European Golf Design’s award-winning debut project in Russia, PGA National, is set to open this summer.
The classic style course, featuring distinctive heather-clad bunkers is situated next to a tributary of Europe’s longest river, the Volga, and is similar in appearance to a traditional heathland course.
Designed and constructed to European Tour standards, the course was voted the Best New Design in Russia 2011 by Moscow’s leading real estate magazine, Magazin, and forms part of a new, world-class golf and academy facility within the 1,300-hectare Zavidovo Resort Community, 130km north west of Moscow.
As well as being Russia’s first and only golf course to carry the prestigious PGA title, 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.
Russian developer OPIN briefed EGD, the golf course design company of the European Tour and IMG, to create a course capable of hosting professional tour events as well as being playable and enjoyable for Russia’s new golfing public.
Dave Sampson, EGD’s Project Designer, said: “When we first visited the site, which is surrounded by pine and birch forest, it was clear that a heathland style course would be appropriate.
“Although naturally beautiful, the landscape lacked strong physical features, but we were able to improve the aesthetics and introduce a strategic element to the course by enhancing the streams and ditches running across the terrain.”
PGA National Russia will become home to the Russian National Golf team and has signed a sponsorship agreement with Ladies European Tour star Maria Verchenova, who will become an ambassador for the resort and work to boost national participation in golf.
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 Golf Academy, there is nowhere better in Russia to learn and improve.”
Nine holes at PGA National Russia will open for play in July 2012, while all 18 holes are set to open in September. The PGA Golf Academy is scheduled to open in late 2013.
Bordering a 1,250km² nature reserve, the PGA National Russia golf course benefits from the backdrop of the picturesque Zavidovo countryside, which serves as a home to one of the official vacation residences of the President of Russia. On completion, the resort will include 5,000 dwellings, two marinas and a vibrant town centre.
The title of ‘PGA National’ is limited to one golf course per country or major region and carries with it the PGA’s stamp of approval. It joins a family of courses that include Ryder Cup venues The Belfry, England, and Gleneagles, Scotland, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup.
EGD has significant experience designing golf courses capable of hosting major events including the critically acclaimed 2010 Ryder Cup venue, The Twenty Ten Course at the Celtic Manor Resort, Wales.
EGD www.egd.com
. Over the water approach at PGA National Russia.jpg