Gloria (Old) - Turkey

I’m surprised to see the Old course at Gloria sitting higher in the national rankings than the New – for me, the New course is easily the better 18-layout – in fact, I enjoyed playing the new 9-hole Verde course so much that I’d probably prefer to tackle it twice on a return visit instead of replaying the Old! Gloria’s a fabulous 45-hole facility, with brilliant practice facilities and a very comfortable clubhouse but I feel the weakest part of the entire set-up is the Old course.

Everything’s relative, of course, and the Old is still a good track, even though the necessity of altering the sequence of holes to accommodate the new clubhouse has resulted in a round now beginning unsatisfactorily with a pair of intimidating water-laden holes and finishing with a weak par three that’s located a good distance from the clubhouse – I got the feeling I’d taken part in a shotgun event, starting and ending at holes that weren’t the proper 1st and 18th.

The course is maybe showing its ages in a few places by playing a little tighter than originally intended due to the natural growth of the trees lining the fairway and I certainly felt this was the case at the 6th and the 12th. The lakeside par threes at the 7th and 14th didn’t impress (such penal golf course architecture has never endeared itself to me) though I thought the best hole on the card was the par four 13th (pictured), where the green juts out into the same body of water, with a big beach bunker wrapping itself round the back of the putting surface to prevent over-hit approach shots getting wet.

Overall, the presentation was of a high standard on the Old course so no complaints on that score but it’s no coincidence that the New course is the one used when prestigious amateur and professional events are hosted by the club because it’s the better balanced of the two 18-hole tracks. It’s also a pity that all forty-five fairways at Gloria are laid out a good distance away from the coast, though that can be said of all the courses in Belek, not just here.

Jim McCann

Gloria is an impressive golfing facility, easy to access off the main road which passes the golf resorts. Attractive modern clubhouse and excellent practice facilities. No surprise that it has hosted many pro and amateur tournaments, which are listed in the pro shop. The opening two holes, with daunting water hazards to be carried to the greens, are a surprise, because you would expect holes like these towards the end of the round, not the beginning. They make for a slow start. The general theme is an attractive mix of tree-lined holes in the pine forest, and open vistas where water comes into play. The greens complexes are superbly designed and presented, and add to the layout’s character. The back nine is full of variety, although disappointingly ends with a plain par 3. Slow play was an issue, mainly because there were no marshalls chasing the culprits. Between the Old and New courses is the Verde 9-holer, which might be shorter in length, yet has plenty of good holes. Being uncrowded, it is worth a detour if you’re frustrated by slow play.

Typical resort golf course I’m afraid to say. Sadly everything I thought might happen came true. I was put behind 4 English golfers who probably weren’t affiliated to a club. They took ages and weren’t very good. I actually walked in after 8 holes as I wasn’t feeling too well but when I looked at my watch it said I had already played for 2.5 hours! The course itself is ok but there are probably 6 others that are better. Probably best avoid it if you are a single figure golfer. I played PGA Sultan and Carya and they were superb. I have written reviews for those two as well.

Having played this course many times i still really enjoy the challange that you get from this place, i know that there are so many good courses now in Turkey that some may feel this is not as good as most but you have to hit the ball well to score at this place with tight tee shots and greens which is still think are in good shape. i know some people have said that the 9th & 18th are weak finishing holes & that is true but this only changed when they built the new course & they lots a couple of holes by doing this which is a shame. the 1st, 2nd & 3rd holes used to be the 16th 17th & 18th holes and anyone who has played this place would agree that when it was this way round it was a great finih to any golf course. My biggest gripe is they try & cram as many players onto the course as they can & this takes away the enjoyment from this place for me i think that if you are playing in Turkey then do go for a game & make your own mind up but i'm sure you won;t be too dissapointed.

After riding the New Course and a warm coffee, I was ready to play my 5 euros match against my friend Andy Newmarch in a World Amateur venue, which is a double priviledge. The match was tight until tee 15th, were I fired a driver and 5 wood on a par 4 (and believe me I am not short from the tee!) just off the green and the par gave me 2up and 3 to play, finishing 3/2 the very good match play. I found the course slightly better than new, but both half 9s have pretty disappointing finishing holes so in the overall I believe both courses can be matched for the same score. It all the same gave me some great holes (1, 3, 6, 12, 15 and 16), very well kept and with very narrow shots from the tee (Andy hit some dozens of pine trees). I liked it but am surprised that Sueno GC was not selected to host WATC, as I believe all together offers a better challenge. But if by the area, come and play it, course is worth and staff will make you feel at home.

Attractive courese in very good condition, some strong holes requiring a wide range of shots and clubs. Sadly 18 is a weak par 3 to finish.If you go be warned there are some long walks between some greens and tees so you might think about taking a buggy.

A great golf course, nothing to complain about here. Condition, layout, challenge for all levels, it's got the lot. The only trouble is the other quality on offer from the other courses in the area. This was bottom of the list for us, with Cornelia, Sultan, Lykia, National and Carya all being better tracks. I feel bad marking the course down as if this course was in my home county in the UK it would be one of the very best courses. It just goes to show the quality that is on offer in the area.

The course is rather flat, the bunkering is weak and the greens are flat too, but having a good score on this playground is tough.The reason is simple - the fairways are very tight and there are a lot of trees in places where they shouldn't be. This fact kills any strategy - you can play a draw of a fade, hit the left side of the fairway or the right one, in any case you'll have to deal with the trees protecting the greens. The only way is to go center fairway and then to the center of the green simply because in any other spot there will be a tree. If you're a tour pro this is not a problem you hit it long and high and straight and the course is very easy but in any case there is no strategy involved. You do not have to shape your shots just go straight and high - pretty boring and difficult to be honest.Other than this the course is beautiful, calm and peaceful.

A delightful golf course that has the best Belek greens without a doubt. A lot of water to negotiate especially early in the round but this a course that I cannot believe would get many bad comments at all. The course appears to have settled really well since the early years and I love it. Many, many special holes and all high quality with the 8th named ‘Herons Walk’ my favourite where yet again water is in play for the tee shot and also the approach to the green. The par-3 10th, is a little short and could do with more protection at the green but that is only a minor point. New clubhouse is a beauty and time slips by all too easily with a post round drink…