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Russia’s first professional golf field marks 23rd anniversary
The golf field of GlavUpDK’s affiliate, Moscow Country Club, a favorite Russian destination of the diplomatic corps for holiday and sports, marked its 23rd anniversary on September 2.
The idea to build a golf field in Russia originated in the 1970s. It was promoted by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Malaysia Golf Champion V.N. Kuznetsov, the then head of the Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps under the MFA of the Soviet Union (the predecessor of GlavUpDK) who initiated the project on behalf of Russia. A protocol between Armand Hammer and UpDK under the MFA of the Soviet Union on the U.S. assistance to the project was signed at the Soviet-U.S. meeting chaired by Michael Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan in Moscow on June 1, 1988.
The golf field was a token of the new era and the ongoing transformations in the country. Construction of Russia’s first professional 18-hole golf field of 7,174 square yards began in Nakhabino, Moscow region, in 1989.
The field was an exclusive project of the U.S. architect dynasty of Trent Jones. Robert Trent Jones Sr. started working on the golf field’s relief; he had a challenging task of harmonizing the natural landscape with high international golf standards. The project was put into life by his son, Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The vast construction and economic experience of GlavUpDK made the unprecedented undertaking possible: the field, which was unique even by international standards, emerged on a swamp to introduce Russia to a new sport.
Eighteen holes of the Moscow Country Club golf field were commenced on September 2, 1994. Specialists and players appreciated the impeccable creation of the architect and builders.
Nowadays, the Moscow Country Club golf club is a privileged world-class business and sport center. It plays host to international golf tournaments, meetings and conferences of world and Russian business communities. The resort is popular with golf professionals and amateurs.
The prestigious International Charity Golf Tournament established itself as an annual event held by Moscow Country Club in 1996. Heads of foreign diplomatic missions accredited in Russia and young golf players participate in the tournament. The Club will host a stage of the high-status European tournament, Russian Open 2018, next year.
At present, the Moscow Country Club golf club has 480 permanent active members. None of other Russian golf clubs can boast similar membership. For novices’ convenience, the club rents golf equipment, such as clubs, balls and pull carts, and offers individual golf lessons. There is the Children’s Golf Academy for young fans of the game. Skills can be mastered by use of the golf simulator.
