Turkish Airlines Open Returns with Three-Year Sponsorship

Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other, has announced a new three-year title sponsorship agreement for the prestigious Turkish Airlines Open, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to global sports and golf development.

The 2026 Turkish Airlines Open will take place from 30 April to 3 May 2026 at the renowned National Golf Club in Antalya, located within Regnum Hotels. The tournament will feature a USD 2.75 million prize fund and will serve as the fifth and final event of the Asian Swing, marking the conclusion of the opening phase of the DP World Tour 2026 season.

The event will welcome elite professional golfers from around the world, with defending champion Martin Couvra of France set to return to Türkiye to protect his title. National Golf Club, which has played a pioneering role in positioning Antalya as a premier golf tourism destination since 1994, will once again host a world-class international field and golf enthusiasts from across the globe.

Commenting on the renewed partnership, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said the airline was proud to resume its role as title sponsor of one of golf’s most respected tournaments. He highlighted that the Turkish Airlines Open not only demonstrates the unifying power of sport but also reflects Türkiye’s ambition to be a global hub for sports tourism. Ekşi reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting athletes, promoting international sporting events, and enhancing Türkiye’s global brand value, while welcoming visitors to Antalya in 2026.

Turkish Golf Federation (TGF) President Yıldırım Demirören expressed his satisfaction with the tournament’s continued presence on the European professional golf calendar. He noted that following its successful return to the DP World Tour in 2025, the 2026 edition further strengthens Türkiye’s position on the global golf stage. Demirören emphasized the federation’s mission to foster high-level competition, support national and international golf development, and utilize the tournament as a platform to create development and ranking opportunities for Turkish golfers, referees, and stakeholders.

He also extended gratitude to Turkish Airlines, National Golf Club owner Fikret Öztürk, Regnum Hotels, the DP World Tour, tournament sponsors, and Türkiye’s Ministries of Youth and Sports and Tourism for their continued support in delivering a world-class sporting event.

DP World Tour Director of Tournament Business Mark Casey welcomed the extension of Turkish Airlines’ title partnership, noting that the tournament’s return to the Race to Dubai in 2026 represents an important milestone. He praised National Golf Club for providing a challenging and high-quality course for players and acknowledged the Turkish Golf Federation’s ongoing efforts in developing golf across Türkiye.

Meanwhile, National Golf Club General Manager Hasan Ceylan said the club was honored to host the Turkish Airlines Open for the first time in 2026. Designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones, the course is set to deliver an exceptional tournament experience. Ceylan emphasized that hosting the event is a major achievement for both the club and Turkish golf, further cementing Antalya’s reputation as a world-class golf destination.

Turkish Airlines first became title sponsor of the Turkish Airlines Open in 2013, hosting many of the sport’s greatest names over the years, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, and others. In addition, the airline continues to promote golf globally through the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, the world’s largest amateur golf tournament, which in 2025 was held across 122 destinations in 83 countries.