Emirates Towers
Dubai, Dubai
The Emirates Golf Club, host of the PGA European Tour sanctioned Dubai Desert Classic, was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the Club remains one of the wonders of the golfing world boasting two of the city’s finest must-see courses; the 7,185 yard, par 72 Majlis course and the recently redesigned 7,328-yard, par 72 Wadi course - now officially renamed ‘Faldo Course’. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious test of golf, while the signature clubhouse, in the shape of Bedouin tents, remains the most eye-catching in the region.
The Majlis course, voted by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Courses Outside the USA, was also recently voted Best Golf Course In The Middle East for four consecutive years by Business Traveller Magazine.
The Faldo course, originally designed by Jeremy Pern/Karl Litten, has undergone a major redevelopment by Nick Faldo in 2005 and reopened on 1st October 2006, taking the course and all of the practice facilities at the club to a much higher level.
Course Highlights
- RACE TO DUBAI
Designed by internationally renowned Golf Course designer Robert Trent Jones II, the 18 hole championship, par 72 Al Badia Golf Course lays over 7,250 yards and is rich in water features and lush with plants indigenous to the Arabian Gulf, it sculpts a course that incorporates eleven lakes and several smaller ponds. The course has been designed to be environmentally responsible, which is evident through the use of Paspalum grass, specifically SeaIsle 2000 on the greens and SeaIsle 1 on the tees and fairways, whilst providing a challenging round for the seasoned golfer and a memorable experience for the recreational player. Positioned as the centerpiece of the prestigious Dubai Festival City project and overlooking the stunning Dubai skyline, Al Badia's design has achieved maximum variety with relation to the one existing site condition that was to remain untouched, the wind! Key to this unique personality is the extensive incorporation of water throughout the golf course. Water moves throughout, changing in presentation as it transitions from open water bodies to waterfalls downstream. Strategically, water is used as lateral hazards as well as carry hazards on twelve holes. Water is also used as a safety buffer between golf and development as well as a visual amenity to both the golf course and the adjacent development.
Robert Trent Jones II 'River of Sand' concept adds another layer of texture and design, derived from and is an extension of the lake and stream system that moves through the golf course. These areas provide a visually crisp hazard that, unlike a body of water, provides the golfer an opportunity to recover from an errant golf shot. Distance, length and direction, the strategic integrity of the course routing is evident through these 3 factors. Multiple sets of tees have been factored on each hole with most offering a variety in teeing angle, so the course can be played from the maximum 7,250 yards for championship and quality players, down to roughly 5,398 yards for players with less skill or strength. Al Badia fairways are generous for the majority of golfers narrowing as you move through to the landing areas. Variety is paramount.
Positioned in the most prominent location overlooking the 9th and 18th greens enhanced by views of Al Badia's dramatic waterfalls is the iconic Al Badia Clubhouse. Likened to a swirling wind, the dynamic form of the clubhouse design quintessentially celebrates the human spirit and celebrates life's possibilities. The wrapping forms of golden roofs, stone and blue glass culminate in the central atrium, where an interior oasis continues the Resort's interwoven theme. On completion mid 2006, Al Badia golfers and visitors will relish in its first class hospitality and the comprehensive leisure alternatives presented within. In the interim a beautifully appointed 6 bedroom Golf Villa, overlooking the golf course, offers a boutique meeting place complete with executive facilities and exceptional service designed to complement the Al Badia golfing experience.
Course Highlights
- Designer Robert Trent Jones II
- 18 Holes Championship Par 72
Situated in the heart of the city on the shores of the creek, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, managed by Dubai Golf, has recently undergone a major redevelopment, transforming it into a true golfers' paradise. The club's 18-hole, par 71 course rolls 6,857 undulating yards along well-groomed fairways lined with date and coconut palms, attractive water hazards and shrubbery that lend a distinctly tropical air. The course boasts a new front nine, re-designed by Thomas Björn, providing an even greater challenge for residents and tourists alike. There is also a new nine-hole Par 3 course, a hi-tech studio, a floodlit driving range, and extensive short game practice facilities.
The championship standard golf course is the centrepiece of a resort that incorporates the luxury 225-bedroom Park Hyatt Dubai, 92 four-bedroom executive villas, a 121-berth marina, yacht club, golf clubhouse, restaurants, gym and leisure swimming pool.
Course Highlights
- 18 hole Par 71
The Els Club at Dubai Sports City is the first golf course in the Middle East designed by three time Major Champion Ernie Els. From the tips, the course stretches 7,538 yards with 81 beautifully shaped bunkers and sublime contoured greens providing a real test for the professional and at the same time, an equally fair challenge for the average players from the forward tees. Having received awards from Troon Golf, Links Magazine, Golf Inc., CNBC, Golf Digest and others, the world’s first Els Club is well on its way to achieving international acclaim since its opening in 2008. The club is also complemented by the state-of-the-art Butch Harmon School of Golf featuring all TPI certified instructors, video and 3D analysis along four large indoor hitting bays. As many of its Members along with European, Asian and PGA Tour players have already found out, The Els Club sets a new benchmark for golf in the region.
"I am delighted to introduce you to The Els Club at Dubai Sports City. It is a very exciting development and I am proud of the golf course design we have created. Right from the start we knew we wanted to embrace the uniqueness of the amazing environment and incorporate the natural dunes and native plants. There is a genuine sense that you are playing golf in the desert. The course is challenging for the best players in the world but at the same time enjoyable for all golfers. It combines the best of all the great clubs that I have played worldwide, the golf challenge is second to none." Ernie Els
Course Highlights
The course provides the player with undulating "links land" style fairways with generous landing areas which challenge and intrigue all levels of player. Although large in size, the greens can be very misleading, especially as they are consistently rolling above 9.5feet. Plenty of shape throughout the greens can result in some very trying putts.
One of the signature holes is the par 5 fourth, dubbed the Snake hole for its saddleback fairway which doglegs towards the green, with two bunkers behind forming the eyes of the snake.
Further on, the par 5 ninth, with water down the left, is a tough finish to the opening half. The par 3 thirteenth, a hole designed in the shape of the UAE, boasts a 360 degree teeing area around an island fairway and green, allowing for a completely different golf hole to be played every time. However, it is the par 5 eighteenth that offers a more classic test.
Course Highlights
- Hotel on site
Emirates Golf Club
Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
The Els Club Dubai
The Address Mongomerie Dubai
Facilities
- Bar
- Restaurants
- Spa
- Kids Club
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This exquisite hotel redefines the business hotel category and sets a standard which others must follow. It combines form with function, elegance with efficiency and the highest technology with extreme luxury.
Set in the heart of the commercial district of the thriving city of Dubai it dominates the skyline as the tallest building in the Middle East and Europe. It is connected to the two storey shopping mall - the Boulevard.
The development features extensive banqueting and conference facilities as well as 11 restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
