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The United Arab Emirates offers a wide rage of world class Golf Courses. The golf courses in the Emirates are unequaled and the choice is ever increasing. Dubai is the pioneer of golf in the Middle East with championship-standard grass courses for even the most experienced players, but in the next five years, new courses will undoubtedly emerge all around the Emirates. Right now there are numerous tourist activities on offer for the traveling golfer. |
Here’s a list of Golfing options to choose from in the Emirates;
1: Emirates Golf Club
Emirates Golf Club, the Middle East’s first championship grass course, is situated on the fringe of the city of Dubai. Opened in 1988, Emirates Golf Club 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. The second 18-hole course is dominated by water hazards and daunting bunkers to test the skill of even the most proficient golfer. The spectacular 5,500 sq m clubhouse building is already among the landmarks in international golf. Bookings may be made via leading hotels and tour operators and equipment is also available for hire.
2: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Another world-class golf course in Dubai is the centerpiece of an 80-hectare sports and leisure complex, which is located close to the city centre and Dubai International Airport. 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 nine-hole, par-three course, fully floodlit, is a unique facility to practice a short game. In 1995, the club became the only golfing center to host events on both the European and Asian circuits. The 45-metre-high clubhouse captures the essence of Dubai’s seafaring traditions. Visitors are welcome on a ‘pay-and-play’ basis and equipment is also available for hire.
3: Dubai Golf clubs
Situated at Nad Al Sheba, some 10 minutes from the city centre, Dubai Golf and Racing Club is the Middle East’s only fully floodlit 18-hole championship course.
The intriguing course has eight lakes, more than 110 pot bunkers and is designed in the Scottish Links style. At 6,260 yards, the par-71 course provides an interesting challenge with the emphasis on accuracy. Visitors are welcome on a ‘pay-and-play’ basis.
4: Jebel Ali Golf Resort
The Jebel Ali has a nine-hole, par-36 resort course. Each hole has panoramic views over the Arabian Gulf, while peacocks, partridges and guinea fowl freely roam the course. The availability of four tees gives an opportunity to play an 18-hole round and a central salt-water lake comes into play on five holes. There is also a driving range with bunkers and target greens, an instruction area and a 27-hole putting green. Players are welcome on a ‘pay-and-play’ basis and equipment is also available for hire.
5: Dubai Country Club
If you are interested in a different golfing experience you 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 from the fairways. The club has both 18 and nine-hole courses. Members and non-members may play by prior arrangement.
6: Al Ghazal Golf Course-Abu Dhabi
Opened in November 1997, Abu Dhabi International Airport's 18-hole, par-71 sand course, measuring 6,487 yards, presents an exciting challenge to both the novice and the experienced golfer. The facilities include 18-hole sand golf course, grass and sand chipping and putting areas, grass driving range, luxurious clubhouse, health club with gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam, state-of-the art teaching system, academy with two teaching professionals, conference and banqueting, and pro shop.
Some of Dubai’s hotels also provide golfing for their guests. The Hyatt Regency offers a nine-hole floodlit pitch and putt course complete with water hazards as well as 18-hole crazy golf. Hatta Fort Hotel has a nine-hole cross-country fun course and 18-hole mini-golf course at the foot of the mountains.
A: Sand Golf Course
This full sized 18 hole sand course offers the golfer the opportunity to play the game as it has traditionally been played in the Gulf for many years. The course is located 4.5 Kilometers east of the Intercontinental Hotel.
B:Grass Golf Course
This 9 hole par 3 course is located within the grounds of the Hilton Hotel. It is an ideal facility for practicing short games.
By: Lamiya Sami
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