Carya Golf Club — Local services in Serik

Together with my 15-year-old son, I came to play golf here on November 1, 2024. I paid a €350 green fee and €120 for the rental of two bags with clubs, a golf trolley, and two tokens for range balls—making a total of €470. I had called the day before to inquire about making a reservation and explained that I wanted a flight exclusively for the two of us, without pairing with other people. We have handicaps of 10 and 13. This was confirmed over the phone, and I was advised to pay only the green fee via a payment link sent by email.

Upon arrival, everything initially went smoothly. Our booking was correctly registered in the system, and I paid the remaining €120. When picking up the golf trolley and clubs, I was suddenly asked to sign paperwork written in Turkish, with no explanation provided. I assumed it was related to a deposit or insurance, but it felt very odd. We received the golf trolley and clubs and headed to the driving range.

Upon arrival there, we found the ball dispenser empty. I had two tokens, but each only dispensed 3 or 4 balls. Given that these tokens cost €5 each, I expected a full bucket of balls. There was no one available to assist, and other players were also disappointed.

Next, we went to the tee of the first hole, where a golf marshal rudely informed us that we had to play with two other gentlemen. I explained that I had explicitly requested—and received confirmation—that we would have a flight to ourselves, but I had no choice; otherwise, I would have to skip straight to the second hole. I let the two gentlemen tee off first, and despite the marshal yelling, I calmly started, refusing to be drawn into the aggression. Upon reaching the second hole, the marshal again insisted we skip it, but we couldn’t since there was a queue on both the second and third holes. This added a lot of stress and frustration, even though I had paid €470 to enjoy a relaxed game of golf! By the time we reached the fourth hole, we could no longer see anyone behind us, meaning we had no need to rush at all. We had to wait for previous flights at every hole that followed, so skipping holes would have been completely unreasonable.

This experience cast a dark shadow over the game, and unfortunately, my son and I could barely enjoy this very costly golf session.

The course itself is beautiful, with some unkempt grass and low shrubs here and there. Most water features were well-maintained, though there was a ditch across some holes that was just muddy. There were two restrooms along the way, and a drink vendor driving around in a golf cart. However, several nearby clubs played loud music, which was far from relaxing. All in all, I won’t be returning to Carya Golf, as the staff was downright rude and impolite, agreements weren’t honored, and their...

Purposely giving 1 star as I think most people only read 1 star so they can judge for themselves. Amazing course. I’ve played 8 of the top 10 courses (Augusta, Pine Valley, and others) in US and this ranks right up there. Reminds me of Merion… beautifully manicured, green, tree lined but big and open and fair… mixed with TPC Sawgrass with less water. Golfers would love the course.

My knock is customer service. Reception was great, staff was great to start. However, my girlfriend rented female set and pitching wedge broke on first shot on first hole. We tried to call pro shop but couldn’t get anyone. She decided to play round without her P. No problem for us as we’re just enjoying beautiful day on beautiful course.

After round, we informed staff (we weren’t even asking for refund) and they argued with us for 20-30 minutes that we must pay 80 Euros claiming clubs are new. TaylorMade SIM2 released in 2021 and these clubs scratched already, so that obviously was a lie. Then staff said we obviously don’t know clubs as clubs don’t randomly crack. Staff claimed we could have broken club on something deep into the round… I then showed him my phone calling pro shop numerous times calling 9 mins after tee time as evidence it broke on the very 1st hole to which he said that could have been staged which is ludicrous as I wasn’t even asking for refund so why would I stage something on hole #1.

As someone who has easily spent $1million+ on golf in past 20 years, I was livid. The level of customer service is trash and distasteful in what is supposed to be a game of class.

I played National Golf Club yesterday and service was terrible… same resort and sibling golf course. We booked 36 holes at Carya today and experienced this. Spending $1200 over 24 hours for these 2 courses for 3 rounds for 2 people, you’d think they would treat us better. As side note, Taxi in Belek overcharged us for ride back to Antalya. We met some nice local Turks in Antalya and they warned that tourist traps will exploit tourists and customer service definitely NOT designed for repeat experience.

Course is def worth playing but bring your own clubs… and God forbid you require customer service...

I’m a very keen golfer, and ever since I saw Rick Shiels play night golf, it’s been on my bucket list. Perfect setup for me: during the day I’m buried in work (yes, even on holidays… don’t ask) and chasing a baby around. At night? Finally my turn. I was dreaming of five glorious rounds of night golf here—worth the price of the entire holiday at other resorts.

We booked months ago. I was so excited I even did a golf shopping spree: new shirts, shorts, shoes, gloves, and a shiny box of brand-new ProV1s. I also emailed staff like Sener C.D. and Ozge A. ahead of time, asking detailed questions about tee times, prices, and rentals—because nothing ruins a holiday quicker than a golfer without a plan.

And then… surprise! The day after we arrived, the course shut down for two weeks. No mention during booking, no mention in all my emails, just an email on arrival day. Cheers for that.

Still trying to stay positive, I thought, “Okay, at least I’ve got one night!” First morning I went to the golf desk by reception. The guy responsible was on leave, so they called the club. Someone on the phone told me: “No problem, come to the clubhouse at 9 PM, you’ll follow the last group on the back 9. No reservation needed.” Perfect.

So, like a kid on Christmas, I laced up my shoes, put on my golf attire, and lovingly grabbed my ProV1s. I was buzzing again. Took the shuttle over… only to be told there’s zero chance of playing. Back 9 fully booked, front 9 already under sprinklers. They even asked me who I spoke to—like I keep a notebook of mysterious unnamed golf operators.

So instead of night golf, I ended up back at the hotel sports bar, sitting in my golf clothes, ProV1s still in their sleeve like hostages, watching basketball with a beer. Not exactly the dream.

One star might sound harsh since the hotel itself looks lovely and staff have been kind. But the golf was the whole reason I booked this trip, and I’ll be leaving without hitting a single shot. That shiny new box of ProV1s will now make the saddest flight...