First-ever golf course opens in Turkmenistan
ASHGABAT (TCA) — The opening of the first golf course in Turkmenistan took place in the capital Ashgabat on October 17 with the participation of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reported. The ceremony gathered the chairperson of the Mejlis (Turkmen parliament), members of the Government, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, and mass media. The new golf club occupies more than 70 hectares and is located in the south-west part of the capital, next to fashionable Yilduz Hotel. The golf club includes administration and operation facilities, an 18-hole course, four artificial ponds and one spring, and open and underground parking lots for 90 vehicles. Design and consulting works were carried out by Nicklaus Design from the USA, whose head Jack Nicklaus was met by President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov several times to discuss the opportunities of the golf development in the country. The presence of the golf course meeting the highest criteria of similar facilities will allow holding international championships and world tournaments in the Turkmen capital, as well as attracting more tourists. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan noted that the Turkmen government pays special attention to development of mass physical training, sports and Olympic movement. All these measures support wide implementation of a healthy life style, achievement of success of Turkmen sport and recognition of Turkmenistan as a world-class sport center.
