KDV Sport’s golf and tennis academy plans to produce world-class athletes

THE Gold Coast’s newest major sporting facility is not a Commonwealth Games venue – but it is right across the road from the main one.

KDV Sport director Julia Shtengelova. Photo: Glenn Hampson

THE Gold Coast’s newest major sporting facility is not a Commonwealth Games venue – but it is right across the road from the main one.

The $20 million first stage of KDV Sport’s golf and tennis academy, built on a sprawling golf course at ­Carrara, has a lofty goal – to produce world-beating elite athletes.

Tour of new multimillion KDV golf and tennis academy at Carrara. Picture Glenn Hampson

The group has attracted former Olympians and top-level instructors, in partnership with Tennis Australia and the PGA, to the facility – and they also host kids ­parties.

Director Julia Shtengelova said the academy had been inspired by the world-class academies in Europe and the United States, but that it was as much for Gold Coast families and social sports as it was for the pros.

The vast first stage includes 40 undercover driving range bays; a 12-hole golf course, a 18-hole mini golf; a customised club fitting service and a pro shop.

Marketing Manager Daman Foy at the rooftop pool. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Coaches use exclusive technology to refine the skills of their players – lasers, cameras and pressure sensitive floor panels which play a tune if you get your stance right.

For tennis players there are 12 clay courts and eight hard courts, a practice wall, two kids’ courts and three Padel tennis courts.

Tour of new multimillion KDV sport academy. Picture Glenn Hampson

An 80-seat restaurant and two function rooms – which open on to the three-storey driving range – are already booked for three corporate Christmas parties this year, with the outdoor function hubs hosting their first kid’s birthday party next week.

There are also barbecue facilities, children’s playground, a gym, sauna, spa, ice baths and a rooftop pool.

Director of Athletic Performance, Ryan Gambin, in the gym. Picture Glenn Hampson

KDV are seeking approvals for a second stage, due for completion late next year, which will include soccer pitches and a 72-room motel and education facilities, catering for school groups through to professionals who want to focus on their training 24-7.

In Russia, KDV is known for its line of snacks and confectionery.

Tour of the new multimillion KDV golf and tennis academy. Picture Glenn Hampson

The sport academy is the project of Ms Shtengelova’s brother, Denis Shtengelov but it may never have happened if it wasn’t for a devastating natural disaster.

Mr Shtengelov and his family had booked a holiday to Thailand, but it was struck by the 2004 tsunami before they arrived.

Golf Director of Instruction Richard Woodhouse (right) puts a student through “The Bunker’ program.Picture Glenn Hampson

They visited the Gold Coast instead, loved it, and returned repeatedly, eventually purchasing the former Carrara Gardens Golf Course.

Mr Shtengelov remained in Tomsk, Siberia, while his sister moved to the Coast permanently last year to build and run the academy.

“We wanted to provide one place that had everything, so people don’t have to waste time driving from place to place,” Ms Shtengelova said. “Then people can focus on their training and not waste time.

“We want to raise the champions that hopefully become the best in Australia and then the world.”