Source:  Traveling Golfers Guide (reprinted with permission)

Nasser Farzaneh, Managing Director of the Spanish Iranian Company "Anglo Hispano Spain" revealed today in an interview with The Travelling Golfer's Guide that his company is well into its plans to create a golf and sports development in Iran. "We have been sitting on them for a couple of years", he admitted "But it wasn't the time to launch such a revolutionary project, especially as it is centered around Golf. This will be the first golf course development in Iran, but we are sure it certainly won't be the last".

"Over the past two years we have been in touch with a major consortium in Iran to back the project, but with international politics as they were we bided our time. We feel that the moment has now arrived".

"We have called it Cyrus Park after the famous Iranian King Cyrus the Great, who around 2500 years ago laid down a human rights charter which was more just and comprehensive than either the declaration laid down after the French civil war in the eighteenth century or the United Nations charter issued in the nineteenth century".

"Having seen how popular this type of development has become in Spain I am sure something similar would be well received by Iranians", he said, adding: "Golf has never caught on in Iran, but I feel that is because, not only has it a reputation as a decadent Western sport, but also no-one has bothered to present it properly as a sport for all ages which dates back to well over six hundred years. Golf brings out the best in everyone who plays the game as it is based on trust and truth". He continued: "To develop the game in Iran we intend to establish a golf academy to teach both men and women from 7 to 70 years old. We are aware there are already some golfers within Iran because of the good work being done by the Iranian Golf Federation with whom we will work to promote this addictive outdoor sport." 

 Farzaneh added: "Even to those who are not sports-minded the delightful surroundings of a well designed and maintained golf course present pleasant views and a serene ambiance in which to live. The property that is planned for the first course will range from town houses, apartments to individual villas. We will also develop 100-bedroom golf hotel overlooking the course to attract the golf tourist market, which thrives very well in Europe, Southeast Asia and North and South America. I am sure this development will be the first of many that we hope to create."

Enlarging on his company's planning Farzaneh said: "Although our major market will naturally be within Iran there are millions of Iranian ex-pats throughout the world who want to have a positive link with their country of origin. This we intend to provide with a timeshare operation which I am sure will appeal to this large body of nationals who want to be able to visit their country and relatives as well as having an affordable tangible asset within the country".

Farzaneh further commented: "We have already spent a considerable amount of time and money on market research and produced some delightful visionary evidence of what we will achieve, together with detailed plans of a residential golf academy and clubhouse. These illustrations back up our claims that this first full eighteen hole layout, which will be situated within an easy distance from Tehran, will be popular to golfers and non-golfers alike from its inception.

For the benefit of those knowing nothing about the game he added: "A full size golf course consists of 18 holes, each one varying in length and hazards challenging the skills of each individual player. His score at the end of play is the total sum of the times he has hit the ball before achieving holing the ball on each of the 18 holes. It may sound easy, but it isn't and the skill of the player only improves with practice. It is a satisfying sport and a healthy one, played over grass, providing a pleasant outdoor experience and exercise".

"The first phase is planned for 27 holes, which will give the golfer the choice of three different 18 hole layouts that he can play. An additional 18 hole layout is planned according to demand. It is essential and our intention to make sure that golfing areas are ecologically friendly with guidelines laid down by an international body regarding watering, fertilising, including construction and maintenance of the area".

The time required to construct a golf course, seed it and allow grass to grow strong enough for play is 2.5 to 3 years during which time the clubhouse and other constructions such as the hotel can be built.

He continued: "Practice is an ongoing necessity for all players and a pleasurable one. A driving range not only provides practice facilities, but is also a popular social area. It is intended that a golf academy will be a major feature and attraction to Cyrus Golf Park. The academy would have all that is required to teach the game to players of all ages by professional golfers who will also handle the organisation for golf tournaments. Such a facility would be marketed not only to local clientele, but used as an amenity for hotel guests. The promotion of junior golf would be a priority to popularise the sport for its ongoing success".

Turning to accommodation for tourists Farzaneh said: "A four-star 100-bedroom hotel, limited in height to only two floors - ground and first - with full amenities including gymnasium, health spa, quality restaurants, swimming pools, etc in luxury surroundings will be constructed. Facilities will be available for small management conferences. Here again investment opportunities are also available for those who wish to purchase a suite and benefit not only from its increasing value, but its annual income. If all the rooms and suites are bought by investors all that would be needed is a management company to handle the ongoing running of the hotel for the benefit of these investors".

With regard to private property, he said: "Investment in property can be made in respect of villas, townhouses and apartments. Luxury villas designed to individual preferences will be available in selective areas throughout the Park. Within the whole development there will be approximately ten village areas. Attractive townhouses will be available with a two-story - ground and first - layout, ranging from one to three bedrooms in size. All rooms are generously proportioned with high ceilings. Clusters of apartments will be built throughout the development, self contained with a maximum height of two stories in blocks of varying sizes, giving a quieter and more personal feeling to the urbanization".

Enlarging on other facilities that will be available: "In tandem with golf, soccer and general athletics training facilities are also under consideration as many sportsmen and women enjoy golf as a relaxing pastime after their training. A tennis centre with a similar set-up as the golf academy will feature in the planning of the development. Polo is also being considered as it was first created in Iran over 2000 years ago and is still very popular in many parts of the world. This will require playing fields, stabling and an equestrian club. We will also create a race track". He added: "A comprehensive shopping centre with selected representation would be provided to cater for all residents and visitors.  A medical centre would also be established. The final touch to Cyrus Golf Park will be a large conference centre and exhibition hall with the latest IT technology and communications with simultaneous translation for approximately 2.500 delegates".

Summing up Farzaneh commented: "We know it's an ambitious project, but I am convinced it will be popular and it will work plus it will help Iran's economy with the amount of jobs that will be created. Similar developments on a smaller scale will sprout like mushrooms -- you mark my words".

Nasser Farzaneh can be contacted on: info@anglohispanospain.com or nasserfarzaneh@hotmail.com.

... Payvand News - 11/11/09 ... --