Thomson Perrett & Lobb, led by Peter Thomson, designed Carya Golf Club in Turkey’s Belek golf region, opening in 2008. Thomson envisioned a classic, traditional-style course akin to renowned heathland courses near London, achieved through meticulous landscaping with nearly a million heather plants. Spread over 260 acres, Carya traverses sand ridges amidst pine and eucalyptus groves, offering unique Mediterranean golfing.
The par-72 layout features Turkey’s longest hole, the 621-yard “Long” 6th, highlighting Carya’s ambition in golf development. Illuminated by floodlights, Carya allows golfing under stars, a departure from traditional heathland settings but catering to extended play hours. The European Challenge Tour hosted the Turkish Challenge annually from 2009, cementing Belek’s status as a premier golf destination. Carya further elevated its profile by hosting the Turkish Airlines Open from 2016, with Thorbjørn Olesen and Justin Rose securing notable victories, underscoring its international acclaim and challenging course design.
