Management firm Braemar Golf has commenced the pre-opening phase of works at the PGA National Russia golf club, which it is to operate on behalf of developers Zavidovo Golf.

Braemar was also responsible for construction management at the course, along with local contractor Geokam. With the main course build now complete, Braemar’s team will move into a grow-in phase, while also starting to recruit management and operations staff. Pre opening marketing services, procurement of operating equipment and establishing operating systems and procedures are now under way.

Braemar MD Keith Haslam said: “We believe golf is a sleeping giant in Russia and during the pre-opening phase one of our key objectives is to grow interest in the game.”

PGA National Russia is the centre piece of a 1,300 ha masterplanned community in Tver Region of Russia, on the shores of the Ivankovskoye reservoir adjoining the Volga River, 90 km away from Moscow. The golf course has been designed by Dave Sampson of European Golf Design and will open fully in summer 2012.