Carya in Antalya's Belek region is the first classic, heathland style golf course to be built on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.
Designed by Thomson Perrett & Lobb, the international golf course architecture practice founded by five times Open Champion Peter Thomson, it is a championship golf course set on undulating sand hills and cutting through mature pine and eucalyptus forest, at the heart of Turkey's golf coast.
Peter Thomson, said: "This is an exceptional piece of land on which to build a golf course. It is reminiscent of the famous Surrey heathland courses near London that I rate among the world's best and which I was fortunate to enjoy much success on in my playing days. I am very excited about the prospect of TPL creating a classic, traditional style course in Turkey."
Thomson Perrett & Lobb has created a classic course, unique to the region, and featuring naturally cultivated heather. Grown in an extensive nursery on site, Carya's heather shapes define the course into a truly magnificent spectacle.
The 7,100 yard, par 72 course, is a demanding test of golfing strategy with free flowing holes that run between pine and eucalyptus trees and across a dramatic sand ridge. Carya also boasts a spectacular new clubhouse and state-of-the-art driving range.
Dim lightsOut :A wide fairway awaits the first drive of the day. Aim at the trees in the middle to set up a good approach shot to the bunkerfree green – and maybe the first birdie of the day.
Dim lightsThe Old Nursery : Deceptive par 3 where club selection is important as the green slopes away on the front. Don’t be short of the green. ‘The green area used to be very close to where all the heather for the course was collected and nursed.'
Dim lightsDire Straits : Decision time! The easiest tee shot is right of the trees in the middle of the fairway but it leaves you with a more difficult approach. If you dare, go left of the trees for a better approach angle to the green. ‘The name of the hole is inspired by the two different fairways which the golfer can aim at from the tee. Both have advantages – but can also lead to trouble. Dire Straits mean that you are in a very precarious position.’
Dim lightsHeather Hills : A tee shot to the left side of the fairway gives you an ideal angle and view of the green. From the right side of the fairway the approach shot is blind. ‘The heathery hills/mounds between the landing zone and the green has inspired the name of this hole. Heather Hills also almost became the name of the golf club.’
Dim lightsTroubled Water : The fairway slopes from left to right. Depending on the pin position this hole can play very differently. A difficult green to hit as anything short is in the water and everything long is in trouble. ‘This hole is named by the lake which borders the fairway and the green. The lake offers potential trouble to everyone who plays this hole.’
Dim lightsLong : The longest hole in Turkey! Hit it long and straight and there should be no problems. Try to avoid missing this long green on the right side as the recovery is difficult. ‘This hole is named long as it is the longest hole in Turkey. Many historical golf courses have their longest hole named ‘Long’ and at Carya the ‘Long’ hole is a fitting tribute to that history.
Dim lightsThe Siren : One to remember! Don’t be seduced by the beauty of this hole as this short and spectacular par 3 still puts up a fight! Be careful attacking a pin on the left side of the green. ‘The name of this hole is inspired by the Sirens who used their beauty and songs to captivate the interest of men. In this way they were distracted from the dangers that lay ahead and often suffered a cruel fate as a result. As a golfer you must be careful not to be distracted by the beauty – but keep focussed on the challenge that lies ahead!’
Dim lightsTaurus : Don’t let the beautiful view of the heather and the Taurus Mountains distract you from the challenge that lies ahead. A tee shot to the right side of the fairway isa must to get a good view and angle to the green. ‘This hole is named by the spectacular Taurus Mountains which can be seenin the distance on a clear day.’
Dim lightsThe Plank : Long hitters can reach the green in two – but be careful as water is always close! A good birdie chance if you can keep dry. ‘The old pirate stories tell about how people had to walk the plank as punishment for their deeds. As the 9 hole is straight, narrow and surrounded by water this is a fitting name.’
Dim lightsThe Kraken : Spectacular tee shot to a fairway that sits between the forest and the lake. Finding the fairway is a must to set up a good birdie chance - and as this is a short hole there is no need to hit the driver. ‘The name of the hole is inspired by the Kraken which is a legendary sea creature that would emerge from the sea to pull down entire ships. As the fairway sits very close to the lake it is almost like balls to close to the edge will be pulled down by the Kraken.’
Dim lightsSquare : A beautiful and natural golf hole which doglegs across the ridge. Keep the tee shot just right of the trees in the center of the fairway for the shortest route to the green. ‘This hole is named after the square green. Many old heathland courses had square greens and it is from them that Carya is inspired.’
Dim lightsThe Centaur : This downhill tee shot plays into a fairway which is split in two by a step. Keep on the higher right side of the fairway to get the best angle and view of this tricky green. ‘The name of the hole is derived from the legendary Centaur which was half horse, half human. As the fairway is characterized by a big step – it is almost like this hole has two different characters.’
Dim lightsCoffin : This uphill par 3 requires an extra club as you do not want to be short. All short shots will roll back into the ‘coffin’ short of the green. ‘This hole is named after the coffin like hollow in front of the green that will collect all shots that are short of the green.’
Dim lightsGreed : A true risk and reward hole. This short par 5 is reachable in two but demands great accuracy. Don’t be too greedy or lose your concentration! ‘The name of the hole is inspired by one of the cardinal sins – greed. As it is a true risk and reward hole the golfer should be careful not to become overly greedy as it might get him in to trouble.’
Dim lightsShort : A beautiful and challenging par 3 where the right club selection is absolutely crucial. Try to judge the wind as it often means the difference between ending up on the green or in the water. ‘This hole is the shortest hole (from the regular tees) on the golf course. In many ways it is the opposite of the ‘Long’ hole and therefore ‘Short’ is a fitting name.’
Dim lightsBosphorus : The longest par 4 on the course requires two strong shots to reach the protected green. A tee shot close to the bunkers on the right side of the fairway leaves an easier angle into the green. ‘Like the Bosphorus Strait physically separates Turkey in two, this hole is characterized by the water crossing in front of the tees. After crossing the bridge, the golfer is heading home towards the club house.’
Dim lightsJavelin : A pretty straightforward hole which ends in a green that slopes in all directions. Be careful not to get blocked by the tall trees on the left. ‘As the hole is almost dead straigt, the name is inspired by the Javelin which was an ancient type of spear. It could be thrown with great accuracy – and as this hole calls for straight and accurate shots, ‘Javelin’ is a fitting name.’
Dim lightsHome : Almost home. There is room enough in the fairway to hit a big drive before trying to reach the final green which sits slightly elevated in a beautiful natural green location surrounded by old pine trees. ‘As the first hole is ‘Out’, the last hole must be ‘Home’. It is a tradition on many historical clubs to have ‘Home’ as the name for the final hole.’
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