Going for Golf

Carya

A little bit of Surrey can now be found in Belek thanks to five-time Open champion Peter Thomson. By deploying nearly a million heather sprigs throughout the Carya course, which opened late last year, the veteran Australian has produced a course radically different from the others in the east Mediterranean. Naturally cultivated in specially constructed greenhouses at a neighbouring nursery, the heather has helped to create an authentic heathland layout in the heart of the Turkish Riviera.

Thomson said: “This is an exceptional piece of land. The layout of the course is unique to the region – despite being so close to the beach it is reminiscent of the famous Surrey heathland courses near London, that I rate among the world’s best and on which I was fortunate to enjoy much success during my playing days. I’m very excited about creating a traditional course in Turkey while the heather characterises the terrain and gives it a distinct appearance.”

Although construction started little more than a year ago, the heather is flourishing on the sandy soil and has been planted mainly on top of and around the course’s 75 bunkers. Former R&A secretary Sir Michael Bonallack, OBE, played Carya recently and was certainly impressed. He said: “The bunkering is a strong feature and I could see the influence of Dr Alister MacKenzie.”

Carya wends its way pleasantly through a predominantly pine forest and across rolling sand hills. On the whole, the fairways present generous targets and enjoyable approaches to superbly manicured greens. Complemented by a two-storey academy with a 22-bay driving range and two teaching studios, a 150-yard putting green and a welcoming clubhouse, Carya is destined to be recognised as one of Belek’s outstanding courses.

Indeed, like Gloria, Nobilis and Tat have already done, it should carry all before it!