The forthcoming Kazan Golf and Ski resort, being built near the capital of the Russian republic of Tatarstan, will now be a 27 hole development.

Design firm Harradine Golf's plans for a third nine at the resort have been approved by the client in Kazan, meaning that the resort will now comprise 27 holes of golf, two hotels, 500 chalets and artificial hills that have been built for use as ski slopes in winter.

“The first eighteen holes are quite spectacular but the third loop is even more incredible as it includes seven artificial lakes nestled along the natural valley and stream meanders through the course,” said Peter Harradine. “There is a difference in level between the top and bottom holes of 90 metres. The views to the distant Volga are exceptional and the holes play along, towards, across and away from the valley offering various golfing options and challenges.”

Surveyors have begun staking out the third nine to enable 10m corridors to be cut in some of the woods that line the valley. “This is ideal winter work in a region where temperatures can reach -25 Celsius,” said Harradine. Before beginning earthworks, Harradine will inspect the various corridors and move some of the fairway boundaries, greens and tees to preserve most of the individual specimen trees.