US Open Champion Martin Kaymer and 2013 Race to Dubai winner Henrik Stenson have confirmed their participation in next month’s Turkish Airlines Open by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The pair will be joined by former World Number One Lee Westwood in a stellar field for the penultimate event on the 2014 European Tour International Schedule, taking place at Colin Montgomerie-designed Maxx Royal course at Belek, Antalya from November 13-16.
Stenson said: "The Turkish Airlines Open has already become one of the biggest and best events on The European Tour in such a short time," said Stenson, the current World Number Five. "Everybody had a great time last year on and off the course and I'm sure it will be no different this time.”
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson will defend the title he won in such style last year, when he held off world class players such as Justin Rose and Tiger Woods.
“I am really looking forward to returning to Turkey,” said Dubuisson, who reached the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February. “The Turkish Airlines Open is where it all started for me and I’m delighted to be able to return to Antalya and not only re-live those wonderful memories, but hopefully build some more.”
Ahmet Olmustur, Chief Marketing Officer for Turkish Airlines, said: “Turkish Airlines were proud and honoured to deliver the greatest festival of golf ever seen in Turkey last year, and are sure we are in for an equally exciting week this time.
“The tournament received a terrific amount of global publicity and we are aiming to make the second edition even more memorable. Having so many of the world’s best golfers already committed is a great start.”
Ahmet Agaoglu, President of the Turkish Golf Federation, added: "It is a proud moment for our country when so many of the world's best players elect to visit. Last year's tournament will take some beating for drama and excitement, but we are sure there will be plenty more this time.
“We hope everybody enjoys themselves, is enthralled by the golf and Antalya and leaves with the feeling that they want to return.”
Seventy-eight of the world’s best golfers will play for a prize fund of $7million in the penultimate leg of the European Tour’s Final Series.
The top 60 players in The Race to Dubai after the Turkish Airlines Open will qualify for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
Visit www.turkishairlinesopen.com for more information on the tournament, plus details on travel and how to buy tickets.
