Staff WriterTurkish Airlines has decided that if you’re going to roll out the red carpet for golf again, you might as well do it properly—three-year title sponsorship properly. The airline that flies to more countries than any other has signed on once more as title sponsor of the Turkish Airlines Open, and the tournament returns to Antalya from April 30 to May 3, 2026, hosted by the National Golf Club within Regnum Hotels.
Antalya knows this drill. National Golf Club has been in the golf-tourism business since 1994, and it will now welcome players and fans for one of the DP World Tour’s more strategically placed stops: the $2.75 million Turkish Airlines Open, set as the fifth and final event of the Asian Swing—the third of five Global Swings that make up phase one of the DP World Tour’s 2026 schedule.
A title to defend, and a closing 64 that still echoes
The story already has a headline act: Martin Couvra, the 2025 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, is coming back to Türkiye to defend his Turkish Airlines Open crown. The Frenchman didn’t so much win last year as slam the door with style—closing 64 at Regnum Carya to finish 17-under-par, two shots clear of China’s Haotong Li and Spain’s Jorge Campillo.
And if that sounds like a man who enjoys a return booking, you’d be right. A defending champion arriving in a resort town that understands major-event hospitality is how golf often makes its best theatre: familiar scenery, a new script, and plenty of sharp objects lying around the leaderboard.
Turkish Airlines: sport, tourism, and a very intentional handshake
Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi framed the renewed partnership as part sport, part statement—Antalya as shop window, and Türkiye as destination.
“We are pleased to once again become the title sponsor of an international event with the prestige of the Turkish Airlines Open. This tournament not only highlights the unifying power of sport, but also strongly reflects Türkiye’s vision of being a global hub for sports and tourism.
As Turkish Airlines, we remain firmly committed to supporting sports and athletes while contributing to our country’s brand value, and we are delighted to welcome guests from all over the world to Antalya once again in 2026.”
A home event with global ambitions
For the Turkish Golf Federation, getting a top-tier week back on the calendar is not simply about flags and fanfare—it’s about continuity, pathway, and credibility. President Yıldırım Demirören positioned the 2026 edition as a lever for national development as much as international attention.
“We are delighted to have Turkish Airlines Open in Türkiye as part of the top 2026 international professional golf calendar in Europe. Building on the success of the Turkish Airlines Open’s return to the DP World Tour schedule in 2025, this 2026 event further strengthens Türkiye’s position on the global golf stage.
The event underscores Türkiye’s commitment to fostering competition of golf at the highest level, supporting national and global golf development, and showcasing world-class golf venues both nationally and internationally. TGF uses this platform to provide development and ranking opportunities to national golfers, referees and other national stakeholders.
“With the central aim of promoting continued growth of golf nationally, TGF warmly welcomes players, organisers, officials, and fans of this tournament. We also thank the venue owner National Golf Club, part of Regnum Hotels, Mr. Fikret Öztürk, Turkish Airlines, other sponsors along with Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Tourism of Türkiye for their support which made this exceptional sporting experience possible.”
DP World Tour: a “true test” to finish the swing
DP World Tour Director of Tournament Business Mark Casey described the event as a meaningful marker on the Race to Dubai road—one that’s meant to challenge, not flatter.
“The DP World Tour are delighted that Turkish Airlines have extended their agreement as title partner, as the Turkish Airlines Open returns to the Race to Dubai in 2026. National Golf Club will provide our players with a true test, and we are grateful to everyone at the venue for their continued support and hospitality.
“I would also like to thank the Turkish Golf Federation for their hard work in continuing to develop golf in Türkiye. This tournament has played such an important role in helping to achieve that and we look forward to the 2026 edition in April.”
A venue with a personal twist (and a familiar name)
Now here’s the part that will make golf people smile: National Golf Club’s General Manager Hasan Ceylan confirmed the club will host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time—and noted the course pedigree, designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones.
“We are extremely proud and delighted to host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026 at National Golf Club, part of Regnum Hotels, designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones.
“Hosting such a prestigious tournament at our club, in collaboration with Turkish Airlines and the DP World Tour, is of great significance for both our course and Turkish golf as a whole.
We look forward to delivering an event of the highest standards with our entire team, providing players with a world-class tournament experience and once again highlighting Antalya’s position in world golf.”
A tournament that has hosted the biggest names
Turkish Airlines first became title sponsor in 2013, and the event has attracted star power over the years—Tiger Woods, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, and Rory McIlroy among them. Away from the professional circuit, the airline’s amateur footprint remains vast too: the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, described as the world’s largest amateur tournament run by a flag carrier since 2013, was staged in 122 destinations across 83 countries this year.
For 2026, the promise is simple: a major purse, a high-leverage slot on the DP World Tour calendar, and Antalya doing what Antalya does—turning golf into a global invitation.
Quick FAQs
When is the Turkish Airlines Open 2026?
April 30 to May 3, 2026.
Where is it being played?
National Golf Club in Antalya, within Regnum Hotels.
What is the prize fund?
$2.75 million.
Where does it fit on the DP World Tour schedule?
It’s the fifth and final event of the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing in 2026.
