Some people like yoga and meditation, while others find joy in travelling, eating out and spending time with their families. Different people have different ways to reduce stress in their lives and golf is one such stress-buster. Other than an exceptional physical exercise, it allows you to be in the great outdoors, make new business connections, and build character. But if you’ve just moved to the UAE and aren’t aware of the best golf courses in Dubai, we have a list for you.
Dubai in general is a splendid place to play golf. The climate is such that you can play golf all year round. The golf courses are packed with world-class facilities such as entertainment outlets, restaurants, swimming pools, kids clubs, etc. The best ones, however, require you to make bookings in advance. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
4 Top Golf Courses in Dubai
Here are the top golf courses in Dubai that you can’t miss if you are a golf-enthusiast.
Dubai Creek Golf Club
Launched in 1993, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is known as one of the world’s ‘Top 100 Must-Play Golf Courses’. It is located in Port Saeed and offers a serene landscape comprising date palms, coconut trees, gorgeous shrubbery and water features. It encompasses an 18-hole championship golf course, a 9 hole par 3 course, 6 restaurants, a well-equipped gym, swimming pool, exclusive residential villas and a 121-berth marina. They also have a golf academy that is specifically meant for those looking to improve their golfing skills.
Opening Hours: 6:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Baniyas Rd, Port Saeed, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club
This golf club first opened in 1988 and has managed to become one of the most well-known golf courses in the city. It boasts of an incredible 36-hole golf course and is Middle East’s first-ever grass golf course. This 30+ years old golf course has a signature clubhouse that remains a top-choice for both local and international golfers.
Its unique landscape consists of desert dunes and freshwater with large surfaces making it hard for even professionals to score. The par-4 8th hole at the Majlis Course is considered one of the most challenging ones in the world. Played uphill, it requires a well-directed drive to make it to the small green. Amenities include everything from luxurious rooms and suites to cafes and restaurants.Â
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: 17/2, Al Naseem street Emirates Golf Club, Al Thanyah 3, Hadaeq Mohammed Bin Rashid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Els Club
Situated in Dubai Sports City, The Els Club is one of the finest in Dubai juxtaposing its traditional features and luxury feel. It comprises 5 star changing rooms, a pro shop, restaurant and bar. The desert-style golf course ensures a marvellous golf-playing experience.
Spread across 7,538 yards, the golf course provides varied lengths from which golfers can play. Since it’s newer compared to other golf courses, it is accompanied by the most amazing facilities that go beyond the greenery and fairways. However, you need to be a member of the Els Club to play here or at least know someone who is a member.
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Address: Dubai Sports City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
We left the best for last, the Earth Course. It is located in Hillside at Jumeirah Golf Estates, harbouring notable features like multiple water hazards, over 3,000 lush trees, and about 100 bunkers. Offering a one of a kind experience, it’s no surprise that it has been voted one of the top golf courses in Dubai. The 4th hole at 253 yards from the back tees is considered a challenging one by golf pros all over the world. Interestingly, the golf course proudly hosts the DP World Tour Championship, including The Race to Dubai and European Tour season.
Open Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Hillside at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How to Choose the Best Golf Club in Dubai?
If you’re in Dubai and are planning to play golf sometime soon but aren’t sure which golf course to select, we can help. To make a smart decision, consider the following factors:
Location
Location is a vital factor when selecting a golf course. You can ask questions like:
- How far do you need to travel?
- Does the golf course organise tournaments?
- How is the atmosphere at the course?
- Does the course have restaurants and bars?
Course Design
Design is something that sets one golf course apart from the others. It is a primary factor that gives personality to the golf course. If not paid enough attention, the design can restrain you from playing the way you like and damage your overall game. Here are the parameters you need to consider about design:
- Does the golf course have water hazards and bunkers?
- What is the drainage status?
- Is the golf course too flat or sloped?
- Is the green area too fast or slow?
Types of Holes
A golf course is incomplete without the holes in its ground. And if there is a limited variety, it’s no fun. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, always choose a golf course that features multiple kinds of holes. From straight holes to long and short ones, a good mix is what you need to look for when choosing the perfect golf course to play in.
Keep Your Golfing Skills in Mind
Based on your golfing skills, you should consider the golf course design and difficulty level. Wasting time in an unsuitable fairway isn’t something that will help you in the long run. You should be able to make shots as you like without any compromise. You also need to consider the amenities the golf club offers, after all not all your time will be spent playing golf.Â
Challenges You as a Player
A golf course, whether big or small, should challenge you. When we say challenge, we don’t mean a difficult one, the challenge should be reasonable. This is a major point to consider as it motivates you to play consistently and try out new skills. Choosing a course with no challenge at all can limit your skills while choosing higher difficulty levels can discourage you. So, be careful with your selection.
Offers Flexible Scheduling
Booking a tee at the golf course shouldn’t be a hassle. If you’re at a golf course where things aren’t that smooth, you’re at the wrong place. As a player, you need regular playing to enhance your skills. You should be able to train when you feel like it and not deal with something as small as booking a tee or finding a caddie. It is essential to select a golf course that offers flexible scheduling. It should be a place where you get priority and play without restrictions.
In a Nutshell
Now that you know about the best golf courses in Dubai and how to choose a good one, we hope you will be able to make the most of your time here. Defining luxury living in its truest essence, the city of gold ensures that you have a gala time not only via its jaw-dropping skyscrapers, islands and desert safari but also in its golf course.
Stay tuned in our blog section for more information on everything you need to know about the UAE. We’re pretty regular with our posts and open to suggestions. Feel free to write to us if you have any, we’d love to cover it.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, Dubai has great weather. The weather together with the top golf courses in Dubai is why golfers from all over the world prefer this place, especially during winters.
Yes, golf in Dubai can be a tad expensive. But that’s only because the city boasts some of the finest courses in the world. Spending a little extra allows you to have a fantastic time and get your money’s worth.
Due to the extreme temperatures in the day, sometimes it gets difficult for golfers to play. Thus, many of them tend to play after sunset or during the night. The golf courses are equipped with the best possible lighting to ensure the game is in no way affected.
It depends on the kind of golf course you are looking for. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the biggest cities in the UAE and offer a great range of golf courses. Depending on your budget and game, you can choose an option that suits you the best. However, if you are inclined towards luxury golf courses, Dubai is better.
Yes, golf is hard to play. But like every other sport, the more you play, the better you get. Golf involves a lot of factors that make it seem hard to play. But practising consistently and challenging yourself enough can make you a great player. Is Dubai a good place for golf?
Is golf in Dubai expensive?
Do people play golf at night in Dubai?
Are golf courses in Dubai better than Abu Dhabi?
Is golf hard to play?
