Construction at Gorky Golf Club well underway 

Work at Russia’s Gorky Golf course located 60 kilometres southwest of St. Petersburg is proceeding on schedule. Construction began during the first half of August and has so far included cut and fill as well as rough shaping. The contours of the first seven holes, the driving range, and the academy are already visibly emerging from the landscape. The furthest along are the parallel holes No. 2 and 3, each par-4s. Work will continue through the winter months as weather permits, and is scheduled to be completed during 2012.

Five D6 and D8 bulldozers ready for work.

Gorky Golf is being built by the Russian contractor Geokam who earlier this year, along with the Scottish firm Braemar Golf, completed Golf Club Zavidovo PGA National Russia near Moscow.

The course area is like a giant crater whose every crevice is visible at once. In the photo, hole No. 4 after cutting.

Onsite, construction is managed by the American Bobby Kirkwood, a native of Atlanta with over 24 years experience building golf courses. Under his leadership, courses have been built in the US, Mexico, China and Russia. In addition, he’s collaborated with the following course architects and design firms: Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills & Steve Forrest and Michael Hurzdan. The lead shaper for this project is another American, Scott Winchester, and project management for the client is being handled by Stephen Harrod from Scotland.

Returning from lunch (left) Bobby Kirkwood, LP Tilander, Scott Winchester and Stephen Harrod.