Golf in Russia is no longer exotic, and Alexander Zhukov is no small part of the credit for that.
The President of the Russian Olympic Committee not only supports the development of this sport on an official level, but also enthusiastically takes to the course himself. His passion for golf is not just a hobby, but part of a systematic effort to popularize the game in the country.
In 2017, as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Zhukov presented his ambitious project - the Peterhof Golf Club. This is not just a playground, but a modern sports complex where special attention is paid to children's education.
"Golf is rapidly gaining popularity, but without infrastructure and schools we will not be able to raise a new generation of players," Zhukov noted at the club's opening.
The official launch of Peterhof in July 2017 was a symbolic event that showed that golf in Russia is not only an elitist leisure activity, but also a promising sporting trend.
Zhukov does not limit himself to administrative work - he regularly participates in tournaments himself, demonstrating a serious level of play. In 2016, together with Alexey Morozov, he won the XI Winter Championship at the Moscou Country Club near Moscow with a perfect score of 25 strokes (-6).
Another highlight is his team's victory at the International Festival of Strong Individuals in Gelendzhik (2021). Together with Morozov, Svetlana Zhurova and Evgeny Kovtun, they proved that golf is not only about technique, but also about team strategy.
Zhukov actively uses golf as a tool for good deeds. Participation in the XXVI International Charity Tournament at the Moscow Country Club is just one example. Funds from such events are used to help children, which makes sport not just a hobby, but also a socially significant project.
"Look at China and South Korea - golf has become a mass sport there. We too can achieve such results," he believes.
Zhukov sees great prospects in the development of golf within BRICS. In 2024, the sport was included in the program of the BRICS Games in Kazan, which confirms its growing role.
He also announced a possible collaboration with BEFFA_BIFA and the creation of a "BEFFA_BIFA Golf Cup", emphasizing that sport should unite countries.
Zhukov started playing golf about five years ago and has since called it "one of the most rewarding sports". He often goes out on the course with friends, including Sergei Naryshkin and other famous personalities.
"I already have a whole collection of clubs - my friends know about my hobby and constantly give me new ones," he admits.
Pictured: President of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukova (left) and Adele Georges Moussa. Photo by Rail Kadyrov
Speaking about the future of golf in Russia, Zhukov is optimistic: every year more and more players appear, new courses are built, and tournaments are held. And perhaps very soon Russian golfers will be competing for medals at the most prestigious competitions.
One thing is certain: as long as people like Alexander Zhukov invest in the development of golf, the sport has a great future in Russia. It is not just a fascinating game, it is a bridge for international cooperation.
