Monty opens new golf club in Azerbaijan

A first for the country’s capital, ​the 170-acre club was declared officially open by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev before ​Mr ​Montgomerie struck the first shot on the championship course.

Harrogate-born Phil Jones is general manager of the Dreamland Golf Club​,​ which​ was designed by renowned golf architect Cynthia Dye,​

Guests took part in an 18–hole Pro Am, where Mr Montgomerie played the fourth hole with each group.​ ​​The club is billed as an oasis on the Absheron Peninsula with native olive trees, 10 lakes and golden bunkers providing excellent views from fine and casual dining venues,

One of Europe’s most successful golfers, ​Mr ​Montgomerie has made eight Ryder Cup appearances, won 48 titles worldwide and picked up a record breaking eight European Tour Order of Merit titles. Since moving to the senior ranks he has won three Major Championships, including back-to-back titles at the Senior PGA Championship.

Local junior golfers took part in an exclusive clinic with ​Mr ​Montgomerie at the state-of-the-art Dreamland Golf Academy, which ​has two IMG performance studios featuring leading swing analysis technology, two-tiered driving range, and 9-hole par 3 short course, run by ​h​ead PGA ​p​rofessional Michael Sweenie.

Mr ​Montgomerie said: "I’ve been to hundreds of golf courses in my career and this golf club and complex truly is right up there.

"From the quality of the course and villas at the resort to the hospitality in the clubhouse, the facility ticks all of the boxes. It’s really exciting to see golf being pushed to new territories such as Azerbaijan.”