The IMG-managed Dreamland Golf Club in Baku, Azerbaijan, features a world class 18-hole championship course created by Dye Design. In an exclusive interview, Director of Golf Brodie MacDonald talks about plans for the resort in 2023.
You have now worked in different countries such as the UK, USA, UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, Italy and now Azerbaijan. How is that international experience helping you at Dreamland Golf Club?
Every experience has its different merits and the biggest strength I have developed from my global travels is to be a more rounded person, picking up different skill sets, approaches, ways of thinking and learning how to adapt to local culture and practices. Planning and execution is very important within hospitality and in each country you face a different set of challenges and obstacles, the broader your tool box is the easier it is to overcome the hurdles.
Baku is one of the most exciting cities in the region, attracting world-class international events such as the Formula 1 City Grand Prix, amongst others. What else can golfers enjoy when planning to visit you?
Baku itself is vibrant and has a lot to offer, from luxury hotels to leading fashion brands. Away from the norm, the Heydar Aliyev museum is a must-see, as is a trip to a Hamam Bath.
The city is blessed with heritage, culture and fascinating architecture. It is no secret among Azerbaijanis that they love their cuisine and the F&B scene is relatively less expensive than other major cities. Not known by many, Azerbaijan prides itself in producing tea and wine, further afield the Shahdag Mountain Resort offers a phenomenal winter holiday for skiing and snowboarding.
The Azerbaijan Open is a key event in your annual golf calendar. Can you talk us through the tournament and what your plans are for the 2023 edition?
We are looking forward to staging the 7th edition of the Azerbaijan Open at Dreamland in September, undoubtedly it is the flagship golf event of the year in the country. The tournament is a fusion of corporate teams and member teams competing over two days in a team stableford competition. Complementing the tournament, the gala dinner and live entertainment are synonymous with the Azerbaijan Open.
The tournament is always well supported by sponsors with fantastic prize awards, including multiple IMG Prestige venues from around the world. This year will be no different as we continue to raise the bar.
Dreamland is a large complex and the development continues to grow. Can you provide an insight into future plans and services that will soon be offered at Dreamland?
Dreamland is the only golf residential facility in Baku and is situated close to the international airport, with less than a 10-minute drive. Dreamland Golf Hotel is a 42-key hotel adjacent to the Golf Academy, and a mere 75m walk from the hotel to the practice tee, which is one of the many reasons why guests should choose to stay at Dreamland.
A stylish new restaurant attached to the Nineteen Event Hall will open in the spring. Later in the year, Dreamland will welcome exciting new facilities with a well-appointed Leisure & Spa Club and an indoor kids adventure centre, including of a trampoline park, climbing wall, video arcade and much more, all of which will ensure Dreamland has something to offer everyone.
We are fortunate to have IMG’s support since 2014 and will continue to work closely with the team to offer the best possible experience to any golfer visiting Dreamland.
