fairways and hazards.
Hole 8 - A deceptive par 3 with water hazards.
Hole 9 - Named "The Choice," this hole offers strategic options for players.
Hole 10 - Named "Key," this hole is a dogleg right.
Hole 11 - A slight dogleg right par 4.
Hole 12 - A converted par 5 with bunkers and a wide fairway.
Hole 13 - Named "Spectacles" because of the fairway bunkers.
Hole 14 - Named "Bunkered" with several challenging sand traps.
Hole 15 - A challenging hole with forests on both sides.
Hole 16 - A very challenging par 5 with water hazards.
Hole 17 - The easiest hole, a par 3 with bunkers.
Hole 18 - Offers a spectacular view of the Taurus Mountains.
The Pasha Golf Course, situated in Turkey's coastal delight, Antalya, stands as a testament to luxury and accessibility, offering a welcoming embrace to both seasoned golfers and enthusiastic beginners. This course, like its more challenging counterpart, the Sultan Golf Course, is nestled within the Antalya Golf Club and enjoys the same scenic beauty and meticulous care.
Crafted by the skilled hands at European Golf Design under the guidance of Senior Tour professional David Jones, Pasha is designed with the philosophy of "playability." With its 18 holes spread across 5,731 yards, the course is shorter than many championship courses, yet it provides an engaging experience that combines skill with strategic thinking. The par-72 course is a journey through forests of pine and eucalyptus, with fairways that range from narrow to forgiving, challenging players to use every club in their bag.
The course starts with a straightforward challenge, easing players into the game. However, it's the later holes, particularly the 10th and 11th, where water comes into play, that the course shows its teeth, demanding both precision and good club selection. Bunkers are strategically placed throughout the course, and the rough can be unforgiving, but the Pasha is, at its heart, fair. It rewards good play and provides opportunities for recovery, ensuring an enjoyable round for players of all levels.
Despite its challenges, Pasha is known for its playability. The greens are maintained to perfection, true and fast, yet readable enough to give confidence to putters. The course is walkable, and each hole offers something new, keeping the game interesting from the first tee to the final putt.
Beyond the course, the amenities at Antalya Golf Club enhance the experience. The clubhouse offers a place of relaxation and socialization, with panoramic views of the course. The pro shop, staffed by knowledgeable professionals, has equipment and apparel for those last-minute needs.
In essence, the Pasha Golf Course is a blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and impeccable upkeep, ensuring each golfer's round is a memorable one. It stands as an inviting counterpart to the Sultan, together positioning the Antalya Golf Club as a premier destination for golfers visiting Turkey. Whether it's a first-time player finding their love for the game or a seasoned golfer enjoying a leisurely round, Pasha welcomes all, promising a delightful golfing experience.
Pasha Golf Course Highlights:
Hole 1 - A wide par 4.
Hole 2 - A short par 3, the second easiest on the course.
Hole 3 - Named "Turtles Crossing," a challenging tee shot.
Hole 4 - A dogleg right named "Ancient Pine."
Hole 5 - A straightforward par 3.
Hole 6 - Named "Home In Two," a strategic par 5.
Hole 7 - A straightforward par 3.
Hole 8 - A dogleg par 4 with bunkers.
Hole 9 - The longest par 4 with many bunkers.
Hole 10 - A dogleg right par 5.
Hole 11 - A tricky par 4 with bunkers.
Hole 12 - A wide fairway with a stream.
Hole 13 - Named "Spectacles" with fairway bunkers.
Hole 14 - Named "Bunkered," a challenging par 4.
Hole 15 - A long par 4 with forests on both sides.
Hole 16 - A challenging par 4 with water hazards.
Hole 17 - The easiest hole, named "Short Walk."
Hole 18 - An inviting par 4 to finish.
Both courses offer a mix of challenging and straightforward holes, providing an engaging experience for golfers of all levels.