Gone are the days when the green was home to the tartan trouser and tank top brigade; golf is infiltrating the masses both young and old. The UAE, flanked by ever-growing Dubai, have been quick to catch on (and cash in) to this increasingly popular sport. The Gulf States, and in particular the UAE, are arguably the most rapidly developing golfing countries in the world, with golf courses sprouting up amidst the desert. So if you’re already an avid fan, or are itching to join the golfing phenomenon, then let our definitive guide inspire you. The top ten in 2005 may change as the number of facilities throughout the region multiplies, but here’s what we reckon at the moment...

Content : Courtesy Arabian Woman

As you approach the Desert Course passing Dubai Land, with the Autodrome grandstand in full view, you get a feeling for the future of Dubai. Soon the city will have spread to engulf this generally more desterted region. The golf club within the impressive Arabian Ranches is a unique concept and one which will stand the test of time. The colonial ranch style clubhouse comes complete with 12 hotel rooms and a décor that JR Ewing would be proud of. Sumptuous surroundings, dining areas and bars, a beautifully crafted locker room, pro shop and lobby all contribute to the ambience. The academy with a separate building is of the highest quality, particularly the pitching and putting greens. Having warmed up, the Ian Baker-Finch (Open Champion 1989) design awaits. Cut through the desert, with sand and scrub surrounding fairways and greens, this course is a real break from the norm. From the back black tees, the course measures over 7600 yards – monstrous. Although a true challenge, the golf course should be enjoyed for its individuality - a good score on the desert course translates to a very good score anywhere else!

The ‘desert miracle’ design of Karl Litten, opened in 1988, is not only the home of the Dubai Desert Classic, but also the forerunner of the region’s grass courses. Its position in this chart is due to the current re-design of the ‘Wadi’ course by Nick Faldo, and practice facilities which are required to keep Emirates Golf Club at the forefront of golf in the Gulf. There remains at present the Majilis design clubhouse and the famous Majilis course. The clubhouse, although older than some of its competitors, has retained its charm with members and guests enjoying excellent bar and restaurant services, fully stocked pro’s shop, pool and gym. The revered Majilis course, making an appearance into the top 100 courses in the world this year, has a variety of difficulty levels, and particularly the finish to each nine which accounts for these accolades. For tournament play and spectators, holes 9 and 18 are spectacular. Number 9 sweeps around a dog-leg guarded by bunkers on the nearside with a large lake on the far side. The second shot is played partly over the lake towards the on-looking clubhouse. The finishing hole is a reachable right to left par-5 with water on the right from the tee, and in front of the green for the second shot.

The ‘desert miracle’ design of Karl Litten, opened in 1988, is not only the home of the Dubai Desert Classic, but also the forerunner of the region’s grass courses. Its position in this chart is due to the current re-design of the ‘Wadi’ course by Nick Faldo, and practice facilities which are required to keep Emirates Golf Club at the forefront of golf in the Gulf. There remains at present the Majilis design clubhouse and the famous Majilis course. The clubhouse, although older than some of its competitors, has retained its charm with members and guests enjoying excellent bar and restaurant services, fully stocked pro’s shop, pool and gym. The revered Majilis course, making an appearance into the top 100 courses in the world this year, has a variety of difficulty levels, and particularly the finish to each nine which accounts for these accolades. For tournament play and spectators, holes 9 and 18 are spectacular. Number 9 sweeps around a dog-leg guarded by bunkers on the nearside with a large lake on the far side. The second shot is played partly over the lake towards the on-looking clubhouse. The finishing hole is a reachable right to left par-5 with water on the right from the tee, and in front of the green for the second shot.

The opening of the new 6 lane fully floodlit Emirates Road will allow golfers to reach RAK in just 45 minutes, and the Tower Links is well worth the drive. Natural features adorn this impressive facility, set amongst a mangrove swamp against the backdrop of the imposing Hajar Mountains. This in itself gives a somewhat unique feel but upon arriving at the Tower shaped clubhouse, which cleverly overlooks the stunning 9th and 18th holes, players have access to adequate dining, a fully stocked pro’s shop, gymnasium and Cleopatra Spa. The practice facilities are as good as you will find anywhere and include an academy, driving range, practice bunkers and greens, and on occasions you may find some famous players seeking sanctuary to work on their games. The golf course winds through the hazardous mangrove swamp which coupled with lakes and bunkers give the Tower Links an interesting feel. Holes to look out for include 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; a well designed and tough end to the front nine, and hole 18, a short, pretty par-5 with the third shot played over the lake directly in front of the clubhouse. The back nine holes are fully floodlit and under the lights are truly stunning when the sun goes down.

