Troon Golf to manage Velaa Golf Academy

Troon Golf has been appointed to oversee Jose Maria Olazabal's Velaa Golf Academy on the stunning Velaa private island in the Maldives

Velaa Private Island

Troon Golf to manage Velaa Golf Academy

Troon Golf has been appointed to oversee Jose Maria Olazabal's Velaa Golf Academy on the stunning Velaa private island in the Maldives.

The academy at the luxurious resort - which sits north of Male in the Nonnu Attol - has been created in collaboration with the two-time major champion.

The Velaa Golf Acadamy has been purposefully positioned on the secluded island, giving golfers the chance to hone their games with a comprehensive one-on-one golf programme in tranquil, peaceful surroundings.

"Velaa Private Island is a thrilling, enviable opportunity for the discerning traveller, and we are extremely excited about being selected to work with them and Jose Maria to create what will be an innovative Academy set in a paradise location," said Bruce Glasco, Troon's Senior Vice President and Managing Director.

The academy forms part of an all-encompassing five star-leisure experience. The private island also boasts luxury accommodation and amenities in a stunning Indian Ocean setting, and offers sunset cruises, water activities, dolphin watching and more.

"The choice of Troon to manage our academy was an easy one. Their expertise needs no introduction and will be the perfect accompaniment to the rest of our highly sough-after development," added Hans Cauchi, Vella Private Island's Executive Director.

"We strive to offer each guest the greatest possible quality, service and leisure amenities and to add an academy designed by Jose Maria and managed by Troon sets Velaa Private Island apart."

Nick Bonfield
Features 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, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. 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