Skolkovo Golf Club will play host to the ninth edition of the M2M Russian Open in 2015, with The European Tour set to descend upon the nation’s capital once again from September 3-6 this year.
This latest host venue, designed by 18-time Major Champion Jack Nicklaus, is spread out over 100 hectares of eye-catching parkland and sure to not only provide another intriguing instalment to The Race to Dubai, but allow players and spectators alike to enjoy everything Moscow has to offer.
Located within close proximity of the centre of Moscow and the city’s two international airports, the 18-hole layout boasts six large lakes and 113 strategically placed bunkers that are sure to test the field when they arrive to contest the €1 million prize fund later this year.
Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of The European Tour, said: “We are very pleased to be returning to Moscow for the M2M Russian Open, and it is with great anticipation that we welcome Skolkovo Golf Club to our International Schedule for the first time. This impressive venue is sure to test the field come September, and its proximity to the capital city should make for another fine tournament in 2015.
“We would also like to thank M2M Private Bank in this, their third year of support, for their help in staging this event since its return to the schedule in 2013.”
Tatyana Yakubovich, PR & Marketing Director, M2M Private Bank, added: “We are very happy to once again be providing our support to this important golf tournament in 2015, and as always, we will do our best to make sure it acts as a stepping stone through which people of all ages can get more involved with the game of golf here in Russia in the years to come.”
Marat Bogatyrev, Member of the Board at Skolkovo Golf Club, said: “We have a keen interest in the development of the game, and with our proximity to Moscow, expect a large number of spectators to come to our club to see the top players from The European Tour playing risk and reward golf to make lots of birdies and eagles.
“Jack Nicklaus has created his signature course, and hosting the M2M Russian Open will be the culmination of all of the efforts that have gone into making Skolkovo Golf Club one of Europe’s top venues.”
Last July saw England’s David Horsey win his third European Tour title in Russia, his first for three years, when he triumphed over Irishman Damian McGrane in a play-off at Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club, host venue for the previous two seasons.
The Russian Open was first staged as part of The European Tour in 2003 and won by Australia’s Marcus Fraser. A further five events followed, with triumphs for England’s Gary Emerson, Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares, Per-Ulrik Johansson of Sweden and two titles for compatriot Mikael Lundberg.
After a four year hiatus, Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey returned victorious in 2013, before Horsey took the crown last year.
