Turkish Airlines today announced that it has renewed its deal as headline sponsor of the Turkish Airlines Open for a further three years. The announcement comes as this year’s Turkish Airlines Open tees off at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Belek on Thursday.
Following its successful support of golf around the world since 2012, the national flag carrier has confirmed it will be signing a new deal to extend its commitment until at least 2018.
With a high-class field at this year’s event, the tournament is fast becoming a jewel in the crown of golf. Leading the pack is Rory McIlroy who aims to consolidate his position at the head of the European Tour’s prestigious Race to Dubai.
With first class courses rivalling the best in the world and golfing opportunities developing each year, Turkey is fast becoming the rising star of golf destinations. The support of Turkish Airlines has been integral to this, encouraging development from the elite through to the grass roots of the game.
Today also sees the announcement that next year’s Turkish Airlines Open will be hosted by the Carya Golf Club, also situated on Turkey’s famous Golf Coast near Antalya.
Ahmet Agaoglu, President of the Turkish Golf Federation, said: “Turkish Airlines has been magnificent in their support of golf in Turkey. The difference it has made, especially in raising the profile of the Turkish Airlines Open, has been incredible to see. It is therefore fantastic that together we have agreed to extend the tournament for a further three years – we cannot wait to grow the game in Turkey even further.”
Ahmet Bolat, Executive Vice President of Turkish Airlines, said: “We are delighted to be able to commit to sponsoring this fantastic tournament for a further three years. Turkish Airlines is committed to supporting golf across the world, but in particular in Turkey. That is why it is so heartening to see Turkey’s golf offering develop over the time we have been supporting the sport. It really is the rising star of golf destinations.”
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour, said: “The Turkish Airlines Open has quickly established itself as an integral part of The Race to Dubai’s Final Series so we are naturally delighted they have extended their commitment to The European Tour.
“Turkish Airlines have been unwavering in their support of not only The European Tour, but also their overall commitment to growing the game of golf in Turkey in association with the Turkish Golf Federation. Together they have made Turkey, and in particular the stunning area of Belek and Antalya, one of the world’s most attractive golf destinations. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Turkish Airlines and the Turkish Golf Federation for many years to come.”
Fikret Öztürk, President of Regnum Carya Golf Club, said: “Turkish Airlines has been supporting golf through various sponsorships over the last few years, and these activities have over the past 3 years enhanced the reputation of what is already thought of as one of the best airlines in the World.
Starting from 2016 Regnum Carya Golf Club will be the venue of the Turkish Airlines Open for the next 3 years. Successful amateur golfers competing at different golf clubs throughout the World are able to attend and play together world’s best during this event, which I believe is very important.
Turkish Airlines has contributed a lot to Turkish golf and thus to Turkish tourism via its sponsorships. I would therefore like to express my deep appreciation to Turkish Airlines on behalf of me and my Country.”
Rory McIlroy said: “It is great to see the work Turkish Airlines is doing for golf in the country. I’m delighted to be a part of anything that brings more people into golf, especially younger players. I really welcome the fact that golf is showing some of the greatest growth in countries, Turkey included, not traditionally known for the game. Only by encouraging this can we call golf a truly global sport.”
In addition to the Turkish Airlines Open the company also sponsors The Turkish Airlines Challenge, The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, the Turkish Airlines Ladies Masters, and is a Premium Partner of The Porsche European Open.
