The project to build the first golf facility in Montenegro is a 9-hole course that aims to transform this beautiful valley, in the locality of Donje Lipovo in the municipality of Kolasin, into an exclusive destination for golf enthusiasts and tourists who wish to have a unique experience surrounded by nature. Brskovo Golf Club will be developed with a focus on integrating the course into the surrounding environment, respecting the local flora and fauna.
The project immediately conveys the feeling of a carefully conceived field, where every choice seems to arise from a careful dialogue with the site rather than from an independent design intent. It’s not a field “designed over” the landscape, but a system that fits naturally, taking advantage of the existing lines, the gentle undulations, and above all, the presence of water as a generating element.
The overall layout is very balanced. The nine-hole routing appears compact but never forced, and above all, it manages to avoid one of the most common pitfalls on courses of this scale: repetitiveness. Here, however, there is a clear desire to create a varied sequence, where the player is constantly challenged to change their approach. The directions of play alternate between left and right doglegs, reducing interference and increasing the clarity of the course. This makes the course accessible and enjoyable for both first-time and regular players.
One of the most successful aspects is undoubtedly the use of water. It is never used as a purely aesthetic or punitive element, but becomes an integral part of the course’s narrative. In some places, it accompanies play, in others it defines it, in others still it adds tension. Its presence is progressive and calibrated: it doesn’t intimidate the average player, but at the same time introduces the strategic choices that make some holes memorable, especially in the central section of the course. It’s a mature use, demonstrating design awareness.
Strategically, the course appears to have been constructed with a very clear logic: accessible without being banal. The fairways appear generous enough not to overly penalize, but within them are distinct lines of attack, rewarding those who know how to choose and not just execute. The bunkers are never placed “to punish,” but to suggest a strategy, to guide play. Even the greens seem designed with this in mind: defended, but not cryptic; technical, but legible. This balance is essential to the course’s longevity.
The relationship with the surrounding buildings is also very interesting. The residential units are distributed along the edges in an orderly and non-invasive manner. They do not compete with the game, do not disrupt the main views, and, above all, do not fragment the golf landscape. This is an often overlooked aspect, but here it is handled sensitively: the course remains the focus, while the buildings enhance the context without compromising it.
The service area is well-designed. The clubhouse and practice area are positioned logically and functionally, with a clear and intuitive tee-off. The driving range is appropriately separated yet visually connected, which helps create a sense of unity without creating confusion. These are choices that, in addition to being effective during the design phase, become crucial in the day-to-day management of the course.
Nel complesso, ciò che emerge è un progetto che non cerca effetti spettacolari fini a sé stessi, ma costruisce qualità attraverso l’equilibrio. C’è una coerenza di fondo tra paesaggio, gioco e sviluppo, e questa coerenza è ciò che nel tempo farà la differenza. È un campo che potrà crescere bene, maturare, migliorare con l’uso, senza perdere identità.
If I had to summarize the project’s character, I’d say it’s an elegant, intelligent field, deeply rooted in its context. One of those projects that don’t shout, but remain.
