The Arnold Palmer Design Company layout will provide one of the most captivating stages on the Challenge Tour schedule. The course has significant elevation changes, a routing that constantly changes directions to take advantage of the wind and with five par 5's and five par 3's there is a great variety in distances that will require every club in the bag. Water comes into play on only 5-holes, but the 7,197 yard, par 72 course should provide a stern test for the Challenge Tour Membership.

“We finished the course back in 2005 and had high hopes that it would one day draw people in to play from around the world. Obviously, we are very pleased that the Challenge Tour has discovered our design in Almaty and deemed it fit to host one of their prestigious events." said APDC Architect Thad Layton.

Alain de Soultrait, Director of the Challenge Tour, said: “The Kazakhstan Open is undoubtedly one of the most important tournaments on the Challenge Tour schedule, so it is essential that we find a course capable of staging it. The Zhailjau Golf Resort is certainly a fitting venue, and I have no doubt our Members will enjoy playing there. Any course which carries the great Arnold Palmer’s signature is sure to provide a true test. The Kazakhstan Open has developed and improved significantly over the past five years, and moving to a new course is an exciting stage in that process.”

Nurtay Abykayev, President of the National Federation of Golf in Kazakhstan, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed staging the Kazakhstan Open at Nurtau Golf Club, but the chance to move to Zhailjau Golf Resort should open up a new chapter in the development of the tournament. It is a great layout – tough, but fair – and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the players fare in September. We should thank the members for allowing us use of their fabulous course for what promises to be another great week. I am confident that the new venue will ensure the tournament continues to go from strength to strength.”

“It is very rewarding to be part of growing the game in this emerging part of the world.” said Arnold Palmer. "I think the course will provide excellent championship level play."

To underline its importance, in each of the four years since Ireland’s Stephen Browne won the inaugural event, the Kazakhstan Open champion has progressed onto The European Tour at the end of the season.

ABOUT THE ARNOLD PALMER DESIGN COMPANY
The Arnold Palmer Design Company has long been regarded as one of the premier companies in the golf course architectural industry. Founded 37 years ago in 1972, APDC has created approximately 300 courses around the world. APDC's design philosophy is straightforward: to design beautiful golf courses that are fun to play while maintaining the utmost respect for nature. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, at Arnold Palmer’s winter home, the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, this location allows clients to come enjoy Palmer's world-class resort and play on the renowned golf course which hosts the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard on the PGA Tour. For more information on the Arnold Palmer Design Company call (407) 876-1068 or visit www.arnoldpalmerdesign.com.