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Sports on TV for Friday, Sept. 19

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 13:04 GMT by Associated Press
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Baku Sets Sights on Global Golf Stage with New Championship

In a bold bid to raise its profile as a destination for world‑class sports, Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, has just opened its doors to international golf. The city’s newly constructed Baku Golf Club, a sprawling 18‑hole championship‑standard course designed by world‑renowned architect Nick Faldo, will host the first edition of the European Golf Championship in September, a landmark event that promises to put Baku on the global golfing map.

A New Flagship Project

The Baku Golf Club sits on a 400‑acre plot on the outskirts of the city, overlooking the Caspian Sea. Completed in 2022, the course is the result of a public‑private partnership that involved the Azerbaijan Golf Federation, the city government and the Baku Golf Development Fund. According to the project’s chief architect, Nick Faldo, the design blends traditional links-style play with the lush, low‑lying terrain of the Caucasus region, creating a challenging layout that should appeal to both professional and amateur players alike.

“The goal was to create a world‑class venue that would attract the best golfers and spectators from across Europe and beyond,” Faldo told a press briefing held at the club’s new clubhouse. “Baku has the right climate, the right culture and the right infrastructure to host an event of this magnitude.”

The club’s facilities include a modern practice range, a full‑service pro shop, a luxury hotel that offers 200 rooms with sea‑view suites, and a spa that boasts a heated indoor pool and an on‑site golf clinic. The complex is built to accommodate 20,000 spectators, making it the largest sporting venue of its kind in the region.

The European Golf Championship: A New Competition

The European Golf Championship (EGC) is a newly created competition that is set to become the second most prestigious event in the European golf calendar after the Open Championship. Unlike the World Golf Championships, the EGC will bring together players from all of the top national golf associations in Europe. The inaugural tournament will feature 64 players, who will compete over 72 holes on the Baku Golf Club’s fairways and greens.

The event was announced in a joint press release from the European Golf Association (EGA) and the Azerbaijan Golf Federation on March 3. The EGA said that the championship would be played under a knockout format after the first 36 holes, making the competition fast‑paced and spectator‑friendly.

“We’re excited to welcome Baku as the host city for the first EGC,” said EGA President, Jan van der Heijden. “This tournament will showcase the best talent in European golf while providing a new venue that offers a unique cultural experience for players and fans alike.”

Economic and Cultural Impacts

Beyond the sporting spectacle, the EGC is part of a larger strategy by the Azerbaijani government to diversify its economy and promote tourism. The country has already been successful in hosting major sporting events, such as the 2015 European Athletics Indoor Championships and the 2021 World Wrestling Championships. With the Baku Golf Club and the EGC, officials hope to position the city as a year‑round hub for international sporting events.

“The Baku Golf Club and the European Golf Championship will create significant opportunities for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation providers,” said Baku Mayor, Aygun Ismayilova, at the opening ceremony. “Moreover, the event will showcase the culture and hospitality of Azerbaijan to a global audience, which is essential for our long‑term development goals.”

According to the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, the country expects to attract roughly 50,000 visitors to the championship, including players’ teams, media personnel, sponsors and fans. The influx is projected to generate an estimated $30 million in tourism revenue during the event’s duration, as well as additional economic spillovers in the city’s hospitality and retail sectors.

Player Perspectives

Professional golfers from across Europe have already expressed enthusiasm about the new championship. World Ranking number 12, Spain’s Sergio García, said he was “eager to experience Baku’s unique landscape” and to play on a course designed by Nick Faldo.

“I’ve played a lot of courses that are built on dunes or near water, but this one feels very distinct,” García told the AP. “The green speeds are moderate, and the bunkers are well‑placed. It should test our skills without being overly punishing.”

Another top contender, Sweden’s Jonny Johansson, highlighted the tournament’s format. “A knockout format after 36 holes is unusual for golf, and it will keep us and the audience engaged,” Johansson said. “It adds a layer of excitement that you don’t get with traditional stroke play.”

Future Aspirations

While the European Golf Championship will be a historic first for Baku, Azerbaijan has its sights set on even larger ambitions. The country has announced plans to bid for the 2026 Ryder Cup and to host the next edition of the PGA Tour’s “Dubai Classic.” According to the Azerbaijan Golf Federation, the success of the Baku Golf Club and the EGC will serve as a case study for future bid proposals.

“We’re proud to have delivered a world‑class venue that meets the highest standards of the sport,” said Federation President, Rauf Hajiyev. “If we can prove that Baku can host an event of this calibre, then there is no reason why we can’t be on the radar for larger events.”

A Look Ahead

As the European Golf Championship approaches, the world’s eyes will soon be on Baku. From the pristine greens of the Baku Golf Club to the bustling streets of the city, the event promises to bring together the finest players, a captivated audience and an unforgettable showcase of Azerbaijan’s hospitality and ambition.

Whether the championship will achieve the lofty goals set by its organizers remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Baku has taken a decisive step toward establishing itself as a prominent destination on the international sporting stage—an ambition that could reshape the sporting landscape of the Caucasus for years to come.