Hilton Dalaman
Intelligent Water Management, Inspired by Nature
Set alongside the Hilton Dalaman Sarıgerme Resort & Spa, a new 18-hole golf course is emerging in one of Turkey’s most ecologically rich coastal regions. Where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, the site is defined by rivers, pine forests, lakes and long beaches that provide a seasonal habitat for migratory birds. From the earliest planning stages, sustainability and long-term water stewardship were central to the project vision—making intelligent irrigation and environmental integration essential to its success.
Designing with Sensitivity
Originally conceived in 2006, the project faced delays due to the global financial crisis and subsequent environmental and planning challenges. When development resumed in 2023, the client adopted a renewed approach, placing water efficiency, climate resilience and environmental responsibility at the heart of the design.
As General Manager Ümit Yasar Atalay explains, “Our vision is to create an environmentally conscious, nature-integrated golf course that meets international standards and positions Turkey where it rightfully belongs in the global golf tourism arena. The area’s rare qualities inspired us to envision a course that would not only coexist with the landscape but also enhance it. It’s been designed as a sustainable, aesthetic living space and one that provides a premium experience for players of all levels. Our guests won’t just play golf here; they’ll enjoy a peaceful experience in harmony with nature.”
Hot, dry and windy coastal conditions, combined with sandy soils and sensitive ecosystems, meant that irrigation strategy could not be treated as a secondary consideration—it had to guide key design decisions.
A Course Guided by the Land
Golf Course Architect Andrew Craven of International Design Group (IDG) allowed the natural landscape to dictate the routing, shaping two loops of nine holes that return to an elevated clubhouse.
“From the outset we embraced a respect-for-nature philosophy with the client,” says Craven. “Nature told us where to place each element – we just had to listen. The terrain shaped the routing plan organically with two loops of nine holes returning to an elevated clubhouse. Each hole is designed to offer a rich sensory and visual experience, and the layout can be adapted in future to meet the demands of professional tournaments. We wanted a course that punishes poor shots but rewards good ones, that challenges experienced golfers yet is accessible to newcomers.”
Irrigation planning was integrated directly into the design process through close collaboration with irrigation consultant Giles Wardle of Irriplan. By aligning grassing lines, tee positions and rotor spacing early on, the team optimised water distribution while avoiding unnecessary infrastructure.
The course will be irrigated using a Rain Bird® IC System™ with CirrusPRO™ Central Control, supported by 1,382 Rain Bird rotors. Water is sourced from a lake fed by a river outfall, providing a reliable supply designed to support the course for the next 20–25 years.
Warm-season Paspalum grass was selected for its salt tolerance, durability and suitability for brackish water irrigation, while large areas of native vegetation remain as natural rough to reduce water demand and preserve the site’s natural character.
Setting a New Standard for Sustainable Course Design
Construction, overseen by Golf Med and Golf Tek, began in April 2024 and is scheduled for completion in September 2025, with the course expected to open in April 2026.
From a construction and delivery perspective, the project reflects close collaboration between specialist partners. As Naki Evrandir of Golf Med notes, “Since the beginning, we’ve provided consulting services and worked closely with our investor client who also owns one of the country’s leading construction companies. We combined our golf course construction experience with their workforce potential, working in perfect harmony under the challenging terrain and climate conditions. The site combines many natural features and related construction challenges, but we’ve previously undertaken many with a similar climate and terrain. We’ve used every available irrigation system on previous projects, but for this one we’re using the Rain Bird® IC System™ with CirrusPRO™ Central Control, which is undeniably superior to others on the market, and so we’d recommend it for any future projects.”
Looking beyond completion, the long-term ambition is clear. “For us, success isn’t merely completing the golf course—it’s establishing Dalaman as a recognised hub of international golf tourism,” concludes Atalay. “Within the next five years, our goal is to host international tournaments, set an example with our sustainable environmental practices, and create a destination that prioritises guest experience.”
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