10 Of The UAE’s Best Golf Courses by Golfscape’s Jenna Heidstrom
The Middle East is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, each of them carefully put together with the skill and imagination of golf’s greatest designers. With iconic city skylines, guaranteed sunshine, luxurious clubhouses and challenging layouts, courses in the UAE offer the most memorable golf experiences across the globe.
Majlis, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
One of the most iconic golf courses in Dubai, with the famous city skyline in view from many of the holes at the course, this is an unforgettable golfing experience that challenges all player types. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum donated the site where Majlis now sits. A Karl Litten design, the 18-hole layout was the first grass course in the Middle East keeping the natural desert flora within his plan.
Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Yas Links takes its name from the Bani Yas clan, a 19th century Al Maktoum dynasty. Yas is the only true links course in the Middle East, set along the shores of Yas Island. Far from the bustle of Abu Dhabi city life, the challenging layout is complimented with views of the Arabian Gulf. Yas Links is also the first club in the UAE to host Toptracer, a game that helps to improve skills.
Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Home to the European Tour’s DP World Tour Championships, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is a design inspired by the great parklands of North America and Europe. With rolling green terrains and water features trickling through the course, golfers could forget they are in the Middle East. A Greg Norman design, the Earth Course is not only abundant in bunkers, but also home to an array of wildlife.
Saadiyat Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Golf Club was designed by the golfing legend, Gary Player, and is the region’s first ever ocean course. It is eco-conscious, and with spectacular views of the Gulf’s sparkling blue waters, golfers can test their game on each unique hole at this beachfront course.
Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai
Dubai Hills Golf Club is one of the newest clubs to grace the UAE and is quickly becoming one of its most popular. Gary Johnston’s design instantly became an icon in the region. With views of the towering Burj Khalifa landmark, the bunkering and undulating greens will keep every golfer stimulated throughout the entire round.
Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Golf Club looks out over glistening waterways, with the course itself meandering through open lagoons that blend seamlessly into the Arabian gulf. The championship course rolls over five million cubic meters of sand and is accented by grand swaying palm trees. Inside the clubhouse, expect to immerse yourself in sleek and modern Arabic style.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is an award-winning facility and plays host to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships, and is known for having one of most luxurious clubhouse’s in the Middle East. The 27-hole championship course is carved out of the desert and is home to seven glistening lakes.
The Els Club, Dubai
Designed for both professionals and beginners, this state-of-the-art facility is home to award-winning fairways and smooth Bermuda grass greens. On site is the famous Butch Harmon School of Golf, the perfect place to improve golf skills and master the art of your swing. A 5-star establishment that is a favourite with those that enjoy the finer things in life.
Al Zorah, Ajman
Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman, is a Nicklaus design that embraces its natural environment full of wildlife next to the mangroves. The course is set in an upcoming development in the UAE making it unique for golfers looking to experience something new, tranquil, and challenging.
Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai
The Address Montgomerie is a landmark for golf in Dubai. Although the distinctive city skyline is visible from its greens, the location provides a secluded ambience. Since the club’s opening it has become an opulent, multi-faceted golf resort, filled with stylish architecture and furnishings, quality restaurants and lounges, and basking in what is overall a luxuriously impressive golf destination.
Article c/o @IAGTO by Jenna Heidstrom is Marketing Manager at golfscape.com
www.forbesmiddleeast.com/10-of-the-uaes-best-golf-courses
Main pic of @YasLinks