Tue, Feb 09 2010

Bulgaria needs 30 golf courses to be on the global map

Mon, Feb 02 2009 11:59 CET 2152 Views 7 Comments


Golf as an industry has a tremendous potential for development in Bulgaria, yet until now it constitutes only 0.1 per cent of the economy within the industry sector with only four golf courses approved by the European Golf Association EGA.

Two more courses will open in 2009-2010, but industry experts believe that for Bulgaria to be competitive on the global golf market, as well as contribute additionally to the industry sector, entrepreneurs must think of ways to build no less than 30 more European-standard golf courses, as stated by council member of regional development Asen Gagauzov and Dzhevdzed Chakurov – minister of Environment and Water, Stroitelstvo Gradut reports.

The formulated task force also consists of members from the head of the National Agency of Tourism Anelia Krushkova, Deputy Minister of Regional Development Savin Kovachev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Byurhan Abazov and Deputy Environment and Water Minister, Chavdar Georgiev.

The development of Bulgaria's golf industry would extend the summer season on the Black Sea coast from a current five months up to 10 months.

The idea is to develop the industry and attract an increasing number of upper-class affluent tourists to Bulgaria. The four golf courses in Bulgaria, currently approved by the EGA, are St Sofia, nearby Ravno Pole, outside of Sofia, Bleksirama and Lighthouse, near Balchik and Pirin Golf, on the outskirts of Razlog.

In 2009 and 2010, two more golf courses, Tration Cliffs near Cavarna and Golf Club Ibur, 10km from the ski resort of Borovetz, will be inaugurated.

One of the many reasons hindering the development of golf in Bulgaria is the lack of appropriate terrain. For an 18-hole course, 1000ha is needed, 500ha for a nine hole course. It is nearly impossible to acquire such land from a single investor. The high prices, of 10 or more euro per sq m, also make these inaccessible to investors simply because the entire 1000 ha area would be too expensive an investment. Research into the potential for new golf fields across the country could reap benefits. Green areas near small and isolated villages would put them on the map and contribute to the local industry, as well as promote the country's golf industry as a whole.

According to international practice, a municipality usually grants over a long period of time  a large parcel of unused grassland to an investor who then builds build a lucrative facility. Those practices, however, have not been sanctioned in Bulgaria. The industry's future is likely to see government or municipal lands allotted to companies and then have them managed by a mixture of private businesses and local municipalities.
 

Comments

Anonymous Keith Lake Wed, Jan 27 2010 15:02 CET
Inappropriate comment?

Along with about 30 others I have invested in a development on the premise of the golf course at to be built at Kableshkovo. Since the cutting the first turf ceremony we have heard nothing. The Bulgaria Golfing Association is unaware of any plans for this project, so have we, and all the others who considered this the main reason for buying in Bulgaria been misled?

Why is it difficult to get answers and can The Echo help in getting them ?

Keith,
Chairman
Salt Lake Owners Group ( SLOG )

Anonymous Nick Thu, Oct 15 2009 12:56 CET
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Anyone knows if the Kabland golf course in kableskovo (hijata) will actually start?

Anonymous Ron Macmillan Wed, Jun 24 2009 21:37 CET
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i have done an article on this in the past,and since then i have found out that the golf course does not encroach the nature reserve and no objection is lodged by envoiromental issues any longer and this was posted in the press so why is there no comment being made to date about a commence date for construction

AnonymousRaphael Delstanche - Golf Contractor Tue, May 05 2009 09:28 CET

This comment has been removed by the moderator because it contained

Anonymous Paul Sun, Mar 08 2009 23:54 CET
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Message to Ron Macmillan.I too have invested alot of money near to village of Laka, buying land and having it regulated.I was convinced to do so due to the fact the 'Black Sea Golf Course' was shortly to be starte. I believe Lukoil Platinum Dev own the land and won a grant to develop the land. Nothing has happened and I wonder if these golf courses are all just talk to get the surrounding land sold.

Anonymous Nigel Watson Sat, Mar 07 2009 21:20 CET
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I have seen the approved plans for a golf course 9 km east of Pamporovo and 5 km north of the village of Momchilovtsi.The proposed site is next to the Momchilovtsi Snowboard Park.Has anybody heard of any movement about its starting date ? Please send any relevant info to mailto:Franandig@hotmail.com [ Village hotelier. ]

Anonymous martin.callaghan2@ntlworld.com Thu, Mar 05 2009 17:43 CET
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why is there not alot of flights flying to bulgaria from belfast in Northern Ireland it a pity as there would be alot of interest

Anonymous ron macmillan Thu, Mar 05 2009 01:50 CET
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why was there an opening ceremony in oct. 2008 at the golf project in kableschkovo stating this was the start of construction,by the mayor AND the developers but was then suspended in january 2008 when no construction certficate had been granted to do so.and when you ask this question to the mayor office you dont get a reply,of any kind can your newspaper get this answered for the people who bought land in good faith from the stories your paper published on this project

Anonymous alex hill Wed, Mar 04 2009 11:50 CET
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why is there no golf courses in the south east area (sunny beach)
to be built, with all new property there they will be full with golfers even out of holiday season

Anonymous john Thu, Feb 12 2009 22:04 CET
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Do you know are there any plans to start the kabland golf course ik kableshkovo near bourgas.

Anonymous Jerry Lemons Mon, Feb 02 2009 22:10 CET
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Our Golf Course Design firm is looking for projects in Bulgaria. Anyone who has a good networking ability should contact me at lemonsgolfdesign.com

Anonymous jan g. schrasser,president and ceo royal bulgarian ltd. golf.ski.travel & real estate Mon, Feb 02 2009 17:05 CET
Inappropriate comment?

your article is a proof of the fact that building an industry is not very easy and re: to professionals

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