The course winds through the umbrella pines, with strategic pot bunkers and subtle doglegs, typified by the 7th hole, named Faldo's Choice, a delectable short par 4, driveable, but better played as a lay up dogleg down to the undulating green. The lakes come into play on several holes, making it a course to be managed for the best scores.

The oldest course is the National designed by David Feherty and opened in 1994. It opens with a par five down an avenue of trees and just under 600 yards, then proceeds to an island green par 3, a tough start for any course. There are eight lakes, a feature of courses in the area, with ample water coming down from the Taurus mountains which form the backdrop to the coastal plain. The 18th is also protected by water, not the location for aquaphobes.

Antalya Golf Club attached to the Sirene and Kempinksi Hotels boasts two delightful courses. The longest is the championship Sultan Course, the whole place oozes quality from the time you arrive, walking distance from the hotels or by the ever ready shuttle service. The courses have been designed by David Jones and European Design Partnership, and they have created two very different challenges. The pine and eucalyptus trees line the fairways and water is in play on many holes, it is hard to pick out a signature hole, you select several, but the 16th along the lakeside is one to remember.

The Pasha by contrast is shorter, with wider fairways, but do not be mislead, this is just as much a test as it's companion. There are more severe undulations on the greens, and the bunkers seem to have a magnetic attraction for both drives and approach shots. The 13th and 15th holes are unforgettable, played alongside the lake in opposite directions, and sharing the monster double green.

With the backdrop of the snow covered Taurus Mountains to add to the magic it is impossible not the enjoy these two golfing delights. In October there be another addition to the family, with the new Colin Montgomerie creation set to open for play.

The Gloria Resort has recently opened Gloria New, this was constructed in just eight months from start to finish. It is still quite immature, but the design is good, and when the course settles it is destined to become a worthwhile addition to the list of golfing challenges. Like the other courses in the region, lakes are in evidence and the 17th hole is an island green reached by a bridge, and protected by a huge bunker running across the face.

Antalya is a cosmopolitan city, with a huge market where you can test your bargaining skills, adjacent to the modern shopping area and the ancient harbour. The region is famed for the Greek and Roman remains, offering a fascinating insight into the past. The ruins of the cities of Perge and Side will take a day if you can spare time away from golf, and the amphitheatre at Asdpendos is the best preserved in the world.

After a hard day on the course there is nothing so enjoyable as a massage and Turkish bath at the hotel, and since most hotels offer fully inclusive packages, there could be some late nights, either drowning sorrows or celebrating a good day.

This is a great place for a golfing trip, with the added attraction of friendly service and excellent value for money.