Meet Viktor Ivanov and Georgi Vlahov, proud Bulgarians and two key members of the Greenkeeping team at IMG managed OKOL Lake Park. OKOL’s golf course will serve as the centrepiece of the resort and has been strategically designed to take advantage of the natural features of the site, including providing panoramic views of Iskar Lake and the surrounding countryside. Capable of hosting major international tournaments, the course will be designed to provide players of all skill levels with a challenging and enjoyable test of golf.

 

It all started back in 2007 when George embarked on a summer work and travel program in the USA. From 2007-2014 he convinced his cousin Viktor to join him, and slowly but surely each year when they came back, they progressed. From raking bunkers, and cutting tees, greens, and fairways to more detailed jobs, course setups, and renovations. After gaining more confidence they also started training other members of the team on various tasks.

 

In 2014 they separated: George gained a place in the Ohio State Turfgrass Program and gainedvaluable experience with warm season grasses at various high quality golf courses, while Viktor went to the UK to work at the exclusive The Wisley Golf Club.

 

In 2015 George joined Viktor at The Wisley, both starting as Assistant Greenkeepers and then, under the guidance of the experienced Director of Greenkeeping, John Lockyer, progressing through the ranks to Senior Greenkeepers and then onto 1st Assistant Superintendents. During their time in the UK they joined the Myerscough University and graduated in Sports Turf Management with distinction grades. 

 

Since then, they have also received both Boom Sprayer and Knapsack Sprayer certificates and every year they continue to progress in their career thanks to their commitment to improve and their passion for golf. 

 

We are delighted to welcome George and Viktor to the team as we strive for a new level of golfing excellence in the country.