No, we won’t be apologising fore the puns, and I’m sorry if that drives a wedge between us. Anyway, all jokes aside, we’re always keen to get out in the fresh air for a little light exercise and some gentle competition, and Dubai’s best golf courses offer just the tonic. We’ve picked out a handful of our favourite courses for your next golfing adventure; may the wind be at your back and may your putts drop gently!
1. Jumeirah Golf Estates
Jumeirah Golf Estates is one of the most highly regarded and prestigious golf clubs in Dubai. With incredible views of green tidy grass, water, and beautiful homes in a gated community, you won’t want to leave this place. The estates comprise of two environmentally friendly golf courses designed by two-time major winner, Greg Norman, titled Earth & Fire.
Earth (seen above) is routinely voted one of the best golf courses in the world by Golf Digest, and offers the classic choice of the two. The Fire course, on the other hand, is more rustic and visually spectacular (even if you don’t golf, you’ll appreciate the views) and definitely more challenging, which is why a coherent strategy is needed throughout… sometimes just aiming for the flag might not get you the results you want.
2. Montgomerie Golf Club
As you may have guessed from the name, British golfing great Colin Montgomerie had a hand in designing this course – and he certainly didn’t make it a walk in the park. A whopping 81 bunkers and fourteen lakes will make it a test of your control to traverse, but it’ll undeniably add a truly special backdrop to your round.
Meanwhile, there’s a lively jazz session to enjoy every Friday night at the club’s on-site Jazz Garden, with a rotating cast of incredible jazz musicians. You can find tickets to The Jazz Garden here!
3. Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Arabian Ranches has it all: gorgeous houses, shops, and most importantly, a 560-yard links course, the child of Open Championship winner Ian Baker-Finch back in 2006. Whether you’re a long time, expert golfer or a beginner, the course accommodates both skill levels and any in between.
4. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Nothing quite matches up to the immediate sense of style you feel when you spend the day at a “country” club, and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht club is no different. Having been a staple of Dubai’s golf scene since 1993, this place has left its mark in Dubai as family-friendly and a top spot to watch various tournaments and events. The Clubhouse, as seen above, is a photo-op favourite amongst tourists due to its stunning architecture. Oh, and if you’ve got a yacht (jealous!), then this is also the perfect place to dock, or rent a boat for the day.
5. Dubai Hills
Having opened in 2018, Dubai Hills is a more recent addition to Dubai’s array of golf courses. But don’t let its relative youth fool you: the 18-hole course is championship-worthy, whilst the views back to the city make for a spectacular backdrop to your long iron shots. Bookings can be made on their website.