Less than three decades ago, golfers in Dubai were restricted to playing on oiled sand, putting on ‘browns’ rather than greens. Today, proponents of the fastest growing sport in the UAE can take their pick of a number of world-class golf courses throughout the country, complete with distinctive clubhouses, immaculate greens and lush fairways. Some of the courses are of such a high standard that they have been selected to host major international golfing tournaments. The Emirates Golf Club is host to the annual Dubai Desert Classic tournament, which attracts all the top international players and is part of the ATP European Tour.
The resounding success of the Toyota Golf Pro-Am is another indication of the UAE’s capacity to host an array of events of international caliber. Golf in Dubai is organized and promoted through the UAE Golf Association (UGA), which is particularly proud of its junior development program to encourage young nationals to excel in the sport.
With more than a dozen golf courses, of which three are challenging PGA championship standard, six of the golf courses have lush fairways and exquisitely manicured greens. A couple, being sand courses, offer the unique opportunity to play on ‘ browns’ (oiled sand) instead of greens. All the major golf courses have state-of-the-art clubhouses and a range of additional facilities, including quality pro-shops and dedicated coaching facilities with PGA qualified professionals. All players on the main courses are required to hold an official handicap of 28 or less for men and 36 or less for women. Soft spikes or rubber-soled shoes and conventional golfing apparel are mandatory (t-shirts with collars and tailored shorts / trousers). Golf clubs and golf carts are available for hire.
World Class Golf Courses
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
The Arabian Ranches Golf Club – formerly known as The Desert Course, Arabian Ranches, was built as a true 18 hole, par 72, desert style grass course, a signature course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design. Miss the immaculate grass of the fairways and greens and you enter the “sandy waste”, with its indigenous shrubs and bushes. All standards of golfer will also appreciate the GPS (Global Positioning System) yardage service available on every golf cart.
The Spanish Colonial style Clubhouse boasts the Ranches Restaurant and Bar, with a terrace overlooking the panoramic scenic views over the 9th and 18th holes, a great place to meet and try the international menu. Within the Clubhouse there are 11 luxurious Guest Rooms with spectacular views overlooking either the Golf course or the Lake, each en-suite rooms is beautifully furnished. Step out of your room, hop onto your golf cart and drive straight to the first tee, totally refreshed for your game of golf. The perfect setting for any golfer.
The Arabian Ranches Clubhouse is open 24 hours, 7 days a week for your reservations. With the best rates in town for both Golf and Guest Rooms, we recommend you book early. You can also visit the website and request your bookings on line at www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
The fully qualified Golf Professionals at the Golf Academy offer a variety of teaching programs for either the beginner or the more experienced golfer wishing to improve their game. The well-stocked Proshop also offers the latest in golfing apparel and hardware for all your golfing needs.
Emirates Golf Club
Venue of the PGA European Tour event - the Dubai Desert Classic.
The signature clubhouse at the Emirates Golf Club, modeled like Bedouin tents, remains the most eye-catching in the region, while the original 7,211 yard, Par 72 Majlis course has been complemented for the past eight years by a second par 72 challenge, the 7,100 yard Wadi course. Both courses combine with the natural, rolling desert terrain for a serious test of golf.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
The city-based, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is a popular local landmark on Dubai Creek. The club's 18 hole, par 71 championship course rolls 6,800 undulating yards along well-groomed fairways, lined with date and coconut palms, attractive water hazards and shrubbery that lends a distinctly tropical air. The course is currently undergoing a major redesign that will provide an even greater challenge for players and the club is adding a 238 room hotel and spa to the complex.
Nad Al Sheba
Nad Al Sheba Club was designed along the lines of a traditional Scottish links course with an emphasis on accuracy, not length. Fully floodlit, the back nine is built inside the perimeter of Dubai's main racecourse, home of the Dubai World Cup horse race, while the front nine, runs alongside the 'home straight'. Night or day, this course challenges every player and is a unique experience.
Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa
A popular option for golfers is the nine-hole challenge at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. A superbly designed course, the resort's nine holes are played out alongside a stunning marina and feature a saltwater lake, which comes into play on five of the holes, as well as the resort’s famous peacocks. With the wind from the Arabian Gulf picking up as the day progresses, it is a course which, when played as an 18-hole challenge, will really test your club selection each time around.
