The National Azerbaijan Golf Club has been selected to host the 2014 European Challenge Tour Schedule. The first golf facility in this emerging golf destination will host the inaugural Azerbaijan Challenge Open July 31 – August 3, 2014.
I must admit this announcement surprised me for several reasons:
- Azerbaijan has to build up from scratch its golf life. The Azerbaijan Golf Federation joined the International Golf Federation only in 2013. Although country rich in oil, it might not be a problem (see the case of Abu Dhabi or Dubai)
- The National Azerbaijan Golf Club was opened by end of 2012. It is quite unusual that a golf club that has only 1 full year of operation was selected by the European Tour to host such an important golf event.
Anyway the purpose built championship 18-hole venue, located in Quba in the north-west of Azerbaijan, includes exceptional levels of golf course conditioning, and is complimented by extensive practice facilities and clubhouse with a wide array of amenities. The National Azerbaijan Golf Club will be managed by Troon Golf.