In this European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) episode of The Greenprint, Leighton Walker is joined by Gary Johnston of European Golf Design and Tim Lobb of Lobb + Partners to explore the opportunities and challenges of developing golf in emerging markets. Drawing on decades of experience across destinations including Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Kazakhstan, the Caribbean, Albania and the Middle East, they discuss what makes these markets so exciting for golf course architects – and what it takes to turn an individual project into a successful golf destination.
A major focus of the conversation is Turkey, and particularly the Belek region, which provides perhaps the clearest example of how strategic planning can transform an emerging golf market. Gary and Tim explain how government, tourism authorities, developers and hotel groups worked together to create a cluster of courses that now attracts golfers from around the world. The discussion looks at why scale, accessibility, accommodation and variety of golf courses have been so important to Turkey's success, while also considering the lessons that other emerging destinations can take from the model.
The conversation also explores what happens behind the scenes when architects enter a country with little or no existing golf infrastructure. Education, local contractors, greenkeeping skills, construction materials, water supply and maintenance all become critical considerations. Gary and Tim discuss the importance of designing around local conditions and resources, from using locally available materials in Egypt to managing extreme climates and water challenges in places such as Kazakhstan and the Middle East. Sustainability is a recurring theme, particularly around desalination, treated effluent, landscape design and avoiding unnecessary reliance on imported materials.
Finally, the conversation looks ahead to where the next generation of emerging golf markets could come from, with Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, the wider Middle East, Africa and parts of Eastern Europe all highlighted as areas with potential. Gary and Tim also reflect on how working across different cultures, climates and landscapes has influenced their own approach to golf course design. From the challenges of remote projects to the satisfaction of seeing local teams take ownership, the message is clear: emerging markets may be more difficult, but they can also provide some of the most rewarding and creative opportunities in golf course architecture. A big thanks to Tim and Gary for giving up their time!
Check out the EIGCA website here:
https://eigca.org/
Lobb & Partners
European Golf Design - EGD
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