The best golf courses in Dubai
Dubai, the desert pearl of the United Arab Emirates, is renowned for its architectural prowess, gigantic shopping malls and rich Arab culture. But beyond these icons of opulence, the city has also carved out a place for itself on the world golfing map. Golf in Dubai is not just a sport or a leisure activity; it's an experience in itself.
List of the best golf courses in Dubai
Emirates Golf Club (Majlis)
Located in Dubai, the Emirates Golf Club occupies a prominent place as the main golf course. Since its creation, it has hosted the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Ideally located close to the Al Sufouh district, it is the venue for this renowned golfing event.
To play on the Majlis course, the green fee is AED 1,250 (around €300) during the high season (November to April) for non-resident visitors. Men must have a handicap of 28 or less, while women must have a handicap of 36 or less.
Jumeirah Golf Estates (Fire)
Designed in 2009 by architect Greg Norman, the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is renowned as one of the most demanding in Dubai, due to its undulating terrain and technical challenges.
During the high season (October to April), non-resident visitors can enjoy this course for a green fee of AED 945 (approx. €230). Male golfers can have a handicap of up to 28, while female golfers can have a handicap of up to 36.
JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth)
Trump International Golf Club
The Els Club
The Address Montgomerie Dubai
Emirates Golf Club (Faldo)
The history of golf in Dubai
The beginnings
The history of golf in Dubai began in the 1970s. At that time, golf was not yet widely available in the region. The first club, Dubai Country Club, opened in 1971 with a simple, mainly sand course. Golfers used a "browny" (a small piece of synthetic turf) from which they could place and hit their ball. Despite these rudimentary conditions, a passion for the sport grew.
The emergence of the Emirates Golf Club
Expansion and diversification
The successful opening of the Emirates Golf Club paved the way for a series of golf developments across the city. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club followed in 1993, offering spectacular views of Dubai Creek and the city skyline.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Dubai saw a significant increase in investment in golf, with courses designed by such golfing legends as Ernie Els, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo.
Golf in Dubai: between innovation and ecology
Golf courses in Dubai are more than just stretches of grass. They are veritable works of art, designed by the great names in course design, such as Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie. There are luxurious courses with impeccable greens, but also courses that blend perfectly into the desert landscape.
One notable example is the Emirates Golf Club, the first all-turf course in the Middle East. Its Majlis course, host to the Dubai Desert Classic, is a perfect fusion of modern design and desert.
Then there's Jumeirah Golf Estates, home to two courses, Fire and Earth. These courses are challenging for all levels of golfer and offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Water Management
Irrigation is one of the biggest challenges for golf courses in Dubai. To meet this challenge:
- Recycled water: golf courses use recycled water for irrigation, reducing dependence on drinking water.
- Intelligent irrigation systems: these modern systems measure soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly, minimizing water wastage.
Turf management
- Drought-resistant varieties: dubai has introduced types of grass that require less water and are better adapted to arid climates.
- Reducing grassed areas: by concentrating on key areas such as greens and tees, and using the natural desert landscape for the rest of the course, clubs can reduce their water consumption.
One notable example is Emirates Golf Club, the first all-turf course in the Middle East. Its Majlis course, host to the Dubai Desert Classic, is a perfect fusion of modern design and desert.
Then there's Jumeirah Golf Estates, home to two courses, Fire and Earth. These courses are challenging for all levels of golfer and offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Major Golf Events in Dubai
Dubai, as a leading golf destination, hosts several major golf events that attract the world's best golfers as well as thousands of spectators every year. Here are some of the most iconic golf events in Dubai:
Dubai Desert Classic:
- Creation date: 1989
- Location: Emirates Golf Club
- Description: This is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in the Middle East. Since its inception, it has seen many legendary champions, including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els.
Race to Dubai:
- Founded: 2009 (previously known as the "Ordre du Mérite" until 2008)
- Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates
- Description: concludes the European Tour season, with the DP World Tour Championship as the final event. The Race to Dubai rewards the best golfer on the European Tour based on performance throughout the year.
Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic:
- Creation date: 2006
- Location: Emirates Golf Club
- Description: this unique women's professional tournament is played for the most part under the lights of the course, offering a different and spectacular perspective on golf.
Dubai Creek Open :
- Creation date: 1993
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
- Description: Part of the Mena Golf Tour, this event attracts regional and international professionals, often serving as a springboard for emerging talent.
Dubai Duty Free Irish Open:
- Although traditionally associated with Ireland, the event has been sponsored by Dubai-based Dubai Duty Free since 2015. It strengthens the link between Dubai and global golf.
Which airline to choose for golfing in Dubai?
Many airlines accept the carriage of golf equipment, but policies can vary from company to company. Here's a list of some well-known airlines that generally accept the carriage of golf equipment. However, I recommend that you always check the airline's current policies before traveling, as they may change:
- Emirates: this Dubai-based airline is often recognized for its support in transporting golf equipment.
- Etihad Airways: another airline from the United Arab Emirates, which usually carries golf equipment.
- British Airways: this British airline often offers favorable policies for transporting sports equipment, including golf.
- Lufthansa: this German airline is renowned for its flexibility when it comes to transporting golf equipment.
- Air France: Air France policy generally allows the carriage of golf equipment for an additional fee.
- Delta Air Lines: this American airline is renowned for its policy of carrying sports equipment, including golf bags.
- United Airlines: United also offers options for transporting your golf equipment when you travel.
- Qatar Airways: the Qatari airline often has favorable policies for transporting sports equipment, including golf equipment.
- American Airlines: this American airline generally allows golf bags.
- Singapore Airlines: this Singapore airline's policy may be favorable to the transport of golf equipment.
Dubai, once a barren desert, has metamorphosed into a global oasis for golf. Thanks to strategic investment, visionary design and an unwavering focus on excellence, the city has succeeded in attracting the biggest names in golf and hosting some of the world's most prestigious tournaments. But what really sets Dubai apart is its ability to balance luxury and innovation with environmental responsibility.
Faced with the challenges posed by its desert climate, Dubai has pushed the boundaries of technology and design to create sustainable courses without compromising quality or the player experience. Dubai's transformation into a major golf destination is a reflection of its broader vision: that of a city that embraces the future while respecting its heritage. For golf enthusiasts and travellers from around the world, Dubai offers an unrivalled golfing experience, combining the best of the sport with the unrivalled hospitality of Emirati culture.
