Golf in Bodrum and More

by Sarah Sellar (taken from mymerhaba.com)
Turkey is a modern golf and vacation paradise and one that is quickly developing as an alternative to golf vacations in Western Europe. As well as foreign investment, the Turkish government has realized that Tourism is a major contribution to any economy. Coastal resorts from Antalya to Bodrum have gained from huge Tourism grants, which have transformed small towns into thriving up market resorts. Golf courses, marinas, new hotel resorts, motorway infrastructure, airport upgrading - have all increased tourism in these areas. Turkey is a spectacular country surrounded by sea on 3 sides, with more than 300 natural and 130 artificial lakes, and almost 35 per cent of its lands covered by forests and mountains.

Golf is picking up momentum in Turkey. The golf resorts are largely unspoiled by mass tourism and they are eager to attract visitors. You will not find the kind of complacency and bad service that you might find in areas that have now become saturated with tourists. On the Bodrum peninsula brand new golf courses are currently being designed and built. The famous author and poet Cevat Sakir Kabaagacli said of Bodrum "Don't you dare to hope that you will leave as you came, like many others before you have done. They all have left while their minds stayed in Bodrum...` and another famous quote "I have traveled the whole world but found nothing in heaven or earth as beautiful as the Aegean' Herodotus, 5th century BC.

Vita Park Golf Project
The Vita Park Golf Resort will be the first golf resort to be built on the Bodrum Peninsula and was launched earlier this year. This Golf project has received huge media interest and promises to be one of the top golf locations in the world. It has had a dramatic effect on the demand for properties in this area of Tuzla Lake and the surrounding areas. Two par 71-courses are constructed on an area of about 475 hectares, which includes one 18 hole and two 8 hole golf courses in this privileged place overlooking the spectacular lake and mountains of the Tuzla area. There will also be a clubhouse, a shopping centre, cafes, bars, restaurants, cinema and much more.

Milas Golf Course
The Milas Golf Course is a par 71-hole on 5,850 meters located next to a protected salt lake, Lake Tuzla and surrounded by a National Park.

Halikarnas Golf Course
The Halikarnas Golf Course is a par 71-hole on 6,480 meters course with its own private driving range. The course is located next to a protected salt lake, Lake Tuzla and surrounded by a National Park. It is named after the ancient city of Halikarnas. It offers lush native landscaping and flowing creeks and waterfalls that will tantalize the golfers` senses, while being designed with a dramatic Arizona golf course look, because of its topographic features. Classic-style bunkering with bold flashes of native white sand will compliment the occasional stacked sod wall edges. The Halikarnas course is expected to be a "players club" with a very challenging layout from the tournament tees - a world-class championship golf course suitable for prestigious national and international events. The finishing 18th-hole, 425 meters, surrounded by a natural amphitheater with its protected pine trees, dramatic waterfalls, and elevated 32 meters green form the back tee crowns the Halikarnas championship golf course.

Property Investing
Many people realising the great potential of Turkey being a fantastic and cheap alternative to other countries. A holiday home in Turkey is an excellent chance to enter the booming Turkish property market. Land prices have doubled in the last 2 years in the most popular areas. Depending on the location, property in Turkey has risen in price by 25% to 40% in the last year alone. Demand for Property in Turkey is on the increase as well. W

Turkey attracts approximately 15 million visitors a year and the tourism infrastructure is very well established. Turkey is the 3rd most popular holiday destination in Europe. In 2005 Turkish tourism was set to increase by 25%, making Turkey a great place for rental income. With many excellent facilities and English being widely spoken and the relaxation of the rules allowing foreigners to own Turkish real estate, this boom is likely to run for many more years. Currently prices are running at 1998 equivalent to Spanish prices for a similar build quality.
In 1999 Turkey became a member of the EU, resulting in the knock on effect of Turkey receiving huge interest for real estate investment. Properties in Turkey can now be purchased at competitive prices compared to many other European countries making Turkey an ideal real estate investment opportunity.

People are now currently snapping up bargain villas and apartments, many for as little as 15,000 english pounds in the Tuzla area on the Bodrum Peninsula, making this reputated to be THE place to invest at the moment. The Turkish propery market is seeing an influx of interest in holiday makers here, wanting to jump onto the property market and secure themselves a nice and cheap (for the price) holiday home. Rather than spending money on expensive, informal hotels they are wanting their own stylish pad right on the door step of the Golfing action. This means with the regularly cheap flights to Turkey from England they can visit whenever they want. Bodrum International airport is literally a 15 minute drive away from the golf centres, so no time is wasted travelling around. You can literally be golfing within one hour of landing..

The Current New Areas Where People are Investing in Property - Tempting Tuzla
Tuzla lake and its extensive wetlands lie at the end of a deep inlet from the Gulf of Gulluk and Mandalya Bay. The site is unique as it is where the Lake unites with the sea. Embraced by rolling mountains covered with a rich combination of wild shrubs, Olive groves, pine and Tamarisk trees, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful locations in Turkey. Ancient remains can be seen emerging from the still calm of the lake. Tuzla Lake has been a nature reserve under international protection since 1994. A huge variety of birds take sanctuary here in the rich wetlands. Greater Flamingos flock to the area by the thousand and you can also see the largest population of White Storks in the region. Pelicans are also frequent visitors. Among other species you can spot the Heron, Mallard, Water Chicken, Grey and Hungarian Duck and Swallow. Butterflies also breed here and the Two-tailed Pacha is an unforgettable find. For nature lovers and bird watchers a like, Tuzla is paradise.

