Free trade is finally kicking in with a trend towards resort and golf course communities in Russia.

"As developers are looking to capture certain portions of the new 'discretionary income' market, they want to be included in the world market too," says Mark A. Connelley, a Senior Associate with EDSA, a leading international planning and design firm.

"Our wonderful relationship with Jack Nicklaus became the basis for our introduction into the Russian market."

It is currently providing master planning services for "The Alps Golf Club" the first golf and ski community of its kind within Russia.

Located in Dmitrov, the cornerstone of the project is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course providing members with an unprecedented and exclusive golfing experience. This resort targets the emerging upper class within Russia and strongly emphasizes community and outdoor activities.

EDSA is an internationally-renowned full-service planning, landscape architectural and graphic design firm with over 130 employees and more than 43 years of experience in community planning, hotels, and resorts, attractions and entertainment. The firm is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.