Construction of new nine hole golf course in Russia has almost finished. The course, at the Sorochany resort, around 80kms north of Moscow, has been in development for almost five years. British firm Swan Golf Designs is in charge of the project.

Originally a water skiing centre, the resort’s developers and operators have diversified to add other sports on the site, including a golf course to sit alongside the community of villas and impressive aquatic facility. SGD principal Howard Swan first visited in 2006, when only three golf courses existed in the Russian capital. Swan went on to plan a golf complex as an integral part of the wider recreational centre, including a nine hole course, a range and an academy. The resort also includes a 45,000 cu m lake for watersports, fishing and boating; the excavations needed to build this lake provided the material needed to build the par 31, 1885 metre golf course. The course is now being grown in and, given good weather, will open in the spring of 2011. It will be an addition to the range which was played for the first time last year. 

Howard Swan says: “The Sorochany resort has recognised the need to cater for the new and growing golfing market in Russia. The facilities it offers mean the sport can now be introduced to more than just the richest and the country’s potential as a golfing nation can be nurtured.”