Dubai is home to three of the world’s top 100 golf courses and three major world tournaments, so with the heat of summer now replaced with cool temperatures, vibrant blue skies and warm sunshine, it’s the perfect time for golfers to hit the city’s beautiful greens.
The Dubai golf scene is one of the most vibrant, diverse and accessible in the world, offering quality, pristine courses designed by some of the biggest names in the sport. The DP World Tour Championship, the final tournament of the European Tour Race to Dubai will be held from 17-20 November at Jumeirah Golf Estates, followed by the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, and to help you get in the swing of things, here’s a rundown of Dubai’s best golf courses:
Emirates Golf Club
Home of the world-renowned Omega Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates Golf Club is the king of the greens in the Middle East. The club consists of three immaculate courses: The Majlis, The Faldo and Par 3. The Majlis, also known as the Desert Miracle, was the first grass course to be built in the Middle East, with the perfect par-72 course complemented by seven lakes and taking its name from the Arabic word for ‘meeting place’. One of its most prominent features is the Majlis building itself, positioned between the eighth and ninth holes – it’s been a Dubai landmark since 1988. Green fees: from AED350, depending on peak times and course.
Jumeirah Golf Estates
The prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates form a luxury golf and residential community in the heart of the city. Uniquely designed by golf pro Greg Norman, the two championship courses, Fire and Earth, have been manicured to represent these natural elements. And, for residents and golfers alike, the expanse of grassy fairways and first-class golf courses don’t go unnoticed. The Norman Country Club also underpins this admirable development. Green fees: between AED455 and AED1,095, depending on peak times and course.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
A thriving community of active members and a stunning clubhouse are just two of the features that have brought global fame to Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. But above all else, this fun, scenic course, situated right on the historic Dubai Creek, is known for its challenging finishing stretch. Running right up against the bank of the Creek, its green has been inspiring golfers and breaking hearts in equal measure for 20 years. Voted one of the world’s ‘Top 100 Must-Play Golf Courses’ by Golf World magazine, the course is a worthy opponent for even the most skilled golfer. And nothing can prepare you for the grandstand finish, where amazing panoramic views of Dubai are a worthy consolation to any missed swings. Green fees: AED625 for off-peak and AED725 for peak time.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort
Designed by locally based architect Peter Harradine, the course at Jebel Ali Golf Resort offers a wonderful sense of seclusion. You’ll find a rich variety of trees, shrubs, strutting peacocks and chorus of songbirds, creating the impression you’re strolling around an exotic secret garden. The nine-hole track is a local and global favourite, thanks to its many challenges. Beginning and ending with a par 5, it’s an unusually tight layout by Dubai standards, placing a premium on accurate tee shots and measured approaches. The greens typically run fast, and while the holes are not long, they can be tricky when the breeze is up. Green fees: From AED195, depending on peak times and course.
Meydan Golf
As a special highlight among the golf courses in Dubai is “The Track” from Meydan Golf. Located right next to the Emirati’s famous horse race track, it offers its guests a diverse range. In terms of a pay-to-play structure, they can prove their playing skills on a route of almost seven kilometers, bordered by six natural lakes. In addition to the Green and the Meydan Clubhouse, the modern Cube Bar offers a spectacular view of the Dubai skyline. Prices: from 160 Euro, depending on time and course.
More information about Dubai: www.visitdubai.com
Photos: DTCM, Jumeirah Golf Estates, JA RESORTS & HOTELS, Meydan Golf