The first thing that will strike you is the clubhouse, a huge complex in the shape of a falcon swooping down on a golf ball which presides over the magnificent layout. The clubhouse features three stories of bars and restaurants as well as leisure facilities including outdoor pool, gymnasium, tennis/squash courts, snooker room, stadium court, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. Progressing towards the golf course, you will find extensive practice facilities- putting/chipping greens and practice bunkers compliment the floodlit 350m driving range, the largest in the Gulf. Two 18-hole, par-72 courses await players. The Gardens Course at 6498 yards is gentle and ideal for all standards with holes 10 -18 floodlit. The centerpiece though is the National Course; planned and designed in 1992. Upon completion in 1998 the course was given important time to mature and as a result is in marvelous condition. At 7204 yards, with lush fairways, large palms, lakes and bunkers, the Peter Harradine-design is a wonderful blend of challenging yet rewarding holes.

Don’t be put off by the endless construction engulfing the Al Badia Resort, the focal point of the prestigious Dubai Festival City development. Even prior to the resort’s completion, this golf course deserves recognition. The clubhouse and accompanying facilities promise great things – the catch is these are close to a year from completion. But at present though the facility is ranked on course alone and its high rank indicates the quality. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the 7250-yard, 18-hole, par-72 layout is a stern test for the established player, but can be equally enjoyed by less advanced players - the hallmark of a well-designed resort course. With 11 lakes, a number of stunning water features and the designer’s idiosyncratic “rivers of sand” running throughout the course, Al Badia’s strength lies in the diversity of holes, with the 9th and 18th taking pride of place. The latter is a wonderful finishing hole, a doglegging par-5 utilising water, sand and the shape of the hole to reward the brave, but punish the foolish.

Don’t be put off by the endless construction engulfing the Al Badia Resort, the focal point of the prestigious Dubai Festival City development. Even prior to the resort’s completion, this golf course deserves recognition. The clubhouse and accompanying facilities promise great things – the catch is these are close to a year from completion. But at present though the facility is ranked on course alone and its high rank indicates the quality. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the 7250-yard, 18-hole, par-72 layout is a stern test for the established player, but can be equally enjoyed by less advanced players - the hallmark of a well-designed resort course. With 11 lakes, a number of stunning water features and the designer’s idiosyncratic “rivers of sand” running throughout the course, Al Badia’s strength lies in the diversity of holes, with the 9th and 18th taking pride of place. The latter is a wonderful finishing hole, a doglegging par-5 utilising water, sand and the shape of the hole to reward the brave, but punish the foolish.

Riffa Golf Club, just a 15-minute drive from Manama in Bahrain, is the Kingdom’s first standard 18-hole grass golf course. The par-72 Karl Litten design is a nature reserve in itself with over 400 specimens of trees and 500 date palms to avoid on the way round! Opened in 1999, Riffa Golf Club has helped bring the game to locals and expats in Bahrain. The Clubhouse combines Arabic influences with modern designs, offering a choice of casual and more formal dining options, a well stocked pro shop and a golf academy run by PGA golf management. At 6817 yards, this is a shorter course than some in the chart and is playable for golfers of all levels. Lakes and waste areas provide the hazards and the back 9 holes have been floodlit since 2003, and are host to the first ever Night Golf League.

This golf course and recreation centre has been audaciously created as the first and only grassed 18-hole, par-72 course in KSA, also offering a range of other activities. Situated 50km southwest of Riyadh, and nestled in the picturesque Dirab Valley, the clubhouse has a full restaurant and pro shop, as well as tennis courts, swimming pools and stables for budding equestrians. A driving range and practice facilities are perfect for the growing population of golf enthusiasts in KSA. The 7420-yard course meanders gently through the valley, with the rock faces providing a scenic backdrop – the back 9 holes are floodlit allowing play into the late hours. Tree-lined fairways and perfectly manicured greens make Dirab a pleasant golfing experience for beginners and more experienced players.