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I've been meaning to cover emerging golf destinations, and given Thanksgiving is next week, I figured now is a great time to talk about...Turkey.
Don't laugh. For years now, the Turkish government has been investing in tourism -- including golf tourism, specifically -- and it's paying off.
The latest example was last month's Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, an event that featured Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and other stars.
The focus is on the Mediterranean-hugging resort region of Belek, which Europeans have long favored for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and four- and five-star hotels.
(For you newshounds, Belek is a 14-hour drive from where that Syria skirmish took place and it's not on the border.)
Now, there are some pretty impressive Belek, Turkey golf courses to complement the lodging (with all-inclusive packages available), and more are on the way.
In addition to the tournament site (PGA Sultan Course at Antalya Golf Club), these layouts include designs by Pete Dye (Lykia Links), Martin Hawtree (Tat GC), Nick Faldo (Cornelia Golf Club), and Colin Montgomerie (Montgomerie GC).
Another thing I like is that the local airport, Antalya, is only 30 minutes away.
So, have you been to Turkey or would you consider going?
Please share your thoughts or read what others are saying below.
