Global Edition

PGA National Russia Opens

8.27am 15th October 2012 - Course Development

Alexander Yarunin, President of the PGA National Russia, opening the course.

The stunning course at the Zavidovo Resort threw open its gates to 350 prospective members including British Embassy officials, representatives from Gleneagles owners Diageo and leading businessmen and women from Moscow.

Also among the special guests was lead designer Dave Sampson from European Golf Design.

Russiais an emerging market in golf and the PGA branded facility has been designed with a view to hosting professional golf tournaments including tour events in the future.

In addition the resort has created exciting career opportunities for PGA professionals with more set to follow when the clubhouse is officially opened in June next year.

PGA members are already involved at the resort, which is situated 100 miles north west of the Russian capital, with Phil Jones the golf operations manager, while Mike Braidwood is a consultant with Braemar Golf who manage the overall facility.

Robert Maxfield PGA property and commercial director, who visited the course, commented: “It is with great pleasure and pride that The PGA is able to associate its name with this impressive course that has the potential to be one of the best in Europe.

“The team behind this project has delivered a world class golf facility, and is committed to developing the game in Russia. We are currently working together on a range of initiatives to encourage junior golf development and look forward to seeing increasing participation.”

As well as being Russia’s first and only golf course to carry the prestigious PGA brand, the five-star facilities will include the new PGA National Golf Academy, consisting of a nine-hole golf course, putting and chipping greens, swing studios and a state-of-the-art teaching area.

Jeremy Slessor, managing director of EGD, commented: “For a developer in an emerging golf market to introduce a facility of this magnitude and quality is an incredible demonstration of the intent to grow the game in Russia.

“With potential for hosting European Tour events, the golf facility will become a landmark for Russian golf. A spotlight on the game here will naturally increase national interest in the sport and with the PGA National Golf Academy, there is nowhere better in Russia to learn and improve.”

PGA National Russia joins other PGA branded facilities including the PGA National Course and Academy at The Belfry in England, the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles Scotland, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup, the PGA Sultan course in Turkey as well as PGA Golf Academies in China at Bayhood No.9.

PGA news visit www.PGA.info

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