TCP Harding Park in California. Florida’s St. Augustine Golf Course. The PGA Catalunya Resort in Barcelona. There is no shortage of fantastic golf courses around the world, though perhaps some of the finest can be found in Dubai. Boasting a long history with the sport that goes back almost five decades, Dubai is home to nearly a dozen championship courses spread around the city. Designed by veterans of the sport and offering a perfect mix of challenge and leisure, many of these courses are surrounded by exceptionally designed golf communities, such as the ones below.
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Featuring two world-class golf courses designed by Greg Norman – named Fire and Earth – Jumeirah Golf Estates is one of the finest private communities in Dubai. The Fire Course is known for its challenging, undulating terrain while the Earth Course hosts the final leg of the European Tour, the DP World Championship Tour. JGE is also known for its several residential enclaves, featuring beautiful country-style Mediterranean villas. Though perhaps the most talked about neighbourhood in the community is Hillside, a stunning new development that swaps out rural charm for a dynamic contemporary look.
Emirates Hills
This is without a doubt the most exclusive residential community in Dubai, counting top business moguls and international celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment among its residents. Emirates Hills also benefits from being surrounded by not just one but two premier golf clubs. Residents can enjoy a five-star golfing experience at the Address Montgomerie, with a course designed by Colin Montgomerie and hospitality services provided by the Address Resorts & Hotels. Or they can head to the Emirates Golf Club, which had the Middle East’s first all-grass course when it opened in 1989. The Emirates Golf Club has a course designed by Nick Faldo but is best known for the Majlis Course, host of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies’ Classic tournaments.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Photo courtesy of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Facebook page
Situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek, which used to serve as a main port for the city at one time, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club couples its par 71 championship course with splendid waterfront panoramas. The Creek itself comes into play on four holes, and there are water features and sand traps to add an extra challenge. The Creek club is certainly one of the most aesthetically unique clubs, with a design reflecting the sails of a traditional Arabian vessel. Technically, this isn’t quite a golf community, though it is only a short distance from Dubai Creek Harbour, and upcoming mixed-use development that will contain some of Dubai’s best waterfront homes.
Victory Heights
Photo courtesy of the Els Club Facebook page
This quiet residential neighbourhood is divided into seven ‘villages’, each of which contains elegantly designed family villas surrounded by playgrounds, parks and abundant greenery. A key feature of Victory Heights is the Els Club, featuring a course designed by US Open winner Ernie Els. Inspired by his favorite links across the United Kingdom, Els has crafted a beautiful course that incorporates elements of the natural desert landscape to present a unique challenge for even the most seasoned golfer.
Arabian Ranches
Photo courtesy of Arabian Ranches Facebook Page
This is Dubai’s premier family community, split into villa enclaves that have a strong coastal Spanish influence in their design with touches of traditional Middle Eastern architecture. The centerpiece of the community is the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, with a course designed by Ian Baker-Finch and Nicklaus Design, the golf course design firm founded by Jack Nicklaus. You can also walk over to the nearby Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club if your afternoon doesn’t feel quite active enough.
Dubai Hills
This is the course that many of Dubai’s golf enthusiasts are keenly awaiting. Set in the upcoming master community of Dubai Hills Estate, the Dubai Hills Golf Course looks set to provide a fantastic level of play for golfers of all skill levels, all while looking out over amazing views of the Dubai skyline. The golf course is surrounded by some of the most exclusive homes at Dubai Hills, gorgeous family villas available in a choice of three architectural styles.
Dubai offers plenty of choices for an afternoon out on the green. If that’s not enough to satisfy you, then the neighboring emirate of Abu Dhabi has some more great options, such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links.
Andrew Cummings is the exclusive agent representing the Dubai, United Arab Emirates market as a part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all his listings at LuxuryProperty.com.
