NIKOLETA YANINSKA: GOLFING AS A WAY OF LIFE

When, 25 years ago, Lilyan Todorov decided to open the first golf course in Bulgaria near Ihtiman, just outside Sofia, the facility was perceived as a playground for the country's business, political, and cultural elite, and its growing expat community. Today, under the management of the founder's granddaughter, Nikoleta Yaninska, Golf Club Air Sofia is undergoing a strategic transformation – gradual, clever, and visionary. It aims at making it more appealing and affordable for the growing number of people who fall under the spell of golf.

How did you start playing golf?

My grandfather, Lilyan Todorov, built the first golf course in Bulgaria, introducing the sport to the country. Most Bulgarian golfers made their first steps here. His vision was to create a facility like no other in Bulgaria – complete with other sports facilities and houses built in different architectural styles. The restaurant even has a real airplane built into it.

I started playing golf when I was just 4 or 5 years old, together with him. I remember how he aimed to befriend each golfer and valued their feedback about the course. For him, the golf course was more than a sports facility – it was a place where people could network and make new friends.

Especially in the early 2000s, golf was still new to Bulgaria, often perceived as an out of reach sport for most people. My grandfather's mission was to make the complex a place people visited with pleasure and enthusiasm, eager to try something new. He organised tournaments with both Bulgarian and foreign players. I personally competed in junior golf tournaments. He strove to create a space for people of all ages.

Why do people of all ages fall in love with golf?

In my opinion, golf is suitable for all ages. It offers an escape from the stressful city rhythm, allowing us to immerse ourselves in nature's tranquility. While walking along the green fairways, one can not only enjoy the beautiful landscape, but also find their inner balance. Golf is all about precision and concentration; results do not depend on your physical abilities or age, but on your inner attitude, patience and ability to focus on the moment.

This is probably why people of all ages fall in love with the sport. For younger players, it is a challenge and an opportunity to develop discipline and perseverance. For older players, it is a way to remain physically active, maintain a social life and enjoy a game that stimulates both body and mind.

What is the most important thing you do to create an exceptional experience for Golf Club Air Sofia's guests?

At Golf Club Air Sofia, we strive to give each guest individual attention and a personalised experience. Respect for our guests is our highest value, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs and wishes. Feedback, especially from our long-term members, is crucial – it inspires us to maintain high standards and continually improve the complex.

Our excellent location is one of our main advantages – Golf Club Air Sofia is just 40 km away from Sofia, in the picturesque Ihtiman region. It is easily accessible and preferred for weekend visits or training days. The surrounding mountains and natural beauty add to its tranquility, cosiness and refreshing ambiance.

The complex offers an impressive variety of sports and leisure options. Besides the 18-hole course (Par 71, S/I 71.2, Slope 131), guests can enjoy a driving range, two practice greens, a golf store, a restaurant, tennis courts and a football pitch.

The restaurant and open-air spaces create a cosy atmosphere suitable for relaxation, business meetings or family events. The recently renovated restaurant has a modern menu, and its location makes it ideal for birthdays, weddings and other celebrations.

We follow the principle of open communication with our guests, making everyone feel valued. We want our complex to be more than just a sports facility – we aim to create an experience people visit with pleasure and leave feeling inspired.

What goals have you set for yourself as manager of Golf Club Air Sofia?

After the passing of my grandfather, Golf Club Air Sofia went through a period of stagnation. However, over the past two years, we have begun its renovation and modernisation. Our main goal was to make it exciting again, attracting both new visitors and old regulars returning after years away. That is the greatest reward for me.

Specifically, we aim to host at least a couple of tournaments each year, both for experienced golfers and amateurs. Starting in 2026, we will also organise tournaments for children and young adults. The successful partnerships we have built in recent years make competitions more attractive, with diverse and interesting prizes. We are also constantly improving the course's quality using modern maintenance methods.

My goal is to change the perception that golf is an elite sport for the few. We partner with programmes such as MultiSport and offer more affordable rates for lessons and memberships to encourage people to try something new.

We also want to position the complex as the perfect venue for various personal and corporate events. The range of facilities and spacious grounds allow us to create tailored experiences for each client.

Additionally, we support Ihtiman's community by providing training space for local sports clubs and giving a platform to performers from the community centre.

In short, the future goals of Golf Club Air Sofia are:

• To create an atmosphere of hospitality and inspiration for every guest;
• To invest continuously in improving course quality;
• To make golf more popular, accessible, and attractive to people of all ages.

What do you imagine Golf Air Sofia will be like 25 years from now?

I hope that 25 years from now we will welcome more guests – both dedicated golfers and people seeking relaxation in nature. I want to see more new players and returning members, all playing with joy and inspiration. My dream is for Golf Club Air Sofia to be an even more preferred destination for sport, fun and true escape from the busy everyday life.

+359 884 682 030
+359 888 678 759
golf@golfairsofia.com
www.golfairsofia.com