Cullinan Links Golf Club: Where Golf Meets the Mediterranean
A modern 36-hole golf destination combining championship golf, Mediterranean views and one of Belek’s most complete resort experiences — an honest Detabi Golf review of Cullinan Links Golf Club.
Few golf courses in Belek make an impression quite as quickly as Cullinan Links Golf Club. Before you’ve analysed the layout, before you’ve assessed the greens, and before you’ve even settled into your round, the setting captures your attention.
The Mediterranean stretches alongside several holes, open horizons replace the narrow corridors found elsewhere in the region, and the entire experience feels refreshingly different from the traditional Belek formula. Built on a unique stretch of coastline between the sea and the river, Cullinan Links offers something that very few golf destinations can replicate.
For many visitors, the golf is only part of the story.
The opening feeling: more than just a round of golf
Most golf courses are judged by their holes. Cullinan Links is often remembered for something broader: the overall experience. From the moment golfers arrive, everything feels designed around comfort and enjoyment. Luxury accommodation, extensive dining options, premium practice facilities and direct access to the golf course create a seamless stay-and-play experience that few destinations can match.
Japanese tour professional Chihiro Nakajima, following her visit to the resort, repeatedly highlighted how much the surroundings contributed to the experience. Rather than focusing solely on individual holes, she spoke about the scenery, the atmosphere and the sense of relaxation created by the combination of golf, sea views and resort hospitality.
At Cullinan Links, golf is not isolated from its surroundings. The landscape becomes part of the experience.
The headline: why Cullinan Links matters
Belek is famous for its pine forests, championship courses and tournament pedigree. Cullinan Links brings something different to that landscape. Developed by European Golf Design, the club combines 36 championship holes with one of the most distinctive coastal settings in Türkiye.
Unlike many courses in the region, the design embraces its surroundings rather than hiding them. Water, sea views, open sightlines and changing winds all play an active role in shaping the round. The result is a golf experience that feels simultaneously modern, accessible and memorable.
A design built around variety
Cullinan Links is not a course that relies solely on difficulty. Instead, its strength lies in variety. The 36-hole complex combines the Olympos and Aspendos courses, creating multiple routing options and allowing golfers to enjoy different playing experiences throughout their stay.
Wide views and generous landing areas can initially make the course appear forgiving. However, strategic bunkering, water hazards, wind conditions and subtly contoured greens ensure there is more to the challenge than first meets the eye.
As Nakajima noted during her visit, the undulating greens and varied pin placements create a course that continues to offer new challenges even over multiple rounds.
A truly Mediterranean golf setting
Sea views, open horizons and a layout that feels distinct from Belek’s traditional forest-lined courses create a uniquely Mediterranean golfing atmosphere.
Olympos and Aspendos courses combined
The two-course combination provides flexibility for golf holidays of any length, with enough variety to keep repeat rounds engaging throughout any stay.
Outstanding grass practice and short-game areas
Extensive grass practice areas, short-game facilities and putting greens make Cullinan Links as appealing for improvement as it is for enjoyment.
One of Belek’s strongest stay-and-play experiences
Direct access to Cullinan Belek combines luxury accommodation with immediate access to championship golf, creating a seamless destination experience.
Golf purists vs resort golfers: who will enjoy Cullinan most?
Experienced golfers, low- and mid-handicap players, repeat Belek visitors and golfers who enjoy strategic course management.
- Multiple course combinations create variety throughout a golf trip
- Strategic design rewards thoughtful decision-making
- Wind conditions can add a genuine championship dimension
- High-quality practice facilities
- Excellent conditioning across all playing surfaces
- Generally more forgiving than Belek’s toughest championship tests
- Players seeking relentless difficulty may prefer Sultan or Montgomerie
- Open views can reduce the sense of intimidation on tighter layouts
Holiday golfers, mixed-ability groups, couples and players seeking a balance between golf and relaxation.
- Spectacular scenery throughout the round
- Luxury resort facilities immediately adjacent to the course
- Wide range of dining and leisure options
- Welcoming design suitable for various handicap levels
- A memorable environment even when the scorecard disappoints
- Golf traditionalists may prefer a more classic inland layout
- The resort experience can become as much of a talking point as the golf
- Purely competitive golfers may find themselves distracted by the destination
Beyond the golf course
One of the recurring themes from visiting golfers is that Cullinan Links rarely feels like a golf course in isolation. The resort environment is an integral part of the experience. Visitors can move effortlessly between the course, the beach, restaurants, practice facilities and hotel amenities without ever feeling disconnected from the destination.
Families benefit from extensive leisure facilities, including children’s areas and water attractions, while non-golfers have access to the same luxury experience that attracts golfers in the first place. This balance makes Cullinan particularly appealing for groups where not every traveller intends to spend every hour on the golf course.
Night golf: a different perspective
Few golfing experiences in Europe remain as memorable as playing under floodlights. Cullinan Links offers golfers the opportunity to continue their day long after sunset, transforming the atmosphere of the course entirely. The Mediterranean breeze remains, the temperatures become more comfortable during warmer months, and the illuminated fairways create an experience that feels entirely different from daytime play.
For many visitors, night golf becomes one of the highlights of the trip.
Detabi Golf verdict
Cullinan Links Golf Club occupies a unique position within the Belek golf landscape. It is not the narrowest course. It is not necessarily the toughest course. Nor does it attempt to be.
Instead, it succeeds by delivering something broader: a complete golf holiday experience. The combination of championship golf, coastal scenery, luxury accommodation and outstanding facilities creates a destination that appeals to an exceptionally wide range of golfers.
Some courses are remembered for a single hole. Others for a tournament they hosted. Cullinan Links is often remembered for how it made golfers feel. And that may be its greatest strength.
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