Bargylium Village
Bargylium Village is named after the ancient city of Bargilia, the ruins of which, can still be seen scattered over this beautiful, quiet area. Bargylium Village is set in a natural environment of abundant flora and fauna and commands stunning views over Tuzla Lake with a lush hillside backdrop of olive groves, pine and tamarisk trees.

Gulluk
Gulluk is a authentic fishing town located at the north end of the Bodrum Peninsula. The town of Gulluk is surrounded by hills covered with olive, fig and citrus trees overlooking to Gulluk bay known as being a `fishing paradise` in Turkey. Gulluk is a small resort surrounded by the pine topped hills of the Gulluk Korfezi (Gulf of Mandalya) on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey. Protected by the outlying Dodecanese islands, you'll understand why they call this part of the Aegean the Turquoise Coast when you see the startling blue colour of the water.

Guvercinlik
Guvercinlik, just a few kilometers from the golf course, is a traditional fishing village set in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Aegean. The area is a collection of small, sandy coves washed in azure blue waters with stunning views of the neighbouring coastline.

An Introduction to Bodrum - After Golfing Activities
The seaside town of Bodrum, with its white washed villas and splashes of pink bougain villa, is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated resorts on the Turkish Riviera. Buildings are restricted to two storeys an can only be painted white or constructed from natural stones. There are no high rises in sight. Bodrum effortlessly combines ancient and modern, offering 2 beautiful beaches, water sports, a brand new marina, excellent shopping, traditional bazaars, dining and nightlife alongside its proud cultural and historical heritage.

It is famous for its vivacious, friendly and bohemian atmosphere. Intimate seaside cafes with magnificent views of the 15th Century castle mingle with the energetic and buzzing street side bars, international restaurants, shops and boutiques. In 1927 Bodrum was a small town with a population of 4902, living on fishing, sponge diving and agriculture. Today Bodrum is one of Turkey's most famous holiday resorts with a population of 60,000 known for its tourism, traditional architecture, sightseeing, water and land sports, yachting, nightlife, restaurants and shopping. It is also famous for its crystal clear sea sparkling around its coastline and stunning sunsets. Homeros (8th Century B.C. legendary Greek Poet) described Bodrum as ''The land of blueness''.

Bodrum`s St Peters castle houses lots of history to include a torture room, a cistern, Turkish baths and 14 skeletons with heavy iron chains shackled to their ankles. One of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum in the heart of Bodrum starts the trip back in history. There is also the Museum of underwater Archaeology within the castle, showing restored shipwrecks including the most precious cargo of a 3,500 yr old shipwreck. This museum also houses the oldest chess set found in the world!  

There are trips by hydrofoil or ferry to the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes. The Black Island is also just opposite the town where you can have a mud spa.

Bodrum offers all the facilities of a major town all year round. This is the 'playground' of the rich and famous and many actors and actresses holiday here. It is a shopper's paradise and a cosmopolitan all year round holiday destination. Haggle for purchases with the local traders, buy designer clothes at a fraction of the price at home. Or stroll along the marina and stop and enjoy traditional Turkish coffee or cuisine in the cafes or restaurants.

It also has the largest open-air nightclub in Europe called the Halikarnass. It is the biggest, trendiest and most stylish club with the setting, the laser show and the no-expense-spared floorshow.

Activities in the Area
Windsurfing, Fishing, Sea sports, Museum, Historical sites, Night clubbing, Thermal Baths, Traditional Turkish Baths, Water sports, Sailing, Scuba diving, Horse riding, Hiking, Deep sea fishing, Amusement parks, Jet skiing, Leisure park, Shopping, Local markets

For an Adrenaline Rush Why Not Try
A white water rafting trip - to test your nerve.
Horse trekking through the woods of the Bodrum peninsula.
Scuba Diving expeditions off the ancient coastline. Windsurfing lessons.

Or for a Relaxing Time
A session with a Turkish Masseuse, a traditional Turkish Bath for a real scrub down, sunbathing, watching the world go leisurely by as you sip a chilled drink on the intimate cushioned jetties. A gentle boat cruise around the coast.

Real Estate Agents
I interviewed some Real Estate Agents and asked them what is the big deal about the Tuzla area and the new Bodrum golf courses. April H Rogers BA(Hons) from turkeytwinkles said " I am really pleased that at long last we have yet another alternative to the well known golfer's paradise of Belek. Also with the recent advent of direct winter flights servicing the Bodrum peninsula this can only be an area to watch out for… Tesekkurler Tuzla!".

I, owner of www.turkey5starproperties.com add "Turkey is a fantastic country, it basically has it all - the weather, warm, friendly people, history, culture, great food, miles of gorgeous coasts and cheap properties to boot.....perfect! People must hurry though, before prices reach the level of Spain.'

Another respected local agent Malcolm responded à The whole of the peninsular is where the ancient and modern go hand in hand where the wafting aromas from the markets and Bazaars make your mouth water, where nightclubs and restaurants have something for everyone 24/7 and most of all where the natural beauty is a sight to behold. I came here over 4 years ago and cannot in my heart ever believe that I will leave this place behind, I have found wonder and opportunities in every walk of life and I am so very grateful for been involved in the property market where I have the opportunity to fulfil the dreams of other people, like mine have been."

A word of warning !!!! do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today, prices are sure to increase. Tuzla and Gulluk were places that were not discovered until very recently, despite so much beauty, history and accessibility.