Türkiye's rise as a golf tourism hotspot has mostly been associated with one destination: Belek.

The Antalya region's concentration of championship courses, luxury resorts and all-inclusive hospitality has helped establish the country as one of Europe's leading golf travel destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of international golfers annually.

"Belek has played an extraordinary role in establishing Türkiye as a globally recognised golf destination. However, the continued growth of golf tourism requires diversification,” said Ümit Yaşar Atalay, General Manager of Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf.

Now, a new chapter is about to begin.

This summer will see the opening of The Dalaman Golf Club on August 27, the first golf course on Türkiye's spectacular Dalaman Coast and one of the most eagerly anticipated new golf developments in Europe.

Situated just 20 minutes from Dalaman International Airport and managed by Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf, the project represents far more than the launch of another course. It signals the emergence of an entirely new golf destination and an expansion of Türkiye's golf tourism offering.

“Developing destinations such as Dalaman gives international golfers greater choice while showcasing the diversity of Türkiye’s landscapes and tourism experiences,” he added.

“This expansion strengthens the country's competitiveness and creates new opportunities for sustainable growth across the tourism sector.”

"The Dalaman region has been gaining strong momentum as an international tourism destination over the past decade,” he added.

"With its natural beauty, world-class hospitality infrastructure and increasing international air connectivity, the region is now ready to expand its tourism offering beyond the traditional summer season.

“Introducing championship golf at this stage is a natural evolution. Golf will help extend the tourism season, attract a new high-value visitor segment and create year-round economic benefits for the destination. We believe the timing is ideal to establish Dalaman as Türkiye’s next major golf destination.

“In addition, the region already offers the resort infrastructure needed to support golf tourism at the highest level. The combination of The Dalaman Golf Club and Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Golf creates a compelling proposition for international golfers seeking both exceptional golf and an outstanding holiday experience.”

Increasingly, destinations appear to be viewing golf not only as a sporting attraction but as a catalyst to generate year-round visitation and attracting high-spending travellers.

The Dalaman Coast offers a dramatically different experience from Türkiye's established golf hubs. Mountain backdrops, pine forests, rivers, lakes and long stretches of coastline create a landscape different to most destinations within the country's golf portfolio.

The opening of Dalaman Golf Club arrives in a period where Turkish golf travel is growing more and more popular. As per findings from Glencor, global golf tourism had an estimated worth of over $25 billion in 2024, and this could clear $40 billion by 2030.

Statistics also showed that Paphos in Cyprus and Belek in Turkey had the highest number of nights per booking at 6.7. Turkey was also firmly in the top 10 of the most popular destinations for golf by country.

The hope for Dalaman Golf Club and for Atalay is that this thrilling new venue can capitalise on this.

"Few destinations in the Mediterranean offer such a unique combination of natural assets," Atalay said.

"Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural heritage, outstanding hospitality and easy access from major European markets. Today's golfers increasingly seek authentic experiences beyond the course, and Dalaman delivers exactly that balance between sport, nature and lifestyle.”

For golf tour operators and travel planners, that diversity is increasingly valuable. Today's golf travellers are seeking more than just great courses. They want destinations that combine golf with authentic cultural experiences, wellness, gastronomy and opportunities for non-golfing companions.

According to a survey undertaken by 18players and IGTM, it was found that just shy of 80% of golfers would be more likely to book a trip with a mix of lifestyle experiences, as well as playing golf.

Over half the respondents said non-golf elements, whether it be wellness, scenery or culture, were either very or extremely important when selecting a trip.

This shift in traveller expectations has heavily influenced the vision behind The Dalaman Golf Club.

“Nowadays, golfers are not only travelling to play golf, they are travelling with partners, families and friends who are also looking for memorable holiday experiences.

“One of the greatest advantages of The Dalaman Golf Club is that it will be managed by Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Golf and located directly alongside the resort. This will create a seamless experience where golfers can enjoy a championship course while their families enjoy everything the resort has to offer.

“Guests can spend their days relaxing on our private beach, enjoying our extensive pool facilities, experiencing our award-winning spa, participating in a wide range of activities or exploring the region's natural beauty. In the evenings, they can enjoy diverse dining experiences across our restaurants and bars, showcasing both local and international cuisine.

“This combination of championship golf and a world-class resort experience is what we believe will make Dalaman truly distinctive.”

The course designed by International Design Group integrates closely with its natural surroundings. Built on natural sandy soil using sustainable construction practices, the 6,728-yard layout winds through an ecologically rich landscape characterised by lakes, native vegetation and migratory bird habitats.

Rather than imposing itself upon the terrain, the course has been shaped by it.

"The natural environment has been one of our greatest sources of inspiration," Atalay said. “Rather than imposing a golf course onto the landscape, the design team worked to integrate the course into its surroundings.

"Existing landforms, natural water features and native vegetation helped shape the routing and character of the holes.

“The result is a course that feels connected to its environment and offers golfers a constantly changing visual experience throughout the round.”

Among the standout features will be the par-five 15th hole, where golfers face a dramatic 25-metre drop from the tee with a nature reserve lining one side of the fairway and a lake guarding the other.

The emphasis on environmental integration reflects another important trend within modern golf development.

Particular attention was given to efficient water management, responsible irrigation practices and the preservation of natural habitats at Dalaman Golf Club.

“We see Dalaman becoming an important complementary destination within Türkiye's golf tourism portfolio. Rather than replacing existing golf regions, Dalaman will broaden the country's appeal by offering a different landscape, atmosphere and travel experience.

“What makes Dalaman particularly exciting is the combination of championship golf with one of the Mediterranean's leading resort experiences. Golfers can enjoy a world-class course while their families enjoy luxury accommodation, exceptional gastronomy, wellness facilities, beach experiences and a wide variety of activities.

“We believe this combination will appeal strongly to both dedicated golf travellers and leisure guests who may be introduced to golf during their stay, creating exciting opportunities for future growth.”

“I hope they leave with the feeling that they have discovered something special and authentic.”

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