Heading to Dubai? Like golf? Then you’re certainly in for a treat with this article. There are few places that have as much to offer golfers as this desert city does. Pristine courses, top-notch service and world-class events. The Dubai golf scene is so good that Tiger Woods came here in 2001 and tee off of the top of the Burj Al Arab. That’s just how they do things in Dubai.
Whether you’re a pro or a complete newbie, here’s how to get a golfing fix during your holiday to the Emirates.
Dubai Golf Courses
Fancy a round in the desert? How about a game by the beach? Dubai golf courses are incredibly diverse and renowned for their style and quality, but then, what else would you expect from the City of Gold? Things get a little bit busy during the weekend, so plan to visit during the week to get the most out of your round.
Naturally, there are plenty of great courses to choose from, so here’s our pick of the very best.
Majlis
If you’ve ever wanted to play on a course with some serious prestige, here’s your chance. The challenging 36-hole Majlis is the flagship offering at the Emirates Golf Club (the other two being Faldo and Par 3), and has welcomed the likes of Tiger Woods and Rory McllRoy to its perfectly-manicured grass course. With an incredible prime view of the city’s skyline, it’s worth a game for the Insta opportunities alone.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Sitting right next to Dubai International Airport, Dubai Creek & Yacht Club is the perfect place to blow off some steam before a long haul flight. This 27-hole course guides you along a very scenic tour of the creek area, with palm trees and a few man-made lakes thrown in for good measure. Alongside the 71-par course are a driving range, putting green and practice bunker, so you can really hone your skills. It’s got a pretty swish sail-shaped clubhouse, too.
JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort
Another addition to the best golf courses in Dubai, the 50-acre plot at JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort is small but perfectly formed. If you’re just looking for a quick fix this 9-hole course is ideal – just look out for the resident peacocks. If you’re travelling out to Jebel Ali you may as well make a day of it – the public beach, Jebel Ali horse riding stables, and Dubai Motocross Club are all close by.
Dubai driving ranges
The majority of Dubai golf courses have their own driving range, all with the kind of panache you’d expect. Whether you’re warming up before a round on the course or just stopping by to hit some balls as hard as you can, Dubai’s driving ranges are some of the best.
The Track Meydan
Located at Meydan Racecourse, this driving range has a pretty chilled vibe, with low key background music playing while you shoot. It also has its own parking and fitting studio. Once you’ve worked up an appetite be sure to head over to the racecourse’s own Soho Garden for a juicy burger and a cocktail.
The Els Club
Head over to Dubai Sports City to practice your swing at this luxury club, named after the man, the myth, the legend Ernie Els. The driving range at The Els Club is 450 yards long, and has six separate greens to test your aim at. The driving range is open until 9pm and is lit from underneath so you can keep swinging all evening.
Night golf in Dubai
When it comes to night golf, Dubai has some pretty stylish options. Forget playing a round in the summer heat; get your sightseeing or beach time in during the day then head to one of these courses when it’s cooler once the sun has set.
Faldo
Its sister course, The Majlis, may be the better known choice, but Faldo is where you want to go at night. The 18-hole course looks rather spectacular set against the glittering lights of the Marina, while the course’s LED floodlights keep your game on point.
Address Montgomerie
For a quicker, but equally Insta-worthy round, head to the course at The Address Montgomerie. The 18-hole course is open until 10pm; plenty of time to try out the driving range and putting green, too.
The Track Meydan
For a more laid back approach, The Track is your best option. With a simple online booking system, no dress code, and players of all ages and abilities welcome, this is easily the most accessible course in Dubai. Lights go on at 4pm with closing time around 10:30pm.
Golf Events in Dubai
It’s no big surprise that a golf-loving city like Dubai plays host to some of the sport’s biggest tournaments. You could even play pro yourself and join an amateur tournament like the Dubai Creek Open or The Address Montgomerie Men’s and Women’s Open Days. If you’re not quite ready to embrace your inner Tiger just yet, here’s where you can see the professionals in action:
Omega Dubai Desert Classic
As the oldest tournament in Dubai, the Omega Desert Classic has crowned champions including Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Rory McIlroy. The competition, held at the Majlis course every January, has made history for the largest cash prize in the sport – Australian Lucas Herbert scooped up winnings of $3,250,000 in 2020.
DP World Tour Championship
Another event with prestige by the bucketload, the DP World Tour is held in Dubai every November. The tournament is hosted at the impressive Jumeirah Golf Estates, and sees the top European players battle it out for a total purse worth millions.
Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic
This tournament on the Ladies European Tour has been drawing the world’s top female talent since 2006. The Faldo course plays host to the 54-hole tournament, which made history by becoming the world’s first professional day-night golf competition.
Just for fun
Fancy something a little less challenging? Trying to turn the kids into golfing fanatics? Give these places a try when you want a less taxing round…
Tee & Putt
Ever wondered what it would be like to play crazy golf under the influence of psychedelics? Well, you can (almost) find out at this spot at WAFI Mall. The glow-in-the-dark course will see you dodging space debris in your quest to complete the 18 holes. There’s also the Puzzle Mini Golf Challenge; think escape room meets mini golf.
Dubai Creek Mini Golf
Not quite ready for the nearby championship course? No worries – this mini golf course is the next best thing. While it’s been designed for all ages, it still has enough tricky shots for you to feel like a ‘proper’ round. Set inside Dubai Creek Park, it’s a nice spot for a picnic and a walk along the promenade.
