From 10 to 12 October 2025, the scenic grounds of The National Azerbaijan Golf Club in Quba hosted a major milestone in the country’s sporting history — the first international amateur golf tournament TURAN CUP 2025. Organized by Golf Alliance Azerbaijan with the support of Bakcell and Quba Palace Hotel, the event brought together more than seventy participants from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and other countries, opening a new chapter for Azerbaijani golf and showcasing the nation’s potential as a promising destination on the global golf map.
We spoke with Regina Badalbayeva, founder of Golf Alliance Azerbaijan, about her personal journey in golf, the philosophy behind the sport, and how Azerbaijan is gradually transforming into a new point of attraction for the international golf community.
How did you become interested in golf?
Golf captivated me because it uniquely blends athletic activity with inner harmony. The golf community is full of interesting, confident, and intellectually driven individuals. It is a calm, thoughtful sport — free of injuries and rich in opportunities for personal development.
This is especially evident when working with children: at first they cannot sit still and get easily distracted, but over time they learn to concentrate. Parents often note that their children become calmer. And it’s true — golf develops focus, self-control, and inner balance, which is exactly where its greatest value lies.
You are originally from Uzbekistan, yet you are actively developing golf in Azerbaijan. Was adapting easy for you
Yes, I am from Uzbekistan, and perhaps because our cultures and traditions are spiritually close, I quickly felt at home here. Over time, I developed a deep and sincere sense of belonging to Azerbaijan. This country became a source of inspiration and strength for me.
This year I founded Golf Alliance Azerbaijan — an initiative born out of genuine love for the country where I live and grow. I wanted to show that golf is not merely a sport but a philosophy built on respect, patience, inner discipline, and harmony. My goal is to bring this sport closer to people and help more Azerbaijanis feel its unique atmosphere and benefits.
What role does Golf Alliance Azerbaijan play for the country?
Golf Alliance Azerbaijan is my personal initiative aimed at making golf more accessible to Azerbaijanis. One of our key projects is the creation of a Golf Academy in Baku equipped with interactive technologies and modern simulators. We envision it as a space where people can learn, practice, and spend time with their families — all within the atmosphere of world-class golf courses.
Moreover, the development of golf tourism is extremely important to us. This sport has the power to attract international attention to Azerbaijan’s regions, increase tourist flows, and open new opportunities for the country.
What inspired the creation of TURAN CUP?
TURAN CUP was inspired by the idea of showing that Azerbaijan is ready not only to participate in international tournaments, but also to host them at a high level. I wanted to create an event that integrates sport, culture, and human connection.
Golf is more than competition — it is a language of trust, diplomacy, and long-term relationships. TURAN CUP reflects this mission by uniting countries of the Turkish world through an intellectually rich and culturally significant sport.
Some said Azerbaijan is not a “golf nation.” I don’t agree. Why not? We have everything — nature, infrastructure, hospitality. The issue was simply that no one had focused on this direction before. My mission now is to promote and popularize golf within the country.
What part of the tournament’s outcome was most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful aspect was that TURAN CUP was perceived not merely as a sporting event, but as a bridge between people. Participants left with a sense of belonging to something bigger. Ambassadors openly said this was not a tournament, but a cultural and diplomatic platform. That is the greatest achievement for me.
How did the guests evaluate Azerbaijan as a host?
They were impressed by the harmony of modernity and Caucasian hospitality. Many said, “This is our first time here, but definitely not the last.” They were touched by the attention to detail, the sincerity, and the unique atmosphere that defines Azerbaijan.
You are preparing a new international Pro-Am tournament. What kind of event will it be?
Yes, this is our next major step. Next year we plan to host the first Pro-Am tournament in Azerbaijan. It will become an annual, recognizable event. The Pro-Am format brings professionals and amateurs together — a unique opportunity for experience exchange, and inspiration.
We are already in discussions with representatives from Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Many countries have expressed interest. But most importantly, we want this tournament to be created here, by our own team. Only a national organizing team can give it the soul, style, and hospitality it deserves. This will be our first major step onto the international tournament stage.
