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The UAE is blessed with more than a dozen golf courses; three challenging PGA championship golf courses and five additional courses are open to visitors.

Dubai Golf

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. Only soft spikes or rubber-soled shoes are permitted and conventional golfing apparel is mandatory (t-shirts with collars and tailored shorts/trousers).

No denims or jeans are permitted on the course or in the clubhouse. Golf clubs and golf carts are available for hire. It is advisable to book time slots well in advance (see the section Getting There for information on package golf holidays). Bookings from outside the UAE must be by fax giving full details of the booking and credit card number as guarantee.

Abu Dhabi Airport Golf Club (02 5758040) is an 18-hole, 6450-yard, par 71 sand golf course situated 400 metres (two minutes by road) from the terminal. It features an English-style hilltop clubhouse, swimming pool and tennis courts and an advanced training facility. The Royle golf visual communication system can assess your swing on monitors with graphic overlays that enable you to compare your swing with those of some of the world’s best-known players. The academy also features Durnian Frames specially designed metal frames through which golfers can perfect their swing plane by following the line of the frame.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club By Sheraton, Umm al-Nar features two world-class 18-hole superbly landscaped golf courses, a challenging 7204 yards par 72 fully mature National Course and a 6524 yards par 72 Garden Course which is described as ‘more forgiving’. Nine holes of the latter are floodlit. Both courses have strategically-placed bunkers and salt-water lakes. Mature date palms and ornamental trees surround a spectacular clubhouse built in the shape of a large falcon swooping down on a golf ball.

Extensive practice and training facilities are available and the club also has an impressive range of leisure facilities, including tennis, squash, fitness centres and swimming pools. Green fees range from Dh150 to Dh360 at peak times but check out the special summer packages offering superb value.

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Al Garhoud Road, Dubai (04 2956000). In the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

heart of the city, the main 18-hole, floodlit par 72 grass course, which forms the centrepiece of this leisure complex, has excellent views of the creek. But beware of the water hazards and tricky doglegs.

There is also a nine-hole par three, floodlit course. Guests are welcome. Green fees are approximately Dh400. A unique clubhouse design echoes the billowing sails of a traditional Arab dhow. Other facilities include a115-berth marina, tennis courts, picnic and barbecue sites, cycling and jogging tracks.

Dubai Country Club, Hatta Road, Dubai is the oldest club in the Emirates. It features an18-and a nine-hole sand course. Golfers are issued with a small piece of artificial turf to play off when on the fairways. Non-members may play for a fee provided that they are guests of an existing member, or wish to play at off-peak hours.

Emirates Golf Club, Junction 5, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai (04 3473222). Twenty

minutes from Dubai city centre, Emirates Golf club has two challenging18-hole par 72 grass courses. The main 18-hole course is 7100 yards, playing to par 72. The second 18-holes features a range of daunting bunkers and water hazards. A striking clubhouse is built in the shape of a series of bedouin tents. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. Green fees are Dh330–365. Equipment is available for hire. The club also a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and snooker room.

Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club (02 4459600). A nine-hole, 6365-yard par 70 fully floodlit course located in Mushrif in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The racetrack runs through the course, providing a formidable challenge on four holes. Facilities include clubhouse, golf academy, bars and restaurants, floodlit tennis courts, swimming pool and pro-shop. Visitors are welcome. Green fees for 18 holes are Dh230, 9 holes Dh140. club car Dh40 for 18 holes and Dh25 for 9. Special summer rates on request.

Al Ain Golf Club, Al Ain (03 7686808). Visitors are welcome but ring ahead.

Al Dhafra Golf Links Ruwais, Abu Dhabi (02 8771600)

Hilton Al Ain Golf Club, this par 3 course is short but difficult. Open to non-members, club hire available.

Jebel Ali Hotel and Golf Resort, Dubai. Located about 30 minutes from Dubai city centre, this is a nine-hole par 36 course with a central seawater hazard. There is also a driving range with bunkers and target greens. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and–play basis and equipment is available for hire.

Nad al-Sheba Club, Al Awir Roundabout, Nad al-Sheba Rd, Dubai (04 3363666) features a floodlit 18-hole links-style course playing to par 71. The course has eight lakes and more than 110 pot bunkers. Situated about 15 minutes from Dubai city centre, this is a short course, the emphasis being on accuracy.

The first nine is located inside the famous Nad al-Sheba race track with the second nine outside the track. Visitors are welcome on a pay-and-play basis. During the racing season (November - April) check last tee times with the club. Green fees are Dh220-295. Equipment is available for hire. There is also a large driving range, a practice putting area and chipping greens.

Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Sharjah (06 5586239) is a private membership club, offering an 18-hole golf course, a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis, squash, rugby, football and hockey ?

Dubai Desert Classic (Dubai World Trade Centre). The Dubai Desert Classic, a European Tour event sponsored by DUBAL, is usually held in March. This is your chance to see some of the world’s top professional golfers compete for prize money in excess of US$1 million.

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