Dubai is the
pioneer of golf in the Middle East with championship-standard grass courses to challenge
the skills of even the most experienced players.
Emirates Golf Club
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On the fringe of the city, Emirates Golf Club -- the Middle East's
first championship grass course -- is an oasis of green and the venue for the annual PGA
Desert Classic, which attracts many of the world's top players. Opened in 1988, Emirates
Golf Club was planned by a noted American course designer to be both challenging and fair.
It is equally playable by leading tournament professionals and the competent weekend
golfer. The main 18-hole course is 7,100 yards, playing to a par of 72. Six lakes form
obstacles to nine of the holes and add to the visual impact of the spectacular course.
From the gentle 418-yard par 5 first hole to the challenging par 5 eighteenth across a
lake to a double green, the course offers something for every golfer.
The new 9-hole course has
a par of 37 with a further 9 holes opening in late 1996 and is dominated by water hazards
and daunting bunkers to test the skill of even the most proficient golfer. The spectacular
5,500 square metre clubhouse building, designed in the style of a group of Bedouin tents,
is already among the best recognised landmarks in international golf. Several options are
available for non-members outside peak times. Bookings may be made via leading hotels and
tour operators and equipment hire is available.
Dubai Creek Golf and
Yacht Club
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Dubai's other world class golf course is the centrepiece of an
80-hectare sports and leisure complex that also incorporates a 115-berth marina. Located
close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport on the banks of the Dubai Creek,
the course -- like Emirates -- was designed to championship standards. The main 18-hole,
par 72 course is 6,956 yards in length and features ornamental lakes and three seawater
hazards. Cunning dog-legs along the immaculate fairways and substantial bunkers protecting
the individually sculptured greens provide a challenge for amateur and professional alike.
The 9-hole par 3 course, fully floodlit, is a unique facility to practice the short game,
day and night. In 1995, the Club made its debut as a venue on the Asian PGA Tour, thus
giving Dubai the unique distinction of being the only golfing centre to host events on
both the European and Asian circuits. The 45-metre high clubhouse, designed in the shape
of the billowing sails of a traditional Arabian dhow, captures the essence of Dubai's
seafaring traditions. Visitors are welcome on a "pay-as-you-play" basis.
Equipment hire is available.
Dubai Golf and Racing
Club
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Situated at Nad Al Shiba, some 10 minutes from the city centre, Dubai's
third grass golf course opened in June 1993. Initially a par-35, nine-hole course, there
are plans to expand the facility with a further nine holes. Residents and visitors will be
welcome on a "pay-and-play" basis. Full floodlighting ensures maximum playing
time.
Dubai Country Club
Visitors interested in a different golfing experience may like to
arrange a game on sand at the Dubai Country Club, the oldest course in the emirate, which
features "browns" instead of "greens". Golfers carry a small piece of
artificial turf with them, and use it to play off when on the fairways.The Club has both
18 and 9 hole courses. Individual non-members are most welcome as guests of an existing
member on payment of a fee and groups of non-members may play at off-peak times by prior
arrangement.
Hotel Courses
Golfers will also find a chance to get a round in at some of Dubai's
hotels. The Hyatt Regency offers a 9-hole floodlit pitch and putt course complete with
water hazards as well as 18 hole crazy golf. At Hatta Fort, there is a nine-hole cross
country fun course and 18 holemini-golf course set at the foot of the mountains. And at
the Forte Grand, visitors can play the world's leading courses on a golf simulator
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