Top Russian Golfer Could Emerge Soon, Says British Pro

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia — Russia and the former Soviet Union have produced world and Olympic champions in virtually every sport over the last century but no Russian has ever made an impact at the top level in golf.

There were no golf clubs in Russia under the Communists with the first 18-hole course built in the Moscow suburbs in 1994.

While the world's biggest country is not exactly undergoing a golfing revolution, the sport is growing with new nine and 18-hole courses opening every year and some see Russia as a potential breeding ground for a future top talent.

Jon Marlor, who comes from Leeds in northern England, joined the professional ranks when he was 16 and after a decent career at the…