The 11th edition of the Rikse Birdie Challenge, which values the principle of 'equality' in golf and grows in momentum every year, was held. The event, which took place in Belek Tourism Resort in the Serik district of Antalya, offered fierce competition as well as enjoyable moments. After the tournament, which took place on two separate 18-hole courses, the winners received their awards at the organized ceremony.
Mehmet Aygün, President of Cullinan Links Golf Club, expressed that Rikse Birdie Challenge brought together the entire golf community, saying, "Approximately 200 people participated. Awards were given to those who achieved birdies and pars. Therefore, it was a very nice tournament. Congratulations to all the golf professionals, amateurs, and instructors in the golf community."
"There is still much work to be done," Mehmet Aygün continued, emphasizing the significant contribution of golf to winter tourism. "It's great to fill the hotels and host so many golfers here. However, it doesn't mean we have completed our lessons. When you look at it, people in Portugal generate revenues of around 700 billion with 150 golf courses. We are still at around 100-150 million euros. Therefore, we have much more work to do to compete in the global golf industry. Belek is a great destination, and it's doing well, but I believe it would be even better if more golf courses are built."
"Portugal and Spain have a lot more golfers than Turkey," Mehmet Aygün added, pointing out that the income derived from golf in Portugal and Spain is significantly higher than in Turkey. "The number of active players is much higher there. In Turkey, there are around 2,500 - 3,000 golfers, while there are countries with 50,000 to 100,000 golfers."
Cahit Kaya, President of the Rikse Birdie Challenge, noted the substantial participation in the 11th edition of the event, saying, "Around 150 people wanted to participate, but this year, we limited it to 120 participants. It made me very happy that so many important people came. We have plans for organizing a 150-person event next year. I always say, 'the more prominent professional golf is, the more amateur golf will develop' because instructors will begin to educate amateur golfers, and we will advance in golf."
Cahit Kaya also mentioned that professional golfers participated in the event for birdies, and he said, "They enjoy it a lot because we don't show the rankings. Amateurs also receive awards, and everyone enjoys it since the rankings are not displayed for par, bogey, and double bogey."
He also pointed out the valuable experience gained from Fatah Guedra, a world-renowned member of the Swedish Professional Golfers' Association, providing excellent training to young golfers. "Children are very important to us. We place great emphasis on the youth. The training he provided to the youth may mean that one of them will represent us in a major European tournament in the future. Having a coach like Fatah Guedra provide education to children is a valuable experience for the future," he said.