10 Best Golf Courses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 2023
There are many world-class golf courses in the United Arab Emirates, catering to golfers of all skill levels and golf desires
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. From lush green fairways to stunning desert landscapes, the golf courses in the UAE offer a unique and challenging experience for players of all skill levels.
Some of the best golf courses in the UAE include Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, ELS Club at Dubai Sports City, Address Montgomerie, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Al Zorah Golf Club, Dubai Hills Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. These courses feature top-notch facilities, impeccably maintained greens and fairways, and challenging hazards that will test even the most experienced golfers. With their luxurious amenities and breathtaking surroundings, these golf courses are a must-visit for any golf enthusiast visiting the UAE.
The UAE now welcomes the best professional golfers for regular tournaments, including the Dubai Desert Classic and DP World Tour Championship. The UAE is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and challenging golf courses, designed by renowned architects such as Greg Norman, Kyle Phillips, and Gary Player.
With a growing number of clubs across the UAE, there is no shortage of options for golfers looking for the ultimate golfing vacation in the UAE.
1. Yas Links
Located on the western shores of Yas Island, Yas Links is a world-renowned golf course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course stretches over 7,450 yards and features 18 holes with stunning coastal views.
As the first true links course in the Middle East, Yas Links is known for its challenging layout and demanding greens. Golfers can expect to face a variety of hazards, including doglegs, bunkers, and water features, as they make their way through the round. Despite the challenges, the course remains a popular destination for golfers of all skill levels.
In addition to the main course, Yas Links also features a nine-hole academy course, a driving range, and a putting green for those looking to practice their swing. The facility also boasts a fully stocked pro shop, as well as a sports bar and fine dining restaurant at the Andalucía clubhouse.
Golf enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to play at Yas Links, which has been named one of the top 25 courses in the world by Golf Digest USA and one of the top 10 new international courses by Golf Magazine USA. With its stunning coastal views and challenging layout, Yas Links is sure to provide an unforgettable golfing experience.
2. Emirates Golf Club – The Majlis Course
The Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club is a premier golf destination in Dubai, offering an exceptional golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Located in the heart of the city, this 18-hole par 72 championship course is surrounded by breathtaking views of the city skyline, making it a unique and visually stunning place to play.
In addition to the main course, the Majlis Course also features a 9-hole par-3 academy course, perfect for golfers looking to hone their skills or for those looking for a shorter round of golf. The course is also home to the Dubai Desert Classic Tournament, attracting some of the best professional golfers from around the world.
The Majlis Course is known for its challenging layout, with small and undulating greens on holes 7, 8, and 9 that can cause difficulties for even the most experienced players. The course is surrounded by tall desert dunes and features seven natural saltwater lakes as water hazards.
In addition to its exceptional golfing facilities, the Majlis Course also boasts a world-class clubhouse with a driving range, putting greens, a short-game area, and an ultramodern swing analysis studio. There are also high-end bars and restaurants on site, as well as floodlights that allow for evening play from 5 pm to midnight.
Overall, the Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golfers seeking a luxurious and challenging golf experience in Dubai.
3. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offers a range of amenities, including a driving range, a putting green, and a chipping area for players to practice their swings. The pro shop is stocked with golf equipment from top brands, and there is a fine dining restaurant and a bar for golfers to enjoy a meal or a drink after their round. The club also has luxurious locker rooms and a spa for players to relax and unwind.
In addition to its beautiful setting and challenging golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is known for its commitment to sustainability. The course was designed to minimize its impact on the environment, and it has received several awards for its environmental efforts. It is also home to a number of conservation initiatives, including a sea turtle conservation program and a bird sanctuary.
Overall, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golfers looking for a world-class golf experience in the United Arab Emirates. With its stunning setting, challenging course, and commitment to sustainability, it truly stands out among the many golf courses in the region.
4. The Els Club
The ELS Club at Dubai is a premier golf course located in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. It was designed by award-winning golf course architect, Ernie Els, and opened in 2008.
The ELS Club at Dubai is an 18-hole championship course that measures 7,400 yards. It features wide, undulating fairways, large greens, and strategically placed bunkers, providing a challenging yet enjoyable golf experience for players of all skill levels. The course also boasts stunning views of the Dubai skyline and the nearby Arabian Gulf.
In addition to the main course, the ELS Club at Dubai also has a 9-hole par 3 course, a driving range, and a short game practice area. The club also has a modern clubhouse with a pro shop, a restaurant, and luxurious locker rooms.
Overall, the ELS Club at Dubai is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting the UAE. Its stunning setting, challenging layout, and top-notch facilities make it one of the premier golf courses in the region.
5. Dubai Creek Golf And Yacht Club
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is a true oasis in the heart of Dubai City. Located just a few minutes from Dubai International Airport, it offers a world-class golfing experience that has earned it the title of “must-play” course in the United Arab Emirates according to Golf World Magazine.
