Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 6 October, 2016 9:52 am |

The 27-year-old golfer joins Tiger Woods, who is scheduled to appear in Belek, Antalya as his second tournament back from injury, in heading to Turkey for the third time in his career for the start of “The Race to Dubai’s Final Series”.

 

Having won the Tour Championship to finish at the top of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup standings, McIlroy will travel to Turkey and look to boost his attempt to emulate Henrik Stenson and become just the second man in history to win both the FedEx Cup and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in the same year.

 

It is another thrilling subplot in what is sure to be a fascinating week at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort in Belek, Antalya, one of the world’s premium golf destinations.

 

Rory McIlroy said: “I have really enjoyed my previous trips to Turkey and can’t wait to go back there. I expected more from my first outing in 2012 but enjoyed a better showing in last year’s event with a share of 6th place. This year I aim to do even better as again the Turkish Airlines Open in Belek, Antalya will play a large part in deciding the outcome of the Race to Dubai. This is the start of an important run to the climax of the season. The Turkish Airlines Open in Belek, Antalya has already established itself as a key week in the golfing calendar and one that I know all the guys really look forward to.”

 

M. İlker Aycı, Chairman of Turkish Airlines, shared his excitement: “Following the confirmation of Tiger Wood’s attendance, we are thrilled to be welcoming Rory McIlroy to the Turkish Airlines Open in Belek, Antalya for the third time. He is truly one of the heroes of the sport and having him compete will add to the excitement for fans and players alike. It promises to be the best tournament yet and we very much look forward to watching the action unfold.”

 

The Turkish Golf Federation is thrilled at the prospect of McIlroy joining the cast of stars in Antalya. TGF president Ahmet Ağaoğlu said: “Our announcement about Tiger made a real statement and Rory confirming he will also be playing has added even more weight to the tournament. The previous three Turkish Airlines Opens have been incredible and we are confident that this year’s edition will be the best yet. Additionally having Europe’s top player and the FedEx Cup winner going head to head with an icon like Tiger Woods only adds to that belief. The start of the tournament can’t come soon enough.”

 

The Turkish Airlines Open takes place between November 3 and November 6 in Belek, Antalya with 78 players battling it out for a $7 million prize fund.