It might not be the first place that springs to mind for a golf trip abroad, but Kazakhstan is actually no stranger to golf, even at a professional level.

Golf fans amongst you will, of course, know the Kazakhstan Open, a professional men’s tournament on the European Tour’s Challenge Tour, which was held annually from 2005 for 14 consecutive years, with a generous prize fund of €450,000.

The event, which was originally played at Nurtau Golf Club in Almaty, alternated between Nurtau and Zhailjau Golf Resort, and has featured the likes of Tommy Fleetwood and Edoardo Molinari claiming the title!

But now, the country has stepped up its plans in the golf scene by opening its first indoor golf facility, “The Bunker.”

Located in the Rixos Almaty Hotel, The Bunker has just opened its doors as the region’s first-ever indoor golf centre, perfectly timed as the current temperature outside is -9°C. Powered by Foresight Sports Europe, the venue has taken over a former basement nightclub that had been sitting unused for over five years.

Boasting five private golf simulator bays, along with all the usual mod cons you’d expect from indoor virtual golf, The Bunker also offers a lounge and bar for members, hotel guests, and walk-ins.

 

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Jeremy Kavanagh, Golf Industry Consultant at JPK Enterprises Limited, said: “A few months ago, I got a call from a friend saying he wanted to open an indoor golf venue in Almaty, and he wanted to do it before Christmas. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t have been possible, but I knew that in Kazakhstan, if there’s a will, they’ll find a way. So, I accepted his invitation to work on the project.”

“With that, I chose Foresight Sports Europe as the technology partner, as they were the only company I felt could provide the complete solution needed to deliver this project in such a short time. The combination of Foresight’s expertise and working with fantastic professionals on the ground in Almaty helped us achieve the almost impossible: opening The Bunker just 60 days after the project started!”

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve collectively created in such a short time—not only bringing something new and unique to the region for existing golfers to enjoy, but also creating a facility that will help grow the game in this fantastic country.”

Foresight Sports Europe’s EMEA Sales Manager, James Stewart, added: “We are thrilled to have played such a major part in the opening of the first commercial facility in Kazakhstan to use Foresight Sports’ cutting-edge golf simulator technology.

“The Bunker really is a ‘game changer’ and promises to revolutionise the golfing experience in the area.”

Main Image: Supplied by The Bunker