Golf in Istanbul
Golf is not a very popular sport in Turkey but lately it's growing amongst over mid-class people. Like in many European countries, also in Turkey usually whealty individuals play golf, therefore it's seen as a sport for the rich. Today, 3 golf courses are being operated in Istanbul, 4 in Antalya Belek, and 1 in Ankara, 3 projects are at the stage of construction, and 15 golf projects are at the planning stage.
Despite it's huge population and having one of the oldest golf clubs of Europe, Istanbul has only 3 main golf clubs. One of them has 9-hole course, other two have 18-holes. All of them are members of the Turkish Golf Association and organize national and international tournaments.
Istanbul Golf Club
Istanbul Golf Club is the oldest golf club of Turkey and the 4th oldest in Europe. It has 9-holes course and is popular for the local people and resident foreigners due to its closeness to many of the larger residential areas allowing golfers to play both at lunchtime and evening, it's located between Yeni Levent and Maslak neighborhoods. The par 65 course holds many clubs and open tournaments and has a very active social section. It has a cozy clubhouse. Golf lessons are also possible.
Kemer Golf & Country Club
The Kemer golf club is 30 minutes from the city center, in Kemerburgaz neighborhood near the Belgrade Forest. This 18-hole par 73 championship golf course has been designed in USGA standards taking in all the beauty of the forestry area. The clubhouse and its facilities are excellent. Private golf lessons are also possible. The course is part of a private club but non-members are also welcomed to play for a green fee.
Klassis Golf & Country Club
Klassis Golf and Country Club is located at Silivri, just over 1 hour drive from the city center and offers a wide variety of sports, including a hotel in its grounds. It's the first international PGA standard 18-holes club of Turkey. The par 73 courses have a total of 6.245 meters (6.830 yards) length which are sculptured through the surrounding countryside with good mixture of golf holes. It also has a 9-holes course with par 27 for the amateurs, and golfers may play the course by paying a green fee.
Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.