Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Returns to Los Angeles as Winner Secures Place in Türkiye Finals

Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Returns to Los Angeles as Winner Secures Place in Türkiye Finals, highlighting the airline’s growing contribution to international golf tourism. Held at Palos Verdes Golf Club on 28 September 2026, the tournament brought together business leaders and golf enthusiasts, with Antonio Rios claiming victory.

Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Strengthens International Golf Tourism

Turkish Airlines brought the 11th edition of its World Golf Cup to Los Angeles on 28 September 2026, continuing a global sporting programme that connects business communities, international travellers and golf destinations.

Hosted at Palos Verdes Golf Club, the tournament attracted prominent local figures, corporate representatives and golf enthusiasts. The competition formed part of the airline’s international golf calendar, which combines sporting participation with destination promotion and business networking.

The Los Angeles event was the 79th tournament in the 2026 series, which comprises 139 competitions worldwide. Winners from participating destinations qualify for the Grand Finals in Türkiye, where they compete against other regional champions.

For the travel industry, the tournament demonstrates how airlines can use international sporting events to promote destinations, encourage premium travel and strengthen relationships with corporate customers.

Antonio Rios Wins Los Angeles Tournament

Antonio Rios emerged as the Los Angeles champion after recording a net score of 57. His victory secured him a place at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Grand Finals in Türkiye later this year.

Jim Wright finished second, while Alfonso Munoz claimed third place.

The tournament also recognised individual achievements across additional categories. Ben Hsiang won the men’s Closest to the Pin competition, while Myungsil Francis secured the women’s award.

Alex Romo received the Gross award after recording a score of 66.

These results concluded another stage of the international competition, with Los Angeles joining the growing list of destinations represented at the upcoming finals.

Türkiye Prepares to Welcome International Golf Finalists

The Grand Finals will take place at Gloria Golf Club on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, with participants accommodated at Gloria Serenity Resort.

The destination forms part of the Turkish Golf Coast, a recognised golf tourism region centred around Antalya and the resort area of Belek.

International visitors travelling to the region can access championship golf courses, luxury accommodation, coastal attractions and leisure facilities.

All Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup finalists will travel to Türkiye in the airline’s Business Class, linking the competition with its premium passenger experience.

For Antalya’s hospitality sector, international golf competitions provide opportunities to attract visitors interested in combining sport with luxury holidays and resort experiences.

Global Tournament Reaches Thousands of Golfers

Since its launch in 2013, the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup has developed into an extensive international corporate golf competition.

The tournament now brings together more than 10,000 players across over 130 events in 84 countries, according to Turkish Airlines.

Its international structure allows business travellers and golf enthusiasts from different markets to participate in local competitions before progressing towards the finals.

The 2026 programme includes 139 tournaments, reflecting the scale of the airline’s investment in international sporting engagement.

By connecting regional events with a single international destination, the competition also provides a platform for promoting Türkiye to travellers who may return for future golfing holidays.

Turkish Airlines Highlights Los Angeles Success

Fatih Mehmet Kurşun, Turkish Airlines General Manager in Los Angeles, thanked participants and organisers following the tournament.

He congratulated Antonio Rios on winning the Los Angeles competition and expressed his best wishes for the upcoming Grand Finals in Türkiye.

The airline continues to use sporting events as part of its international engagement strategy, bringing together corporate customers, travel partners and local communities.

The Los Angeles tournament also reinforced the relationship between aviation, business networking and destination marketing.

Antalya Gains Visibility Through Sporting Events

Turkish Airlines has supported international golf through initiatives including the Turkish Airlines Open and the World Golf Cup.

These competitions have helped raise Antalya’s profile among international golfers and travellers seeking premium sporting holidays.

The 2026 World Golf Cup is supported by Gloria Hotels & Resorts, further connecting the tournament with Türkiye’s hospitality industry.

As international demand for experience-led travel develops, golf tourism offers destinations opportunities to attract visitors interested in sporting activities, accommodation and leisure experiences.

The World Golf Cup provides an example of how airlines, resorts and sporting organisations can work together to strengthen destination visibility across international markets.

The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup’s Los Angeles tournament highlights the connection between international aviation, corporate sport and golf tourism. Antonio Rios will represent the city in Türkiye, where the Grand Finals will showcase Antalya’s golfing facilities, luxury hospitality and appeal as a destination for international sporting travellers.