Olazabal Golf Academy unveiled on Velaa Private Island

Jose Maria Olazabal has unveiled one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious golfing facilities on the Velaa Private Island in the Maldives

Velaa Golf Academy

Olazabal Golf Academy unveiled on Velaa Private Island

Jose Maria Olazabal has unveiled one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious golfing facilities on the Velaa Private Island in the Maldives.

The new Velaa Golf Academy by Olazabal - created in collaboration with the two-time Masters champion - features a stunning golf course and academy.

The facility is housed on an exclusive private island in the Indian Ocean, which is home to 48 private pool villas and a collection of five-star amenities.

"I have never seen such a luxurious location," said Olazabal.

"I have had the pleasure of working on some remarkable projects, but what Jiri and Radka [founders] have created here is simply awe-inspiring."

The nine-hole par-3 golf course on Velaa Private Island is designed to test iron play, with holes ranging from 65 to 180 yards.

Six immaculately-conditioned green complex are surrounded by sand and water features, with nine different tee options giving guests different choices.

The course is also complemented by exemplary practice facilities and a high-tech swing studio, complete with the latest golf gadgets.

"We were given the opportunity to design something completely unique here at Velaa and our clear aim was to integrate the island's charm and character into the Golf Acadamy," added Olazabal.

"Golf enthusiasts will have the chance to refine all aspects of their game in the idyllic surroundings. In short, it's practice in paradise."

The Velaa Private Island, managed by industry leaders Troon Golf, provides one of the world's most lavish and exclusive experiences.

"Velaa is without doubt one of the fines developments we have ever seen and represents the definition of luxury perfectly," said Bruce Glasco, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Troon International Operations.

"We have all been impressed by Jose Maria and his team's unwavering attention to detail throughout the design phase and have no doubt that it has the potential to attract guests from far and wide."

Nick Bonfield
Content Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, commissioning and feature writing. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x