This year’s Turkish Airlines Open tees off at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Belek on Thursday. The prestigious golf tournament is organized third time this year sponsored by Turkish Airlines. The Turkish Airlines Open takes place between October 29 and November 1, with players competing for a prize fund of $7 million. Top players including Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Darren Clarke are competing – look out as they #CheckInToGolf with Turkish Airlines during the tournament.
Following its successful support of golf around the world since 2012, Turkey’s national flag carrier has confirmed it will be signing a new deal to extend its commitment until at least 2018.
With a high-class field at this year’s event, the tournament is fast becoming a ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of golf. Leading the pack is Rory McIlroy who aims to consolidate his position at the head of the European Tour’s prestigious ‘Race to Dubai’.
With first class courses rivalling the best in the world and golfing opportunities developing each year, Turkey is fast becoming the ‘Rising Star’ of golf destinations. The support of Turkish Airlines has been integral to this, encouraging development from the elite through to the grass roots of the game.
Ahmet Agaoglu, President of the Turkish Golf Federation, said, “Turkish Airlines has been magnificent in their support of golf in Turkey. The difference it has made, especially in raising the profile of the Turkish Airlines Open, has been incredible to see. It is therefore fantastic that together we have agreed to extend the tournament for a further three years – we cannot wait to grow the game in Turkey even further.”
Ahmet Bolat, Executive Vice President of Turkish Airlines, said, “We are delighted to be able to commit to sponsoring this fantastic tournament for a further three years. Turkish Airlines is committed to supporting golf across the world, but in particular in Turkey. That is why it is so heartening to see Turkey’s golf offering develop over the time we have been supporting the sport. It really is the rising star of golf destinations.”
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour, said: “The Turkish Airlines Open has quickly established itself as an integral part of The Race to Dubai’s Final Series so we are naturally delighted they have extended their commitment to The European Tour.
Starting from 2016 Regnum Carya Golf Club will be the venue of the Turkish Airlines Open for the next 3 years. Successful amateur golfers competing at different golf clubs throughout the World are able to attend and play together world’s best during this event, which I believe is very important.
Rory McIlroy said, “It is great to see the work Turkish Airlines is doing for golf in the country. I’m delighted to be a part of anything that brings more people into golf, especially younger players. I really welcome the fact that golf is showing some of the greatest growth in countries, Turkey included, not traditionally known for the game. Only by encouraging this can we call golf a truly global sport.”
In addition to the Turkish Airlines Open the company also sponsors The Turkish Airlines Challenge, The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, the Turkish Airlines Ladies Masters, and is a Premium Partner of The Porsche European Open.
