Turkish Airlines Secures Three-Year Title Sponsorship for Prestigious Turkish Airlines Open

Turkey’s flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other in the world, has reinforced its commitment to global sports by signing a three-year title sponsorship agreement for one of professional golf’s most prestigious events, the Turkish Airlines Open. The tournament will take place between April 30 and May 3, 2026, in Antalya, hosted by the National Golf Club, located within the Regnum Hotels complex.

According to a statement shared with ForInvest News, the Turkish Airlines Open will once again be a standout fixture on the DP World Tour 2026 calendar, featuring a total prize fund of USD 2.75 million. The event’s return further cements Turkey’s position as a key destination for elite international golf while highlighting Antalya’s growing role as a global sports tourism hub.

A Major Event on the DP World Tour Calendar

The Turkish Airlines Open has long been recognized as one of the most prominent tournaments in professional European golf. Its inclusion in the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai series ensures strong international visibility and participation from top-ranked players. The 2026 edition will continue this tradition, drawing elite golfers, global media attention, and thousands of spectators to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Adding further excitement, 2025 champion Martin Couvra, the rising French star, will return to Turkey in 2026 to defend his title. His participation underscores the tournament’s competitive appeal and its importance for emerging and established players alike.

National Golf Club’s Role in Turkish Golf Tourism

Established in 1994, the National Golf Club has played a pioneering role in the development of golf tourism in Antalya. With decades of experience hosting international competitions, the club is set to welcome players and fans from around the world as it hosts the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time.

Designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour golfer David Jones, the course is expected to offer a challenging yet rewarding playing environment. The venue’s reputation for high standards and hospitality makes it a fitting stage for a tournament of this caliber.

Turkish Airlines Highlights Sports and Tourism Vision

Commenting on the agreement, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi expressed pride in renewing the airline’s association with the tournament. In an English translation of his remarks, Ekşi stated:

“We are delighted to once again be the title sponsor of an international event with the prestige of the Turkish Airlines Open. This tournament not only reflects the unifying power of sport, but also strongly represents Turkey’s vision of becoming a global center for sports and tourism. As Turkish Airlines, we remain firmly committed to supporting sports and athletes, contributing to our country’s brand value, and welcoming guests from all over the world to Antalya in 2026.”

Turkish Golf Federation Welcomes the Return

Yıldırım Demirören, President of the Turkish Golf Federation, also welcomed the tournament’s return to Turkey with enthusiasm. Speaking about the 2026 event, he emphasized its importance for both national and international golf development.

In translated remarks, Demirören noted that the Turkish Airlines Open’s place within Europe’s most prestigious professional golf calendar strengthens Turkey’s standing on the global golf stage. He highlighted that following the tournament’s successful return to the DP World Tour in 2025, the 2026 edition will further reinforce Turkey’s role in promoting top-level golf competition.

Demirören also stressed that the event provides valuable development and ranking opportunities for national players, referees, and other stakeholders, while supporting the federation’s long-term goal of expanding golf participation nationwide. He extended thanks to Turkish Airlines, National Golf Club owner Fikret Öztürk, Regnum Hotels, sponsoring partners, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Culture and Tourism for their contributions.

DP World Tour Sees Strategic Value in Turkey

From the international golf perspective, Mark Casey, Tournament Business Development Director at the DP World Tour, praised the continuation of the partnership. In an English translation of his comments, Casey said:

“We are very pleased that Turkish Airlines has extended its title sponsorship as the Turkish Airlines Open returns to the Race to Dubai calendar in 2026. National Golf Club will provide a true competitive test for our players, and we thank the venue team for their continued support and hospitality. We also appreciate the Turkish Golf Federation’s strong commitment to developing golf in Turkey. This tournament plays a vital role in that mission, and we are already looking forward to the event in April 2026.”

National Golf Club Prepares for a Global Showcase

Hasan Ceylan, General Manager of the National Golf Club, expressed pride in hosting the tournament for the first time. In his translated statement, he said:

“We are extremely proud and happy to host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026 at National Golf Club, part of Regnum Hotels. Welcoming such a prestigious tournament through the collaboration of Turkish Airlines and the DP World Tour is of great importance both for our course and for Turkish golf. Our entire team is committed to delivering an organization at the highest international standards and showcasing Antalya’s strong position in world golf once again.”

Strengthening Turkey’s Global Sports Profile

Through this renewed partnership, Turkish Airlines continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment to sport while contributing to the strengthening of Turkey’s international profile in sports and tourism. The Turkish Airlines Open not only brings elite competition to Antalya but also serves as a powerful platform for showcasing the country’s infrastructure, hospitality, and organizational capabilities on a global scale.