Since its introduction in 1988, golf in the Middle East has gone from strength to strength. After first emerging in Dubai, we have now seen the rise of one of the world’s most popular golf in the sun destinations. Turkey, notable for its All Inclusive golf holidays has attracted a number of top designers such as Feherty, Faldo and Colin Montgomerie, whose Montgomerie Maxx Royal has been selected as a European Tour host course, something few would have predicted when it was opened in 2007.
Now we see the emergence of golf in Qatar with its Doha Course annually hosting the increasingly prestigious Qatar Masters. Who knows? Maybe in 10 years it’ll be as respected as Turkey! For now though, let’s step back to see just how this transformation came about…
Where did it all begin?
It all started at The Emirates GC, where the first all grass Championship course was born through the Majlis in 1988. Since then, Emirates GC has added another Middle Eastern record breaker, with the 1996 designed Faldo course being the first in the region to offer night golf. The club certainly stands the test of time too and despite being founded some 28 years ago, it is still widely regarded as the best course in Dubai, ranking consistently in Golf World’s ‘Top 100 Courses’. No wonder it was dubbed “The Desert Miracle”!
Who followed the trend in Dubai?
It didn’t take long for others to realise Dubai’s potential as a golfers paradise. Five years after seeing the success of Majlis, Dubai Creek Golf Club opened in 1993. The course has since hosted the European Tour Desert Classic event and its perfectly manicured fairways and internal lakes are typical of a Dubai course. After the millennium, several courses were opened in Dubai. Notable names include…
Montgomerie Dubai
Opened: 2002
Arguably Dubai’s most spectacular course, designer Colin Montgomerie has expertly created a resort style layout, whilst adding a slight links accent. At 7,308 yards from the Championship markers and with 49 acres of lakes, the course certainly provides a stern test but, like most courses in Dubai, it is designed to present a challenge to all levels of golfers.
The Els Club Dubai
Opened: 2008
At over 7,500 yards from the championship tees, the Els course was designed with the aim of being a tournament host and offers fantastic views of the desert scenery. However, don’t be put off by this hefty yardage, the 6,200 yard forward tees offer a much more reasonable test on a course with a great emphasis on the short game (in true Ernie fashion!).
Jumeirah Golf Estates
Opened: 2009 (Earth) | 2010 (Fire)
With two outstanding championship courses, Jumierah Golf Estates provides a great variety of golf to all. The Earth Course hosting the Dubai World Championships in its first year is some achievement and this is no surprise considering its 7,706 yard pro markers. The Fire Course offers an interesting round too, with notable links features such as undulating fairways and sloping greens protected by large bunkers.
Trump International Dubai
Opened: 2017
One of the Emirate’s newest courses, this Gil Hanse design is part of the Trump International Group, the course naturally has a championship feel, able to test golfers of all abilities. The facilities are simply among the best in the world, with fantastic dining options, extensive leisure provisions and all round brilliant hospitality.
Dubai Hills
Opened: 2018
Whilst this par-72 gem can be played by golfers of any calibre, Dubai Hills is no pushover, measuring a solid 7220-yards from the tips. Dubai Hills is one of the newest additions to the phenomenal portfolio of golf that Dubai already boasts.
Enter Turkey
Heavily reliant on tourism, it is no coincidence that Turkey has become the golfing destination it is today. The quality of its resorts, hotels, golf courses and all inclusive deals have proved invaluable in attracting golfers and holiday goers from all over. It began in the early 90s, when a growing number of affluent Turkish residents moved to the outskirts of Istanbul so that they could enjoy the peaceful greenery and easily commute to work.
Naturally, this led to an increase in leisure facilities and a chance to promote a new sport to the people of Turkey. And why not golf considering its success in Dubai eh? The country’s first professional golf course was founded in Istanbul in 1994 (Note – Turkey’s only surviving non-professional golf course before this was actually opened in 1895!) and was shortly followed by National Golf Club in Belek – soon to become the hub of Turkish golf.
The success of these courses ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Turkish Golf Federation in 1996. And the rest is history… Since then, Turkey (and more specifically Belek) has established itself as a premier golf destination, with more and more courses being introduced to keep up with the demands of Turkey’s growing tourism sector, all with a prime focus on All Inclusive golf! Here are three of our favourites…
Gloria Golf Resort
Cornelia Golf Resort
Opened: 2006
Cornelia offers more than just fantastic golf. The 5* resort can stand alone on its vast selection of facilities and luxury accommodation. Its 27 hole Faldo course carves through a magnificent pine forest and offers a great test of golf to all.
Sueno Hotels Deluxe
Opened: 2007
Although Sueno’s two courses were opened back in 2007, it was only in April 2015 that its deluxe hotel opened. While the Pines is the tougher, the Dunes incorporates links-style characteristics suitable for all abilities. The hotel has direct access to a beach front, perfect for those wishing to relax after a round.
Meanwhile, a short way from Dubai…
In 1998, Abu Dhabi’s first all grass championship course opened, having been an 18 hole sand course for 22 years prior. The 9 hole Abu Dhabi City Course, situated in the heart of the city, has since been dubbed ‘The People’s Golf Course’ and its overhead lights allow for tee times up until 9pm – perfect for business travellers! Here are some of Abu Dhabi’s following highlights…
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Opened: 2000
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is arguably the country’s most prestigious course. While annually hosting the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (a European PGA Tour event), it has also received several accolades, including a ranking in Golf World’s Top 100 courses. It’s clubhouse is Arabia’s most iconic – a winged falcon resting on top of a golf ball.
Yas Links
Opened: 2010
Designed by Kyle Phillips, Abu Dhabi’s only Links course provides spectacular coastline views of the Arabian Gulf. Entertainment is never far away either and the island is home to a range of world-class hotels, mega malls, theme parks and golf courses.
Saadiyat Beach
Opened: 2010
The Middle East’s first beach front course, Saadiyat offers stunning views over the Gulf’s sparkling blue waters bordered by stretches of pristine white sand. No two holes are the same on this breathtaking Links course!
Where Next?
So there you have it… The evolution of golf in the Middle East. Where next??? Who knows? But if it’s anything remotely similar to what’s come before then we’re in for a treat!
Why not book your golf holiday or find out more about courses in the Middle East.
