A Mediterranean oasis may yet turn this cricket tragic into a golf aficionado

Throughout history, cities materialise at the nexus of geography, strategy, and vision. Few places exemplify this phenomenon as strikingly as Antalya, the jewel of Türkiye’s southwestern coast, whose origins can be traced back to the ambitious vision of King Attalos II of Pergamon. 

During the Hellenistic period in 159-138 BC, Attalos famously commanded his soldiers to, "go and find me heaven on earth," a quest that would lead to the foundation of one of the most splendid cities with a vibrant tapestry woven from its rich history. 

It is here where I find myself, under the sun-soaked skies of this splendid Mediterranean oasis, for the next week. 

I have been here before, back in late November 2023, when I covered the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup for Amateurs, which was played at the Gloria Golf resort. But this week the stakes are significantly higher.

The pros are back in Türkiye for the first time since Covid-19 with the Turkish Airlines Open returning to the DP World Tour after a six-year absence.

The tournament attracted legends such as Tiger Woods in the past and have secured Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald for this 2025 edition, which is being played at the luxurious Regnum Cara Golf and Spa resort. South Africa’s own SA Open champion Dylan Naidoo is part of the field, too, courtesy of his momentous victory at the Durban Country Club a couple of months ago.

It is hard not to like Naidoo. He is a proud South African, understands his place in the realms of providing inspiration to the youth, and truly dedicated himself to his craft by working tirelessly to refine his technique.

For me tours have though always been much more than interacting with players on the various ovals and fairways of the world. The hotels are, of course, a lovely pleasure, particularly the luxurious Regnum Cara Golf and Spa resort that puffs out its chest every evening with a buffet that could feed a small army.

But it's the colleagues you meet along the way that are particularly special. Many of these people become friends for life, despite sometimes seeing only every four years at a World Cup or Olympics. 

On this trip, I’ve already had the pleasure of meeting up with the doyenne of South African golf journalists, Lali Stander. This tannie from Witsands is a golf encyclopaedia who is simply a Whatsapp message away from any South African golfer - both professional and amateur. 

Then there’s Dan Su.

The Beijing correspondent from Golf Review who was the envy of all her male colleagues because she was granted the opportunity to play a round at Augusta National the day after The Masters. 

Last, but certainly not least, is Ben Parsons from Manchester. Apart from his dubious football loyalties that are associated with the red half of Manchester, this young man is turning heads at the Bunkered magazine in the UK. 

It is the likes of these lot that will be keeping me company this week. And while we keep fingers crossed for a South African winner that would cap it off, my time spent in the media centre with this group may just convert this cricket tragic into a golf aficionado after all. 

* Zaahier Adams is attending the Turkish Airlines Open at the Regnum Carya Golf Club in Antalya, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.