Kazakhstan hosts inaugural Turkish Airlines amateur golf tournament – Türkiye Today

Turkish Airlines held its inaugural “Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup” amateur golf tournament in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, marking the first time the global competition has taken place in the Central Asian nation.

The tournament, which Turkish Airlines bills as the world’s largest amateur golf competition, brought together golf enthusiasts at Golf Club Astana for the daylong event.

Despite Kazakhstan’s short golf season due to weather conditions, participation levels demonstrated significant local interest in the sport, according to Turkish Airlines Astana General Manager Engin Akbas.

“This year we decided to include the capital Astana in the Kazakhstan leg of the tournament for the first time,” Akbas told Anadolu Agency. “Although the golf season is short due to weather conditions, a serious golf-playing community has formed in Astana.”

The airline executive said the tournament aims to connect with the country’s upper echelons while promoting Turkish Airlines’ products and services and enhancing the carrier’s brand value. “We want to make the tournament traditional in Astana in the future,” Akbas added.

Winners were recognized during an awards ceremony held alongside a gala dinner. Türkiye’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan Mustafa Kapucu and Turkish Airlines Astana General Manager Engin Akbas presented awards to six category winners.

Yuan Tian, who claimed first place in Astana’s tournament, earned qualification to compete in the finals scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye.

Turkish Airlines has organized the World Golf Cup since 2013. This year’s competition spans 117 destinations across 73 countries, maintaining its status as the world’s largest amateur golf tournament.

June 07, 2025 11:33 PM GMT+03:00