Former winning Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie, has officially opened the five-star Dreamland Golf Club in Baku, Azerbaijan.
A first for the country’s capital, designed by renowned golf architect Cynthia Dye, the 170-acre premium club was declared officially open by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, before Montgomerie struck the first shot on the championship course.
One of Europe’s most successful golfers, Montgomerie has made eight Ryder Cup appearances, won 48 titles worldwide and picked up a record breaking eight European Tour Order of Merit titles. Since moving to the senior ranks he has won three Major Championships, including back-to-back titles at the Senior PGA Championship.
Local junior golfers took part in an exclusive clinic with Montgomerie at the state-of-the-art Dreamland Golf Academy, which comprises two IMG performance studios featuring leading swing analysis technology, two-tiered driving range, and 9-hole par 3 short course, run by Head PGA Professional Michael Sweenie.
Current World Golf Trick Shot Champion, Geoff Swain, entertained the 100 local and international golfers and guests with his masterful unconventional golf shots.
An oasis on the Absheron Peninsula with native olive trees, ten lakes and golden bunkers providing exquisite views from fine and casual dining venues, Dreamland Golf Club was in top tournament condition as guests took part in an 18–hole Pro Am, where Montgomerie played the fourth hole with each group.
Speaking about the resort, Montgomerie said, “I’ve been to hundreds of golf courses in my career and this golf club and complex truly is right up there. From the quality of the course and villas at the resort to the hospitality in the clubhouse, the facility ticks all of the boxes. It’s really exciting to see golf being pushed to new territories such as Azerbaijan and having a course so close to Baku city centre will really help to get new golfers on to the course whilst the amazing academy facilities will help them hone their technique.”
CEO of The Dreamland Development Ismail Dalaman said, “It was an honour to have Colin here at our opening. As a world famous golfer with a series of former and current titles he is terrific ambassador for what is an emerging sport in Azerbaijan, as we seek to create our golfing legacy.
“Colin has a clear passion for developing young golfers and our juniors enjoyed an invaluable experience at his clinic. There is no better person to represent our ambitions as we position our club on the world’s stage, and we were delighted to extend our Azerbaijani hospitality – Colin is welcome here any time.”
Dreamland Golf Club www.dreamlandgolfclub.com
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