Nowadays golf is not something new for
Russia. But mini-golf is just taking the first steps in this country, and these
steps are quite successful. The rapidly growing interest in this game can be
explained in the first place by its exciting character, accessibility to all
sections of the population, its democratic nature, the possibility to play it
at practically all ages, and the relative simplicity of the facilities required
(golf courses).
The recently set up Mini-Golf Federation
of Russia with Alexander Kuptsov as its head united enthusiasts from Moscow,
St. Petersburg, Samara, Perm, Omsk, Togliatti, Izhevsk, Kaliningrad, Moscow Region and other regions of the
country. It is a full corporate member of the World Mini-Golf Federation. A
series of competitions, including the Cup of Russia, has already been held. Our
golfers took part in a number of international friendly tournaments, scoring
appreciable successes.
The official presentation of the new
federation took place in Moscow – on a mini-golf course of the Grant Club
situated on the roof of a five-storey building. The ceremony culminated in a
tournament in which the guests crossed their putters, i.e. clubs. The victory
was gained by Nikolai Akayomov, director of the “Golf Academy” Children’s
Health-Building Centre located outside Moscow. Web-designer Anna Kirillova, who
played for Moscow Life, became one of the ten strongest golfers.
Earlier the “running in” by competitions
was passed by the Chaika and Spartak mini-golf clubs of Moscow.
Margarita BALAKIREVA.