Key officials driving the launch of the first golf club in Dalaman believe that the new investment will not only strengthen Türkiye’s position within the global golf tourism market but also diversify the region’s tourism offering and extend the international travel season beyond the traditional summer months.
Managed by Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf, The Dalaman Golf Club is one of European golf’s most anticipated new golf course design projects and will officially open on August 30.
Perfectly positioned where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, the landmark project has been developed to elevate Hilton Dalaman’s luxury resort offering while establishing Dalaman as one of the country’s emerging international golf destinations.
As well as an 18-hole championship course, The Dalaman Golf Club will feature a state-of-the-art golf academy, extensive practice facilities, premium clubhouse, dining experiences and contemporary social spaces designed for both experienced golfers and newcomers to the game.
Seen as a strategic investment in the future of Dalaman, Mustafa Göçen, chairman of Göçay-Onur Tourism Management Inc., believes that the project represents far more than the development of a golf course and can be equally as successful as the Belek region.
“The Dalaman Golf Club is not simply a new golf facility,” said Göçen. “It is a strategic destination investment that strengthens the overall experience offered by Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Golf while contributing to Dalaman’s long-term vision as a year-round international tourism destination. Our ambition is to create a lifestyle destination where championship golf, wellness, gastronomy and nature come together seamlessly. We are investing not only in our resort, but also in the long-term international value and sustainable development of the Dalaman region.”
He added: “Türkiye possesses exceptional natural and cultural assets. Golf tourism is one of the most valuable sectors for sustainable tourism growth. We believe this investment will create lasting value not only for Hilton Dalaman, but also for Dalaman and the wider Turkish tourism industry. Belek has become one of Europe’s leading golf destinations. With its remarkable natural landscape and accessibility, Dalaman has every opportunity to become another internationally recognised golfing destination.”
Board members Aslı Çetinceviz and Mehmet Göçen agree and see the project as a long-term investment in the destination itself.
Çetinceviz said: “When we first arrived in Sarıgerme, we recognised the extraordinary potential of this region. Since then, every investment has been made with the vision of creating lasting value for both our guests and the local community. Fifteen years ago, we opened the region’s first congress centre, helping establish Dalaman as a year-round destination. Today, The Dalaman Golf Club represents another major milestone that will encourage further investment in golf, hospitality and tourism infrastructure throughout the region.”
Göçen added: “Since opening Hilton Dalaman in 2009, our philosophy has always been to invest with a long-term vision. Every success has been reinvested into Türkiye’s tourism industry. With the opening of The Dalaman Golf Club, we are proud to introduce the region’s first 18-hole championship golf course. We believe it will attract golfers from around the world, enhance Dalaman’s international competitiveness and play an important role in reducing seasonality.”
Located just 20 minutes from Dalaman International Airport, the club combines world-class golf, luxury hospitality and exceptional accessibility, creating a compelling new destination for international golfers seeking year-round play on the Turkish Riviera.
Surrounded by pine forests, wetlands and an extensive Mediterranean coastline, The Dalaman Golf Club has been carefully integrated into one of Türkiye’s most biologically diverse natural landscapes.
Designed by the International Design Group, the par-72 course will measure 6,152 metres from the back tees (6,728 yards) and has been built on natural sandy soil using the finest sustainable practices. Featuring sweeping uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, the layout includes 55 bunkers, significant elevation changes and 15 natural water hazards.
Ümit Yaşar Atalay, general manager of The Dalaman Golf Club, describes The Dalaman Golf Club as one of the most significant investments supporting Hilton Dalaman’s year-round resort strategy.
“This is far more than an additional facility – it is a strategic enhancement of our guest experience,” he says. “By combining championship golf with luxury accommodation, exceptional gastronomy, wellness and breathtaking natural surroundings, we are creating an entirely new level of resort experience. Our objective is not simply to attract new golfers, but to establish Dalaman as a permanent destination on the international golf tourism map.”
Club director Mitat Batır added: “Our ambition is to establish The Dalaman Golf Club among the leading golf destinations in the Mediterranean by developing strong international partnerships with golf clubs, tour operators and industry stakeholders. We also aim to host international tournaments while supporting the next generation of golfers through our golf academy.”
