Construction progress at the PGA National Russia continues at pace, with the first holes recently approved for seeding by Dave Sampson, European Golf Design’s architect, now green! The schedule remains on target for the golf course to be open in 2012.
The Braemar construction team with local contracting partner Geokam, managed by Golf Courses Director Jonathan Pendry and onsite by David Gosson & Bobby Kirkwood returned to site in April after the winter break. The world class shaping team of Scott Laughlin, Steve Crotty & Tom Simpson have completed shaping and have transformed the the site into what will be a stunning golf course, surrounded by mature woodland and have brought the architect’s vision to reality.
The construction partnership between Braemar Golf & GeoKam and the training of local people in golf course building is now complete, with great emphasis being placed on the delivery of quality. A unique feature of the project are the heather clad bunkers. Planted from nursery pots and placed with great care, the bunkers will be strategically demanding but beautiful features.
The team are now beginning to see the fruits of their endeavours. The quality of the work and the finishing is un-rivalled with Paul Avison then managing the seeding and grow and bringing the course to life. Seeding will continue until approximately mid September before the temperatures drop too low for complete coverage to be achieved and will be finished early in the season 2011.
The course should have some limited play in late 2011 with a planned opening of the course and impressive clubhouse and suites in summer of 2012. The PGA National Russia is set to be the centre piece of the Zavidovo Golf & Lake Resort.
Braemar Golf www.braemargolf.co.uk
Zavidovo Golf & Lake Resort www.zavidovo.com/en/golf_course_and_academy