Turkey has scored a birdie in 2008 by winning the title of ‘Best Golf Destination of the Year in Europe’ as developers line up to create courses in the country, writes Andrew Collier.

Turkey's overall popularity has risen significantly over the last few years. In the first half of 2008 alone, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) reported that tourist numbers were up by 20 per cent on the same time last year and that Turkey had even had more tourist numbers than perennial favourite Spain. And golf is becoming an increasingly important driver in attracting tourists, and indeed property purchasers, to Turkey - a development which was recently recognised when the International Association of Golf Tour Operators named Turkey as the best destination for golf.

The country's Mediterranean climate means that Turkey is forging a reputation as a popular location for those looking to take golf holidays, and the Turkish government is keen to tap into the golfing market throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa, which is estimated to be worth 50 billion euros.

The Golf Federation of Turkey has announced ambitious plans for 100 golf courses to be built over the next 15 years; these new courses will join established ones which have already been developed by famous faces such as Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie, and many will be built around property resorts, allowing investors to take advantage of the country's increased demand for golf tourism. Such an increase would be unprecedented, given there are only 17 completed courses in the country at the moment, and these are mostly located around Istanbul and Belek.

In the popular tourist and property investment destination of Altinkum, the development of a first golf course has been approved and is to be built by a Turkish-based steel and shipping company. The plans went through without any objections, highlighting the importance of golfing facilities to the country's tourism industry and its economy. In addition, a Swedish-designed course is also being planned for nearby Didim.