Turkey is once again captivating the international sporting stage, this time through the elegant greens of the Turkish Airlines Open. Held at the world-class Regnum Carya Golf Club in Belek, Antalya, this tournament has not only showcased top-tier athleticism but has reaffirmed Turkey’s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism.
The 2025 edition marked a significant return after a six-year hiatus, drawing global attention and participation. The event’s success underscores Turkey’s strategic investments in sports infrastructure and talent development.
Key Points:
- The Turkish Airlines Open 2025 was held at Regnum Carya Golf Club in Belek, Antalya.
- The tournament was broadcast to over 650 million households across 175 countries.
- Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak emphasized the event’s role in boosting Turkey’s visibility and tourism.
- The Turkish government is investing in golf development projects in Istanbul, Ankara, and İzmir.
- Leon Açıkalın made history with a -7 score, advancing to the final day of the competition.
- The tournament returned to Turkey after a six-year hiatus, highlighting Antalya’s role as a global sports destination.
A Global Audience, A National Showcase
Broadcast to over 650 million households across 175 countries, the event has firmly positioned Turkey under the global spotlight. Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak hailed the tournament as a monumental step forward—not just for golf in Turkey, but for the nation’s broader strategy to leverage international sports to boost visibility and tourism.
“This is more than a game,” said Bak. “It’s an opportunity to show the world what Turkey can offer in terms of infrastructure, hospitality, and sporting excellence.”
A Star Emerges: Leon Açıkalın Makes History
One of the brightest moments of the event came courtesy of rising Turkish talent Leon Açıkalın. With an extraordinary -7 score, the young golfer advanced to the final day of the competition, marking a historic achievement for Turkish golf. His performance lit up both the leaderboards and the hearts of fans, symbolizing the country’s potential on the international stage.
- Final Score: 277 (-7)
- Round Breakdown: 71, 69, 69, 68
- Final Position: Tied for 33rd place
This accomplishment didn’t go unnoticed. Açıkalın’s name quickly became a source of national pride, with many viewing his success as a turning point for the future of golf in Turkey. The results went viral on social networks. With the help of SocialWick, you can do the same.
Leon Açıkalın’s historic performance at the Turkish Airlines Open is a testament to his skill and dedication.
A Strategic Return to Antalya
After a six-year hiatus, the Turkish Airlines Open made its much-anticipated return to the country. Former Foreign Minister and current AK Party MP for Antalya, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, emphasized the tournament’s economic and cultural value.
“We are proud to welcome such a prestigious event back to our soil,” he stated. “It strengthens Antalya’s role as a global sports destination and directly supports our tourism economy.”
Turkey’s golf infrastructure expansion
Turkey’s commitment to becoming a premier golf destination is evident through its strategic infrastructure projects.
- Istanbul: Development of new courses to cater to both local and international players.
- Ankara: Introduction of state-of-the-art facilities to promote the sport in the capital.
- İzmir: Enhancement of existing courses to meet international standards.
These initiatives aim to position Turkey as a central hub for golf tourism in the region.
Economic impact of the tournament
The return of the Turkish Airlines Open has had a notable economic impact on the region.
- Tourism Boost: Increased hotel bookings and local business revenue. Antalya hotels reported a 22% rise in bookings during the tournament week. Restaurants and local vendors near Regnum Carya noted spikes in customer traffic, especially from foreign attendees.
- Employment Opportunities: According to regional tourism data, over 18,000 foreign visitors traveled to Antalya specifically for the event. This injected millions into the local economy through lodging, dining, and transportation services. Event organizers also hired local staff for logistics, hospitality, and maintenance roles, creating over 700 temporary jobs.
- International Exposure: Sponsorship deals and media rights also played a role. Revenue from international broadcasters and brand partnerships helped fund additional tourism campaigns aimed at luxury markets. Long-term, the tournament has strengthened Turkey’s case for hosting even larger events, including cross-sport championships that blend golf, tennis, and sailing.
Future prospects for Turkish golf
Turkey’s vision for golf extends beyond hosting tournaments; it encompasses nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence. Looking ahead, Turkey’s plans for golf aren’t limited to single events.
- Youth Programs: A comprehensive roadmap is taking shape to integrate golf into the country’s education and tourism sectors. Public schools in select provinces are launching after-school golf programs, giving children access to certified coaches and driving ranges.
- International Collaborations: Beyond grassroots efforts, the Turkish Golf Federation is working to establish partnerships with training academies in Spain and Scotland, enabling talent exchanges and coaching programs. By introducing young players to international competitions, Turkey aims to accelerate the development curve for its emerging athletes.
- Sustainability Efforts: New courses are being designed with water efficiency and wildlife preservation in mind, aligning with Turkey’s environmental goals. These projects are eligible for green certification, which appeals to ecotourists and conscious travelers.
If these plans succeed, Turkey could soon rival countries like Portugal and the UAE as a top-tier golf destination year-round.
Conclusion: Turkey’s sporting vision takes shape
As the Turkish Airlines Open wraps up, one thing is clear: Turkey is not just hosting a golf tournament—it is shaping a bold vision for its future in international sports. From government support and infrastructure investment to emerging homegrown talent, every element signals that Turkey is ready to lead not only in tourism but in sporting excellence as well.
With its eyes set on sustainability, youth engagement, and elite competition, Turkey has built more than a moment—it has built momentum. What happens next will define its role on the global stage, and all signs point to continued growth, both on the green and beyond.