Turkish Airlines Backs Golf Open to Unite Nations

Turkish Airlines is doubling down on the power of sports to connect people across borders, signing a three-year deal to sponsor one of Europe's biggest golf tournaments.

The Turkish Airlines Open returns to Antalya from April 30 to May 3, 2026, bringing players and fans from around the world to Turkey's stunning Mediterranean coast. The tournament features a $2.75 million prize pool and serves as the grand finale of the Asian Swing, kicking off the DP World Tour's 2026 season.

Defending champion Martin Couvra, a young French golfer who won in 2025, will return to compete at the National Golf Club. The course sits within Regnum Hotels and was designed by former Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones.

Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi emphasized why the airline keeps investing in sports. "This tournament not only highlights the unifying power of sport, but also strongly reflects Turkey's vision of being a global hub for sports and tourism," he said.

The National Golf Club has been a pioneer in developing golf tourism in Antalya since 1994. Now it gets to showcase Turkish hospitality on the world stage once again.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership does more than put on a great tournament. It positions Turkey as a serious player in international sports while boosting tourism to Antalya, a region that benefits economically from hosting world-class events.

Turkish Golf Federation President Yıldırım Demirören noted that the tournament "further strengthens Turkey's position on the global golf stage." When countries invest in bringing people together through competition, everyone wins.

The DP World Tour's Mark Casey praised Turkish Airlines for extending their support. Professional golfers will get to test their skills on a challenging course while Turkey gets to show the world what it can offer as a destination.

In a world that often feels divided, watching athletes from dozens of countries gather peacefully to compete reminds us what's possible when we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.