The Gloria Golf Club, with its expansive landscape, stands as a monumental figure in Turkey's golf scene. Established in 1997, it's not only one of the oldest but also the largest golf club in the country by land area. This prestigious establishment takes pride in its extensive facilities, including a pro shop, locker rooms, bars, and an enchanting terrace surrounded by trees and pools, offering an immersive experience that extends beyond golf.
The practice facilities are a golfer's paradise, featuring a two-sided, two-floored driving range extending 300 meters, two chipping greens with bunkers, two putting greens, and the cutting-edge TrackMan system on each mat - a feature unrivaled by other clubs. The golf academy, with its own range and putting green, is a testament to the club's dedication to nurturing new talent and passion for the sport.
Gloria Golf Club is home to 45 holes across three courses: The Old Course, The New Course, and The Verde Course. Each offers unique challenges set against the backdrop of the majestic Taurus Mountains and serene forests, crafting an irresistible atmosphere for golf.
The Old Course, known for its demanding tee shots, has hosted numerous professional events, affirming its status as a championship course. At a par of 72 and stretching 6529 meters, it's a course that challenges and rewards strategic play. From the opening hole, a rigorous par 5 with water hazards on the left and a forest on the right, it's clear that this course is for thinkers and strategists. The second hole, a par 3, continues this trend, requiring precision to navigate the water and find the small, bunker-guarded green.
As players progress, the course unfolds like a narrative, each hole telling a different story. The third hole, a par 4, is a testament to precision, with trees threatening to block errant shots. The fifth, a long par 5, demands careful club selection due to its uphill green. The sixth, a par 4, is a study in accuracy, with a narrow fairway and challenging green.
The back nine holes maintain this dynamic rhythm. The 12th hole, a shorter par 5, presents one of the narrowest tee shots, demanding absolute precision. Hole 13, a par 4, continues the challenge with its narrow fairway and water hazard. The 14th, the toughest par 3, requires players to carry water and bunkers, a task asking for both courage and precision.
Hole 15, the second toughest on the course, is a long par 4 where a water hazard runs down the left side, presenting a constant threat. The 16th offers some respite, being a shorter par 4, but the water hazard on the left remains a challenge. The 17th, a difficult par 5, has a narrow fairway bordered by forests, and the 18th, an easier par 3, provides a gentler end to a challenging round.
Throughout the Old Course, the constant interplay of water hazards, strategic bunker placements, and the natural obstacle of the forest requires golfers to play with not just skill, but also with strategy and foresight. The Bermuda grass underfoot, the brown sand of the bunkers, and the varying difficulties of the holes all contribute to a course that is as beautiful as it is challenging.
The Gloria Golf Club's Old Course is more than a series of holes; it's a narrative that unfolds with each shot, a tale of challenges met and overcome, set against the stunning natural backdrop of Antalya, Turkey. It's a course that doesn’t just challenge one's skill at golf, but also one's ability to think, plan, and adapt, qualities that transcend the sport itself.