Popular DP World Tour event to make surprise comeback

A much-loved – and much-missed – DP World Tour event is set to make its comeback later this year.

After a six-year hiatus, it has been confirmed that the Turkish Airlines Open is returning to the schedule this spring.

The event is set to take place at the Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Antalya from May 8-11.

It was last staged in 2019, with Tyrrell Hatton defeating five others, including Victor Perez, in a playoff that finished under the floodlights.

The tournament had been on the tour’s schedule for 2020 but was cancelled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and never re-appeared – until now.

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“The DP World Tour is delighted to welcome Turkish Airlines as title partner, as the Turkish Airlines Open returns to the Race to Dubai this season,” said DP World Tour tournament partnerships director Mark Casey.

“We look forward to arriving in the golfing hub of Antalya once again, working alongside Turkish Airlines, Turkish Golf Federation and all tournament partners to deliver what I’m sure will be a memorable week.”

First staged in 2013, the inaugural Turkish Airlines Open was won by Victor Dubuisson and, over the next several years, added Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, and Thorbjorn Olesen to its roll call of champions.

Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy were amongst those to play in it previously.

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Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi welcomed the news of the event’s return, saying: “At Turkish Airlines, we remain committed to connecting people and cultures around the globe through the pursuit of excellence in sports.

“In line with this commitment, we are glad to take another step in supporting sports and athletes through the Turkish Airlines Open.”

Turkish Golf Federation deputy chairman Nihat Özdemir added: “With the Turkish Airlines Open tournament to be held in May, a leg of Europe’s largest professional golf tour is returning to our country.

“I would like to extend our gratitude to the tournament’s title sponsor, Turkish Airlines, for its significant contributions.”

Michael McEwan is bunkered's Head of Content and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

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