Golf in Turkey: European Golf's Developing Gem

Kemerburgaz is about a twenty minute ride from Taksim square at the center of Istanbul. After grinding through Istanbul's busy streets and congested motorways you join the Kemerburgaz Yolu, a pleasant two lane country road that winds its way into the thick pines and the improbable beauty of the Belgrade Forest just on the outskirts of the city. Beyond the village itself, a few kilometers up into the rolling hillls of the forest lies Kemer Golf and Country Club, a modern golf oasis and an important front in the deveopment of golf in Turkey.

Just 10 years ago the lush expanse of land currently occupied by the club and course lay undeveloped. Similarly golf as a sport in Turkey lay dormant. The first golf club was founded over a century ago, though its only remnants were a few golfcourseless golf clubs, and a 9 hole course in Istanbul's Maslak district, the only one of its kind and restricted for army personnel.

In the early 1990's though the construction of affluent residential developments in Kemerburgaz began. The objective was to offer an alternative to residents living in congested areas of the city center. Living at Kemerburgaz, residents could easily commute to jobs in Istanbul and enjoy the quiet and beauty of the country. Developers also recognized the need to create diverse recreational activities to lure more residents, create a sense of community and take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. Hence today's Kemer Golf and Country Club a busy and important front in the development of golf in Turkey.

The course itself is a stunning wind through the hilly forests of Kemerburgaz designed by Internationally renound courses designer Joan Dudok Van Heel. "short but tight" is a common description of the course who's narrow patches of fairway provide an interesting challenge especially on T-shots . The facilities, in addition to the professional course are top notch. ""When I came here in 1997 for a Pro-Am, I couldn't believe the facility, I had only seen a place like this in America. I applied for the job and I'm delighted to be here now". Says current Kemer Country Club Pro David Clare who spent 8 years on the European Professional Golf Tour. David has been with the club for 4 years and forms part of a sizable contingent of foreign members which make up about 20% of total membership.

When the course was completed it was this contingent of mostly ex-pat executives, with experience playing golf that enjoyed the course . The sport was a foreign entity to most Turks who's experience with golf was limited to the vicarious experience of an occassional professional tournament on television. It didn't take long though for Turkish members to catch on to the sport, they currently make up about 80% of the club's membership. Banu Ipeker, was a competitive tennis player until she became a member at Kemer, "After moving with my family to Kemer Country 5 years ago, I was attracted by the natural beauty of the course and began taking lessons with my family. I stopped playing tennis alltogether, the tennis court is always the same whereas the golf course is very diverse, every hole is different, and of course the nature in the course is wonderful". Mrs. Ipeker is now the captain of the club's team (both male and female) and unbelievably an 11 handicap after just 5 years under her belt. Her quick development in the game may be exceptional but her passion for the game is common among the now 80% of members who are Turkish Golfers like herself. In recent years the club's membership has skyrocketed, the number of players at the club has tripled in the last 2 years. The clubs is also just at the point where its golfers are becoming increasingly competitive and playing at a high standard, there is currently a team that competes in international tournaments.

The growth in Turkish Golfers though is not limited to the affluent classes that can afford membership at the club. Admirably, members at clubs like Kemer have recognized the need to diversify the next generation of Turkish Golfer. Kemer currently runs a program whereby several youngsters from nearby villages, who otherwise would not be able to play at the club are brought in each day and given lessons by the pros. The program is in it's infancy, but is the beginning of several initiatives at introducing the sport to all levels of society. "They're really doing a great job, here we bring these kids in each day, teach them the game, it's something they would never have the opportunity to do". Explains Club Pro David Clare.

In addition to youth programs, the caddie system has proven an effective way to increase awareness, and quality of play in Turkey. The system is that of any club around the world. Caddies work at the club and are given Monday's to play a round of golf and practice. The results are astounding. "We've got about 5 kids here that began as caddies and are now Assistant Professionals, the development is wonderful" Explains Mr. Clare. The results he has seen at Kemer ring true for golf as a whole in Turkey, currently the highest rated players in Turkey are former caddies. The future of golf in Turkey certainly looks bright and diverse