Golf gradually conquers Russia

Just a few years ago golf was a practically unknown sport in Russia but now it is becoming fashionable, with many Russians getting out on the course, and top business executives and celebrities making it part of their lifestyle.

The past winter has been kind to golfers. Moscow’s usually harsh climate means that the playing season can be as short as six months. Once the snow sets in, the city's golfers head for simulators or indoor driving ranges.

“New horizons of Russian Golf” – a Moscow city Government project – announced the building of 10 golf courses over the next five years.  It includes a hundred hectare course near the Moscow River in the city centre.

The building program will triple the existing number of courses.

It's expected that the number of players will grow from 5,000 to 25,000 over the next few years. And Russia could soon be producing professional players to match the country’s recent success in tennis.

“Moscow is one of the spots with a real priority for the Russian Golf Association due to the economic situation and a lot of tourists coming,” Konstantin Kozhevnikov, President of the Golf Association of Russia predicts.

Moscow currently has only two 18-hole courses in addition to the nine-hole Moscow City Golf Club, which opened in 1987. Fees are beyond the reach of most Russians. Membership of the Moscow golf club costs $US 75,000.

“It is very important for me to develop golf being the President of the Federation. Now we understand real estate in golf is a profitable business because you organize the best location,” Igor Malyshkov, President of Moscow City Golf Club underscores.

Besides weather conditions, golf equipment is very expensive in Russia. A full golf set costs $US 1,000.

“If you play golf seriously, it is of course very expensive because to take classes from a qualified coach is not cheap,” Galina Rotmistrova, professional golfer remarks.

Even so, investment is pouring in. The Moscow Mayor is taking bids from private developers to build the new courses. He is planning to set aside 250 acres in central Moscow for one venue, a remarkable commitment given soaring land values for property development.