‘One in a million’ – Kazan launches G4D tournament in Turkey
A Q&A interview with G4D player Mehmet Kazan ahead of EDGA Turkish Open bearing his name in Belek this week.
Mehmet Kazan of Turkey is a player that so many people respect and admire on the international G4D (golf for the disabled) circuit, so it is entirely fitting that his name will adorn Turkey’s first international G4D open tournament as reward for his positive influence as a golfer, both at home and abroad.
The finishing touches were put in place for the inaugural ‘EDGA Turkish Open by Mehmet Kazan’, taking place on 10-11 February, with 45 players lining up in Belek from 19 countries; golfers representing a wide range of disabilities, in a supportive atmosphere and the promise of a competition to remember.
EDGA (European Disabled Golf Association) has a proven track record of running or supporting golf events of all sizes in new territories. These events create a practical first step for new players to try golf for the disabled, before progressing through the player pathway, including competitive opportunities. Local, on-the-ground support also helps people feel comfortable, welcomed, and relaxed, which is crucial for a positive first experience.
The new tournament is staged at Kaya Belek Golf Resort – a venue which has been attracting visitors from far and wide for its sunshine, the local hospitality and the challenging test out on the course.
Mehmet Kazan has been a regular G4D player for nearly a decade, and in this time while his game has steadily improved (at the time of writing a 1.0 Handicap Index), Mehmet has always been most proud when demonstrating why the sport can be enjoyed by all abilities.
Now 44, Mehmet is happy as a member at Kemer Country Club, Istanbul, and in recent times has supported the Turkish Golf Federation as its staff and volunteers seek to expand opportunities for golf for the disabled activity in Turkey.
His Federation’s discussions with EDGA, and the support EDGA has been able to give in setting up a first international G4D tournament for Turkey, all started with the passion and vision of Mehmet and his national golf coach and friend Erol Şimşek.
Describing his home tournament as “a dream”, Mehmet told us recently: “I want to be a role model for young people with disabilities and motivate them. I would like to use my experience to help them and make their dreams come true.
“I got sick when I was nine-10 years old and became disabled because I wasn’t given the right treatment. My disability is that my hip is out of place, and my back is curved.”
Mehmet first discovered golf as a 25-year-old, thanks to a first session with the Turkish Golf Federation.
This thoughtful, open and warm-hearted man is now able himself to encourage more people to pick up a golf club and share the fun, something he is always able to do with a smile.
EDGA President Tony Bennett says: “I think when a great many G4D players and families, event volunteers and EDGA team members see Mehmet on a tournament day it gives them real pleasure and a lift, as he is the embodiment of the spirit of golf. Inclusive, welcoming, a tough competitor, a very hard worker, while always playing the game absolutely in the right, friendly spirit, always with a smile. Mehmet is one in a million.
“EDGA is delighted to support this new tournament for Turkey and the EDGA Tour schedule. We are quite sure that thanks to the efforts of Mehmet, his friends, coaching colleagues and the Turkish Golf Federation, this can be a wonderful tournament to help grow G4D in this region and create opportunities for new people of all ages and abilities to try the game for the first time.”
In 2025, Mehmet visited six different European countries to play EDGA supported events, including a win in the EDGA Tour Portugal Open and just missing a top-20 place in the prestigious G4D Open at Woburn, an event staged by The R&A in partnership with the DP World Tour, supported by EDGA. He also won the prestigious RSM European Play-offs ‘Gross’ tournament at North Hants Golf Club, England.
While Mehmet’s name might well be found near the top of the leaderboard this week in Turkey, winning is not his main goal.
“Trophies and scores are important, but this tournament represents the most meaningful achievement of my career. Here, I am not only a player – I am part of vision. Leaving a legacy in golf means exactly this to me.
“I wanted to combine Belek’s unique potential, Turkish hospitality, and our own story within the EDGA Tour schedule. Conversations with EDGA showed me that this dream could truly become a reality,” Mehmet explains.
“I think my commitment to golf shows that with perseverance and patience everything is possible. EDGA gives people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy and compete in golf, encouraging inclusion and welcoming many golfers from around the world.”
We asked Mehmet if he could talk us through the EDGA Turkish Open by Mehmet Kazan.
How did you feel when you were told that the tournament was going to have your name in the title?
“I was very deeply moved. It is a great honour, but also a big responsibility. I know that having this name for the tournament does not represent only me, but the progress of G4D golf in Turkey. Along with pride came the feeling that I must live up to this honour.”
How important is it for you to promote G4D in Turkey?
“It is extremely important to me. Golf helped me reconnect with life in a stronger way. If we can increase the chance for a person with a disability in Turkey to discover golf, then that is more valuable than anything else.”
Why can golf be an important sport for people with a disability in Turkey?
“Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. It is individual, you need to be patient, but you are deeply connected with nature. For people with disabilities, it builds confidence, social connection, and a strong sense of purpose. It helps to say clearly: ‘I can do this’.”
Are you looking forward to welcoming the other EDGA players to Belek for the tournament?
“Very much so. I am excited to introduce Belek, Turkey, and our culture to them. We are inviting them not just to a tournament, but to a full experience.”
What are you looking forward to most about the tournament?
“The first tee shot. At that moment, everything will stop for me. The flags, the players, the volunteers – it will be the physical manifestation of a dream.”
What might you say to the 10-year-old Mehmet Kazan if you could talk with him?
“I would say, ‘Don’t give up. Even if you don’t understand it now, what you are going through will lead you to a very strong place. One day, you will welcome people from around the world to Turkey for a tournament that carries your name’.”
A last word from Mehmet
Ask what he loves about G4D, Mehmet replies: “Golf is a challenging game where you can enjoy nature and the outdoors. Every golf course is unique, and you play against yourself and against the course, while meeting new people worldwide and playing against some of the best players.
“Golf means everything to me in life. It means health. It means sport and friendship. I would like to thank these people: the Turkish Golf Federation, my golf coach Erol Şimşek, the EDGA team, including Manon Eggermont, and Tony Bennett.”
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