Open golf tournament highlights unifying power of sports – Ekşi

Bilal Ekşi, the CEO of Turkish Airlines, emphasized the ability of sports to foster unity and camaraderie after the airline announced a new three-year title sponsorship for the esteemed Turkish Airlines Open golf tournament. Scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 3, 2026, at the National Golf Club in Antalya, the tournament has a prize pool of $2.75 million and is the final event of the Asian Swing, which kicks off the 2026 season of the DP World Tour.

 

The defending champion, young French golfer Martin Couvra, will return to Turkey in 2026 to compete for his title. The National Golf Club, which has been instrumental in advancing golf tourism in Antalya since 1994, will once again host athletes and golf fans from around the globe for this significant event.

 

Regarding the sponsorship deal, Ekşi remarked, “We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the prestigious Turkish Airlines Open once again. This tournament not only showcases the unifying aspect of sports but also embodies Turkey’s ambition to be a global sports and tourism hub. As Turkish Airlines, we are dedicated to supporting sports and athletes and enhancing our country’s brand value, and we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to Antalya in 2026.”

 

Turkish Golf Federation President Yıldırım Demirören expressed excitement about hosting the Turkish Airlines Open in Turkey as part of the top-tier international golf calendar for 2026. He noted that the success of the tournament’s return to the DP World Tour in 2025 further solidifies Turkey’s position in the global golf arena.

 

Mark Casey, the DP World Tour Director of Tournament Business, also commented on the agreement, stating that they are pleased to have Turkish Airlines as the title partner as the tournament reenters the Race to Dubai in 2026. He thanked the National Golf Club for their ongoing support and hospitality, noting that it will provide players with a genuine challenge.

 

Hasan Ceylan, General Manager of the National Golf Club, expressed pride and excitement about hosting the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026 at their venue, designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones.