The IMF reported in May this year that Turkey has experienced a dramatic economic turnaround, with its economy growing at an average of 7.5 per cent per annum since 2002, helped, no doubt, by the government's significant investment in the leisure and lifestyle sector.

Although golf is not new to the Mediterranean, the IGC Golf Club having been founded in 1895, it was in the 1990s that the Turkish government recognised the potential of its land mass and leased specific plots to tourism investors for the development of seven new courses – six in the Antalya region and one in Izmir.

Numerous courses now exist throughout the country, with Belek alone being proud host to 11 championship golf courses with an additional two due for completion next year.

So serious is the Turkish Golf Federation (TGF) about developing the country's golf credentials that it's persuaded universities in the country to introduce courses for golf professionals and green-keeping/agronomy in order to support the burgeoning sport.

As such, developers and hotel groups are attracting the big name players to design courses. Belek's Cornelia Golf Resort – a 27-hole championship course - is Nick Faldo's first design project in South Eastern Europe and was officially opened by the six-time Major winner this summer. Also in Belek, Colin Montgomerie was appointed by Papillon Hotels to design a 27-hole complex which will be open for play by the end of November.

"Belek's undulating terrain and 'links' environment makes it a natural environment for challenging courses," said Sean Gillic, Managing Director of Turkish Golf Property. "For this reason we are delighted to announce the launch of Helios Villas – 11 luxury detached villas with communal pool."

The properties include marble flooring, jacuzzi and hi-tech security, and are a ten-minute walk to the town centre, a five-minute drive to local beaches and are on the threshold of Belek's many golf courses. Prices for the villas begin at 279,000 euros, allowing an additional 5 per cent for legal costs and taxes.

Also improving Turkey's leisure and lifestyle credentials, Aegean Resorts has just completed the first phase of the latest five-star resort in their portfolio, Club Aegean in Didim, marking the occasion with a grand opening week, which attracted 250 VIP guests including celebrity owners and prospective property investors.

The Mayor of Didim officially opened the resort, saying: "A resort of this quality fits with the type of investors and property owners we are seeking to attract to this fast growing part of Turkey. Our marina, which will be ready in 2009, and the planned golf courses will provide excellent leisure options for the owners of properties on this resort."

Other highlights of the week included the Gala Dinner, where Sir Geoff Hurst opened the Sporting Legends Bar and restaurant and Olympic sprint gold medallist Jason Gardener MBE opened the Health Spa and gym facilities he has designed.

There are still limited numbers of completed and off-plan properties available on the complex, with prices starting from £49,950.

Also focusing on Turkey's leisure and lifestyle market, International Property Agents recently launched the FlipflopsMeltemi development in Gulluk near Bodrum.

"What makes the development stand out is the attention to detail the team has put into it," says Gordon Lyons, Director of International Property Agents. "We are including elements which will make it a highly desirable place to live, like a 24-hour concierge, a café bar, a laundrette and a fully-equipped gymnasium.

"The apartments themselves have maximized storage space, designed so clients can leave their golf clubs, lilo, towels, beach clothes and so on at the apartment rather than ferrying everything to and fro each time."

The fully-furnished apartments are available for purchase from £38,352.

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Article first published 1 November 2007