Ryder Cup Legend José María Olazábal Opens Golf Academy in Maldives

Ryder Cup legend José María Olazábal has opened a golf academy in Maldives – inviting players to practice in paradise.

The new Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal on the exclusive Velaa Private Island features an idyllic 9-hole Par 3 course and high-tech swing studio.

The challenging layout is specifically designed for golfers to practice the Spanish champion’s famously accurate short and mid-iron game – featuring six immaculate greens guarded by bunkers and a lake, with nine tees from a range of distances between 65 and 180 yards.

"Golfers can hit all the shots imaginable, from mid-irons to wedges and short-game. In short, practice in paradise," he said. "I also want the experience to be appealing for both young and old, beginners and experts. I hope visitors to the island will be inspired by what we have created and the experience enhances their enjoyment of the game I’m so passionate about."

The facility headlines an array of recreational attractions at the prestigious new private island resort of 45 private pool villas in the northern part of Noonu Atoll, just north of Malé.

Velaa Private Island fulfills a dream by Jiri Smejc and his wife Radka to create “the most perfect beyond luxury place on earth”.

“I’ve worked on some remarkable projects, but what they have created here is simply awe-inspiring,” said Olazábal, on his visit to officially open the academy.

Professional instruction is personalized with ‘one-on-one’sessionsat the indoor swing studio, which is fitted with all the latest gadgets for golfers to refine their game. State-of-the-art electronic equipment includes a Flightscope simulator and latest high-speed cameras.