Dave Thomas, renowned for his numerous designs across the UK and Europe, including over twenty in Spain, Germany, and France, ventured into eastern Europe with his first project in Turkey: the 18-hole layout at Robinson Club Nobilis, opened in 1998 during Turkey’s burgeoning golfing boom.
Situated in Belek, a short drive from Antalya’s international airport, the region has evolved into a prime destination attracting over twenty million tourists annually. Robinson Club Nobilis features a 404-bed hotel alongside its par 72, 6,666-yard parkland course. Set against a sandy coastal backdrop merging with eucalyptus and pine forests at the Taurus Mountains’ base, the course balances wide fairways and expansive greens with strategic challenges posed by bunkers, trees, and lakes.
The layout’s par threes stand out, notably the 9th and 16th holes, each requiring precise shots over sizable water hazards to reach the greens. These features, combined with Thomas’s design philosophy, cater to both leisure and competitive golfers seeking a balanced test amidst Turkey’s picturesque Mediterranean landscapes.