PGA Sultan Golf Course Belek

The PGA Sultan Golf Course, located within the Antalya Golf Club in Belek, Turkey, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most demanding and prestigious championship layouts. Since its opening in 2003, it has served as a benchmark for professional-level golf in the Mediterranean, famously hosting the 2012 Turkish Airlines World Golf Final featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Designed by European Golf Design in collaboration with David Jones, the PGA Sultan is a true "shot-maker's" course. It is carved through a dense forest of umbrella pines and eucalyptus, integrated with a series of 122 bunkers and 19 crystalline lakes. Unlike many "holiday" courses in the region, the Sultan is built specifically to test the low-handicap golfer.

Technical Specifications

Key Course Characteristics

1. Challenging Hazards

The course is defined by its narrow, tree-lined fairways and significant water hazards. Water comes into play on over half of the holes, requiring precise carries and strategic club selection. The bunkers are deep and strategically placed to penalize errant tee shots and approach plays.

2. Signature Holes

• Hole 12 ("The Long Fellow"): Often cited as one of the toughest Par 4s in Europe. At 433 meters from the black tees, it requires a long, accurate drive followed by a daunting approach over water to a well-guarded green.
• Hole 16: A stunning Par 5 that offers a classic risk-reward scenario. Golfers must decide how much of the lake to carry on their second shot to reach the green in two.
• Hole 18: A dramatic finishing hole with the Taurus Mountains in the distance. The fairway is flanked by water on both sides, leading to a green tucked behind a final lake.

3. Slope Ratings & Tee Options

To accommodate various skill levels, the course offers four sets of tees:

• Black Tees: 142 Slope Rating
• Gold Tees: 135 Slope Rating
• White Tees: 142 Slope Rating (Ladies)
• Red Tees: 130 Slope Rating (Ladies)

Enhanced Course Details

The true difficulty of the PGA Sultan lies in its architectural nuances:

• Shot Values: The course emphasizes strategic placement over raw power. Mature pines restrict recovery angles for anyone missing the narrow fairways.
• Green Complexes: Surfaces feature Bermuda Tiftdwarf, known for its speed and grain. Many greens are elevated or multi-tiered, guarded by 122 bunkers averaging 30 $m^2$ each.
• Belek’s "Amen Corner": Holes 12 through 14 are considered the hardest stretch. Hole 13 specifically compresses the landing zone for both the drive and approach due to lateral water hazards.

The Clubhouse at Antalya Golf Club

The clubhouse serves both the PGA Sultan and its sister course, The Pasha. It is a modern, circular structure designed to provide 360-degree views of the surrounding forest and the finishing holes:

• Terrace Bar & Restaurant: Features an expansive terrace with views of the 18th greens of both courses.
• Amenities: Includes a large Pro Shop stocked with international brands, luxury locker rooms, a sauna, and professional bag storage.
• Practice Facilities: Offers world-class infrastructure, including a driving range equipped with the Explanar Training System, V1 Video analysis, and over 2,000 m² of putting greens.