Golf in Dubai

Where To Play?

The Montgomerie Opened for play late in 2002, the course at The Montgomerie (a collaboration between Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead) is a relative veteran by Dubai's standards. It's an interesting layout to play with attractive features including extensive bunkering and a simply incredible amount of water.

The closing hole is 656 yards with water left and right for the drive, second shot and approach. In 2006 a new clubhouse was opened at The Montgomerie. It offers 21 stylish and unique guestrooms. Managed by Troon Golf, the facility also boasts a state-of-the-art golf academy staffed by a team of highly qualified coaches. W: themontgomerie.com T: 00 971 4 390 5600 STATS: par 72, 7,308 yards GF: £140

Arabian Ranches At the heart of the impressive Arabian Ranches residential estate is Arabian Ranches Golf Club. Once known as the Desert Course, the layout was designed by 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker Finch (with Nicklaus Design) and opened for play in 2004.

The concept for the course was to build a desert-style track echoing those found in Palm Springs California and Scottsdale Arizona. The holes flow beautifully through the sand dunes as they pass shrubs and bushes across lush green fairways. W: arabianranchesgolfdubai.com T: 00 971 4 366 3000 STATS: par 72, 7,691 yards GF: £100wd, £115we

The Emirates - Majlis Course "The Desert Miracle," the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club was the first all-grass championship course in The Middle East. In 1989 Mark James won the inaugural Desert Classic here and the tournament has been held at the Emirates Club on 18 further occasions, becoming one of the premier events on the European Tour.

Sculpted around and through the desert dunes, the fairways make their way past seven lakes, desert areas, an abundance of indigenous plant life and the Majlis itself - Arabic for meeting place, these white tent-like structures are a distinctive feature. W: dubaigolf.com T: 00 971 4 380 1752 STATS: par 72, 7,301 yards GF: £145 per round

The Els Club Within the incredible Dubai Sports City development, The Els Club opened for play in March 2008. Ernie Els has designed a high-quality track and his influence is particularly apparent around the testing green complexes.

A great emphasis is placed on the short game at the Els Club. But you're also made to think from the tee as it's vital to be on the right side of the generous fairways to approach the tricky greens. W: elsclubdubai.com T: 00 971 4 425 1010 STATS: par 72, 7,538 yards GF: £140 per round

Dubai Creek Under the Dubai Golf banner, the course at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club opened in 1993. Lying on the banks of the creek itself, the course hosted the Dubai Desert Classics of 1999 and 2000, won by David Howell and José Cóceres.

The layout was redeveloped in 2004 and now sits as the centrepiece of an impressive resort featuring extensive practice facilities and a sail-shaped clubhouse complete with swimming pool and gym. W: dubaigolf.com T: 00 971 4 205 4555 STATS: par 71, 6,857 yards GF: From £105 per round

Jumeirah Golf Estates - Earth The inaugural Race to Dubai climaxed with the Dubai World Championship on the Greg Norman-designed Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a parkland-style track influenced by the great inland courses of Europe and North America. The Great White Shark has also designed the Fire course at Jumeirah - now open for play by members and their guests. W: jumeirahgolfestates.com T: 00 971 4 375 2222 STATS: Earth - par 72, 7,675 yards GF: Members and guests only

Al Badia Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the Al Badia course was constructed with an oasis theme in mind. This is illustrated by the 11 lakes and several further water hazards on the layout. There's also abundant native plant-life surrounding fairways and greens.

The TaylorMade Performance Lab at Al Badia has high-tech motion analysis systems for instruction and club fitting. W: albadiagolfclub.ae T: 00 971 4 601 0101 STATS: par 72, 7,303 yards GF: £120wd; £150we

Note: Green Fees stated are for the peak season, October to May.

Where to Stay?

One & Only Royal Mirage The One & Only Royal Mirage resort on Jumeirah beach offers a wide range of accommodation, but whether you stay in the palace or the more intimate court or villa, Arabic splendour abounds. The service is first class, the food exceptional and there's a host of other activities to enjoy from tennis to deep-sea fishing. This October One & Only opens another hotel in Dubai, The Palm. W: oneandonlyresorts.com Rooms from: £245 per night

Park Hyatt Dubai Set on the waterfront next to Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, the Park Hyatt Dubai provides luxurious rooms, fantastic cuisine and great views over the water. From the Park rooms up to the opulent suites, the impressive lounge to the Amara day spa, the hotel delivers supreme levels of comfort and relaxation. W: dubai.park.hyatt.com Rooms from: £150 per night

Intercontinental Dubai Festival City This sailboat-inspired hotel is a striking landmark on Dubai Creek. Convenient for Business Bay and Dubai World Trade Centre, Bastakiya, Dubai Museum and Al Mamzar Beach Park, the hotel features a state-of-the-art gym plus a luxurious spa as well as four excellent restaurants. Al Badia Golf Club is part of the hotel's offering. W: intercontinental.com Rooms from: £150 per night