The club features a 27-hole course, consisting of an 18-hole par-71 championship course and a 9-hole par-3 academy course. The championship course, with a total length of 6967 yards, is dotted with artificial lakes and palm trees and features challenging holes such as the 17th and 18th, which are known to test even the most skilled golfers. The 9-hole academy course, on the other hand, is perfect for beginners and those looking to hone their skills before tackling the championship course. It is also equipped with floodlights, allowing for night golfing.
The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club is managed by a team of top PGA professionals who are available to provide golf lessons to players of all levels. The club also boasts a variety of amenities, including a pro shop, gym, and up to six restaurants where golfers can relax and enjoy a delicious meal after a challenging round on the course.
6. Address Montgomerie
Address Montgomerie is a world-class golf course located in The Address, one of the most luxurious residential complexes in Dubai. It was designed and built in 2002 by Colin Montgomerie, a professional golfer and course designer. The course spans over 265 acres, with 81 bunkers, multiple lakes, and large, contoured greens that provide a challenge to even the most experienced golfers. The signature hole is the 13th, a par-3 with a 360-degree teeing area shaped like the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to the golf course, Address Montgomerie also boasts a 5-star clubhouse with four restaurants and lounges, including Monty’s Restaurant, which serves a variety of tapas plates. The club also has driving ranges and putting greens for players to practice their swings before hitting the course.
Address Montgomerie is a popular destination for golfers, and it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended to book a tee time in advance to ensure the best experience. The course’s beautiful landscape and high-end facilities make it a must-visit for golfers in Dubai.
7. Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a true gem in the golfing world. Located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, this 27-hole championship course offers a unique and challenging golf experience for players of all abilities.
The front 18 holes, known as The National Course, are built with lush fairways, generous greens, and strategically placed bunkers. These holes are known to be quite challenging, even for professional golfers. The back 9, known as The Garden Course, is a bit more forgiving and suitable for new players or those who want to practice their skills.
One of the most distinctive features of Abu Dhabi Golf Club is its water hazards. The 12th hole is particularly challenging, as players must navigate an artificial lake and avoid deep bunkers to reach the green. The 18th hole, on the other hand, offers a noteworthy finish to your 18-hole round with its long distance and rolling greens.
In addition to its impressive course, Abu Dhabi Golf Club also boasts a striking clubhouse in the shape of a falcon outstretching its wings. The clubhouse includes a driving range, putting green, restaurant, bar and lounge, locker rooms, and massage room, all designed to provide players with the best possible golf experience. After a challenging round on the course, golfers can relax and unwind in the luxurious 5-star clubhouse.
While green fees at Abu Dhabi Golf Club may be on the higher side due to its high-end services and facilities, it is well worth the price. This course is a must-visit for any golfer traveling to the United Arab Emirates.
8. Al Zorah Golf Club
The clubhouse of Al Zorah Golf Club is a highlight of this golf facility. It is built in the shape of a falcon with wings outstretched and offers a wide range of amenities for golfers, including a pro shop, a restaurant, and a bar. The pro shop is stocked with modern golf equipment from top brands, while the restaurant serves European-Arabic cuisine with a stunning view of the course.
Al Zorah Golf Club is not only a paradise for golfers but also a great destination for nature enthusiasts. The course is home to a wide variety of native birds, including flamingos, and is surrounded by mangroves and lagoons that are home to an array of marine life. The course also features a 2-square-kilometer inland creek of ecologically rich wetland, making it an oasis of tranquility in the midst of the desert.
Overall, Al Zorah Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golfers in the United Arab Emirates. Its stunning landscape and top-notch facilities make it a top choice for golfers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
9. Jumeirah Golf Estates – Fire Course
To enhance the experience of playing at Jumeirah Golf Estates – Fire Course, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the course layout and the challenges that you may encounter. Familiarizing yourself with the course layout can help you plan your shots and prepare yourself mentally for the challenges that lie ahead.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Fire Course is known for its undulating greens and bunkers. The bunkers are strategically placed along the fairways and are known to be challenging to get out of. Therefore, it is essential to be accurate with your shots and avoid hitting into these bunkers.
Another aspect to consider is the elevations on the course. There are several holes on the Fire Course that feature significant elevation changes, which can affect your shots. It is essential to be mindful of these changes and adjust your shots accordingly.
In conclusion, Jumeirah Golf Estates – Fire Course is a beautiful and challenging golf course that promises an unforgettable experience for players of all skill levels. Familiarizing yourself with the course layout and challenges will help you have a more enjoyable round.
10. Dubai Hills Golf Club
Dubai Hills Golf Club is known for its exceptional course design and impeccable service. It has already won several accolades in its short history, including the “Best New Golf Course in the Middle East” award at the World Golf Awards in 2018.
In addition to the golf course itself, Dubai Hills Golf Club also offers a range of other activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. The clubhouse features a luxurious spa, fitness center, and pool, as well as a number of dining options and a pro shop. The club also has a golf academy, offering lessons and clinics for players of all levels.
Overall, Dubai Hills Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts visiting the United Arab Emirates. Its picturesque setting, top-notch facilities, and challenging course make it a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
