Cornelia Golf Club (Prince)

Nick Faldo called this: "an exceptional piece of land" and who can argue? Faldo Design has created an instant hit with holes routed through the pine-clad and naturally sandy area in Belek, southwest Turkey. The Cornelia Golf Resort is set to become very popular with locals and visitors alike. Construction of the Faldo designed Cornelia golf course began in early 2006 and, nine months later the first 18 holes opened for play. We think this may represent a world record for "beginning to end" golf course construction.

You may be forgiven for thinking a course built so quickly might look rough and unfinished. Well, having played the course some six months after it opened, we can assure you that the Cornelia is magnificent. It looks mature, lush and already has the ‘wow’ factor.

The sumptuous clubhouse waits with its open-plan style easing you through the reception, golf shop, restaurant and bar to the terrace. Thoughtful warm-up facilities – an obvious Faldo influence – and a team of David Leadbetter trained instructors are on-hand to help all standards prepare for golf on what will be a memorable round.

The opening hole on the ‘Tiberius’ nine is fairly gentle but the 2nd hole, named ‘Corridor’, is just that, a par five through an avenue of trees doglegging twice from left to right. Another great hole is the 7th, ‘Faldo’s Choice’, which is the drivable par four but watch out for the tall trees that protect the green. These will quite happily divert even a well-struck tee shot.

Continuing the Roman theme, the second nine is called ‘Sempronia’, which again contains a collection of stunning holes and one of the best must be the 13th, named ‘Deception’. It’s a lovely par four that turns right at the elbow of a dogleg leaving a tough approach to the well-bunkered green.

A third nine – called ‘Gaius’ – opened in June 2007, and this is perhaps the best of the three nine-hole loops. Combine Gaius with Tiberius and you have an 18-hole course known as The Prince and we believe this is the premier combination.

One of the best new clubs in Europe has further improved and we are convinced that the Cornelia will continue to receive many more accolades.