The latest Adventures in Golf episode explores Turkey—from Istanbul’s historic club to Belek’s golf paradise and urban fairways.
In the newest episode of Adventures in Golf, host Erik Anders Lang heads to Istanbul, a city where contrasts are part of everyday life. There, he visits the Istanbul Golf Club, founded in 1895 and one of Europe’s oldest golf clubs—established long before golf became popular across the continent. Today, the club is located in Reva, far outside the city center. Lang meets members who remained loyal even during years without a proper course. “For ten years, we only had a few greens and a temporary tee box,” says club president Nison Ozelen. The episode highlights how this club became the heart of Turkish golf through generations.
Golf in Belek: A Turkish Riviera Golf Paradise
The journey continues to Belek on the Turkish Riviera, a destination that resembles Las Vegas—minus the casinos, but packed with golf. With 16 courses and over 300 holes all in close proximity, Belek thrives on international golf tourism. Visitors from across Europe gather in hotel lobbies and on the fairways. Lang describes Belek as an “all-you-can-play buffet,” where golf is available nearly 24/7—even under floodlights.
Urban Golf in Istanbul: Atasehir Golf Club
The episode wraps up back in Istanbul at the Atasehir Golf Club, a six-hole course nestled among high-rise buildings. Open to everyone, this urban course isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about making golf accessible for kids, beginners, and anyone curious to pick up a club.