PGA Play-Offs return to PGA National Turkey

The status of PGA National Turkey Antalya Golf Club’s acclaimed PGA Sultan golf course has received a glowing new endorsement after being selected to host the prestigious PGA Play-Offs for the second year running.

The 54-hole tournament, the climax to the 2019 season, will return to Turkey’s premier golf resort from November 27-29, with an elite field competing for a total prize fund of £25,000.

Somerset’s David Dixon, from Enmore Park Golf Club, produced a sensational eight-under-par round of 63 on the final day to win the coveted title in 2018, and this year’s line-up will again face the challenge of overcoming PGA National Turkey’s highly-regarded PGA Sultan course.

Opened in 2003, the par-71 layout has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments including the 2012 Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, which featured the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and eventual winner Justin Rose. Measuring 6,477m from the back tees, players must negotiate a number of hazards to score well on the narrow, challenging layout, including no fewer than 12 lakes and 122 bunkers.

The PGA Play-Offs were launched in 2006 and have become a popular finale to the season where top PGA professionals compete for European and Challenge Tour starts for the following season, as well as a place in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team.

Michael Jones, director of golf at PGA National Turkey Antalya Golf Club, said: “It’s a great honour and privilege for the resort to host the PGA Play-Offs for the second year in a row, and we’re confident that PGA Sultan will provide a worthy test for the field.

“The feedback that we continually get from both professionals and amateurs is that it has never been in better condition. It is widely acknowledged to be the best course in the Belek area, with a design that is tough but also very fair, and the tournament will be another opportunity for us to showcase the outstanding facilities that we have at the resort – both on and off the golf course.”

Tristan Crew MBE, PGA executive director – member services, added: “The PGA Play-Offs determine our leading tournament pro of the year and a top-four finish earns a place in the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

“So it’s fitting the play-offs are contested on the challenging course at a top class venue – the PGA Sultan at PGA National Turkey Antalya Golf Club.

“Last year’s tournament was a resounding success, with the players enjoying exceptional golf and hospitality. The PGA is therefore delighted to be returning in 2019.”