Maldives to build world’s most expensive and unique 18-hole floating golf course
The Republic of Maldives, located slightly above the equator in the vast Indian Ocean, is planning to build a floating golf course which will be the first of its kind in the world.
The series of holes with their respective tee grounds, fairways and greens will be connected via under water tunnels. There will also be a series of floating hotels and restaurants which will also be accessible through these tunnels. The plan was laid out
by the Waterstudio and the technical support will be provided by the floating-architectural experts Dutch Docklands. The technical expertise in the course design will be provided by The Troon Golf.
Although the design will be similar to that of the Dubai Palm Beach, which will feature mammoth amounts of sand poured in to create new islands, the project will have zero footprints on its environment unlike the one in Dubai. The design will efficiently
utilise the abundant sunshine of the Maldives and the 18-hole course will be completely solar-powered. Built alongside will be sustainable water desalination plants which will work on the principle of reverse osmosis.
The project is among the many projects of the Maldives government which seeks to promote tourism in the country. The tourists flowing into the country are a major source of revenue for the government. The country is situated on top of rich coral reefs in
the Indian Ocean and is merely two to three meters above sea level. The Maldives is also among the islands which are threatened by global warming and rising sea levels. President Mohamed Nasheed, is often seen speaking in international forums for the protection
of the small state. He also conducted the first of its kind underwater cabinet meeting in order to attract the attention of world leaders and industrial nations. President Nasheed is also looking to buy land in other countries to move his citizens to safer
places.
The floating golf course project will be one of the most expensive projects undertaken in the history of the sport, topping a staggering $500million. The site will be a five minutes drive from the Male’ International Airport and will also attract frequent
travelers who await long hours for their connecting flights.
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