Finnish architect Lassi Pekka Tilander has begun construction at the new Gorky Golf Course in Russia.

Located 60km southwest of St Petersburg, the Gorky club will be the first eighteen hole course in the region of Russia’s second city. The project will also include up to 250 houses and a hotel.

Construction started during August, with cut and fill operations plus rough shaping already underway. Work will continue throughout the winter when weather conditions permit it, and the build is planned for completion during 2012, with the golf course scheduled to open the following year.

Russian contractor Geokam, which was involved with the construction of the PGA National Russia course near Moscow, is handling the build.