Lykia Links
Lykia 17th
Lykia 10th before
Splendour, Splendour, Everywhere!
4th
Links Golf at its best
Swathed in Sheer Serenity
Stunning Vista's
11th
9th
Lykia 10th After
Seaside Golf
It doesn't get any better than this!
12th
14th
7th
14th
15th
17th
17th
SLENDOUR, SPLENDOUR EVERYWHERE!
Links golf, the birthplace of the Royal and Ancient sport and for many still the purest form of the game. Man versus nature and often the elements. Links golf preserves a unique enchantment for those who appreciate the subtleties and nuances of the glorious game.
Given the magnitude of coastline throughout the world there has been dearth of links courses created in the modern era and even fewer constructed on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea! Of the links courses that have been commissioned one name that stands out above the rest, in terms of design, is Dye. Formed by the legendary Pete Dye, Dye Design has been responsible for many of the finest examples of links courses built in the past couple of decades, Kiawah Island, Harbour Town Links, Whistling Straights and Casa de Campo “The Teeth of the Dog” in the Dominican Republic. Having assisted his father on these projects, eldest son, Perry, is now continuing the legacy.
The Lykia Group required their course to be unique amongst the golf developments on Turkey’s Golf Riviera. Nothing could purvey the pinnacle of exclusivity more than creating the first links course in Turkey and in fact the only links golf course in the Eastern Mediterranean! Naturally, there was only one choice when it came to commissioning the architect- the doyen of links course designers: Perry Dye.
Unlike some of the “Famous Tour Pro” designers who lend their name to a project, turn up, suggest the position of a tee or bunker and perhaps only return for the opening ceremony, Perry Dye is a consummate professional architect from the “old school”. He adopts a very “hands on” approach to designing a course, returning frequently to ensure that every contour of his masterpiece is accurately applied, his meticulous attention to detail manifesting in the magnificence of the finished course.
Measuring 7,274 yards from the Championship tees, the course has been designed to accommodate the demands of modern professional golf. However, with five teeing options on each hole, golfers are encouraged to play the course at a length that reflects their ability, not only to enhance their own enjoyment but also the enjoyment of fellow golfers. You would be well advised to limber up on the practice area before commencing play as you will need two of your finest shots straight from the outset to reach the 1st green in regulation. The hole is measured at 488 yards and is deemed to be a par 4, although you will have undoubtedly played par 5 holes shorter than this. A slight dogleg to the right there is little prospect cutting the corner due to a yawning bunker on the apex of the dogleg. Expect no respite on the 2nd hole, this time a genuine par 5, which usually evoke thoughts of a barrage of birdies, but it will require the deadliest of drives followed by a booming brassie to cover the 550 yards from the tee to reach the putting surface.
The delightful, downhill par 3, 4th hole, with a green framed majestically against the Mediterranean conveys the course to its furthest extremity before turning back towards the clubhouse on the 5th. Played uphill into the dramatic dunes this hole plays every inch of its 448 yards and there is no crumb of comfort as it is followed by the longest hole on the course, a par 5 of 620 yards. There will be very few reach this green in two but even laying up to play the hole in the conventional three shots can present problems with some large cross bunkers strategically sited to give food for thought.
Looking at your scorecard and seeing the 7th hole’s moderate measurement of 373 yards you could be thinking “Hello birdie time”. However, when you arrive at the tee and gaze at the gargantuan glistening expanse of water that stretches from tee to green along the entire left side of the hole, your thoughts are more likely to be “Oh hell!” A long uphill par 4, protected by deep bunkers provides a fine finish to the front nine before the back nine beckons with a similarly demanding hole of 472 yards, albeit this time with a legitimate par of 4.
A trio of tremendous tests, with the coast as a constant companion, commences on the 14th. Although not a long hole, a plethora of pot bunkers need to be negotiated from the tee to set up a shot to the well guarded green. As you stand on the next tee take a few moments to soak up the scenery, imbibe the intoxicating atmosphere, surely this is what Betjeman was eloquently encapsulating in “Seaside Golf” “Glorious, sailing, bounding drives. That made me glad I was alive!” It doesn’t get any better than this! It will be if you birdie the 15th!
The last of the par 5 holes arrives at the 16th and at 553 yards will be out of reach in two for all but the mightiest of hitters. Getting on the green in three shots is no formality either as there appears to be more sand on this hole than in the Sahara Desert and that’s without including the beach! The end of the round is now in sight and you can almost taste that large, cold glass of Efes. At just under 400 yards the ultimate hole allows you every opportunity to finish with a flourish, all you need to do is avoid the massive sand waste area to the right of the fairway and the pocket of pot bunkers on the left. Should a par prevail you will slake your thirst with satisfaction, but a bonus birdie will make that beer all the better.
From the vantage of the magnificent clubhouse there are stunning vistas across the course which seemingly rolls out before you like a lush green carpet and as you are swathed in the sheer serenity there is “Lark song and sea sounds in the air and….
SLENDOUR, SPLENDOUR EVERYWHERE!
