Going for Golf

Kaya Eagles

Kaya Eagles, was five years under construction before former European Tour pro David Jones came along to complete the job in 2007. When it finally opened, draped around eight sizeable water hazards and set amid clusters of mature pine trees, it was immediately apparent the wait had been worthwhile.

This attractive layout has numerous exciting holes that interact pleasingly with the eye only to exact a high tariff on the scorecard. From the first – a short, reasonably straightforward, slightly uphill par-five – Kaya Eagles lulls players into a false sense of security. Indeed, with trees lining the fairway both left and right, it is devilishly easy for the concentration to wander. The course has charm and character – nowhere more obviously than on the short par-four seventh where the decision has to be made whether to attempt to clear a magnificent lonesome pine in the centre of the fairway or steer around it. If you do manage to avoid the tree, then you will be rewarded with a relatively simple approach to a gently sloping green. If not, then double-bogey or worse comes into the equation.

The back nine continues in the same vein as the outward half – groups of holes where the task in hand is clearly presented, interspersed with the occasional deception. Following the benign par-three 16th with its wide-open apron are two finishing holes which ask questions of the most accomplished performers. The 400-yard 17th is perhaps the hardest hole on the course with water on both sides of the fairway. A long, straight drive is needed, followed by a shot across a deep water hazard to an elevated green surrounded by tall pines. Then comes the par-five 18th where the drive has to be accurately threaded between two lakes before turning sharply to the right around a sentry-like pine. Needless to say, another lake lies in wait to the left of the green.

Kaya Eagles adjoins its own hotel, a much seasoned establishment. Dating back to 1998, the 500-bedroom Kaya Belek Hotel is one of the older hostelries in the area and was beginning to look a little tired before undergoing a facelift in 2006.