Turkish Airlines Extends Title Sponsorship for 2026 Golf Open

Turkish Airlines has announced a three-year title partnership for the Turkish Airlines Open, a significant event on the global golf calendar, with a prize pool of $2.75 million. This tournament, scheduled for April 2026 at the National Golf Club in Antalya, will be the fifth and final event of the Asian Swing, marking the beginning of the DP World Tour 2026 season. The defending champion, Martin Couvra from France, will return to compete for his title.

The National Golf Club has played a crucial role in promoting golf tourism in Antalya since its inception in 1994. The club will once again welcome athletes and golf enthusiasts from around the world for this prestigious event.

In a statement regarding the partnership, Bilal Ekşi, CEO of Turkish Airlines, expressed pride in sponsoring the tournament, stating, “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.” Ekşi emphasized the airline’s commitment to supporting sports and enhancing Türkiye’s brand value while welcoming guests from around the globe.

Strengthening Türkiye’s Golfing Presence

The Turkish Golf Federation (TGF), represented by its President Yıldırım Demirören, highlighted the importance of the Turkish Airlines Open in solidifying Türkiye’s position in international golf. “We are delighted to have Turkish Airlines Open in Türkiye as part of the top 2026 international professional golf calendar in Europe,” he noted. Demirören added that the event underscores Türkiye’s commitment to fostering high-level golf competition and supporting the development of the sport nationally and internationally.

The TGF aims to utilize this tournament as a platform for the growth of local golfers, referees, and other stakeholders. Demirören also expressed gratitude to all involved parties, including the venue owner, National Golf Club, and various sponsors, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Tourism of Türkiye, for their support in making this event possible.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Mark Casey, Director of Tournament Business for the DP World Tour, expressed enthusiasm for the continuation of the partnership with Turkish Airlines. “The DP World Tour is delighted that Turkish Airlines has extended their agreement as title partner,” he stated. Casey noted the National Golf Club would provide a challenging experience for players and commended the TGF for its efforts in developing golf in Türkiye.

The General Manager of the National Golf Club, Hasan Ceylan, expressed pride in hosting the tournament. He remarked, “We are extremely proud and delighted to host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026 at National Golf Club.” Ceylan emphasized the significance of the collaboration with Turkish Airlines and the DP World Tour, highlighting the event’s potential to elevate Turkish golf on the world stage.

Since becoming the title sponsor in 2013, Turkish Airlines has hosted some of the most celebrated golfers, including Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, and Rory McIlroy. Additionally, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament, has taken place in 122 destinations across 83 countries this year, further solidifying the airline’s commitment to promoting golf globally.