DUBAI
Nick Bonfield returns to the Middle East for his Dubai Creek debut and to have another crack at actually completing the 18th hole on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club
In 2023, Dubai was named the ‘world’s most popular tourist destination’ for the second year running in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards. What’s more, data from the emirate’s Tourism Performance
Report revealed that Dubai welcomed 15.37 million ‘overnight visitors’ between January and November last year, with record numbers of tourists arriving in the first half of 2023. Dubai continues to solidify its position as an international tourism powerhouse, and while its lavish, sometimes ostentatious, character won’t be to all tastes, one common theme runs through everything: a commitment to quality and first-class experiences.
As you would imagine, that ethos extends into the golf sphere. Dubai boasts a number of genuinely world-class golf courses, and I was lucky enough to play two of them just weeks before they staged DP World Tour events: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club.
As I stood on the chipping green at Dubai Creek on Christmas Eve and watched the most amazing sunrise, I couldn’t wait to get going. I’d heard a lot of good things about Dubai Creek, but it’s fair to say it’s not as well known as some other courses in the region. I’m sure that will change in the wake of this year’s Dubai Invitational, won so thrillingly by Tommy Fleetwood.
David Taggart, the general manager, says, “It is just a special place to play golf. It has an iconic clubhouse, a beautiful location by the creek and stunning views of the city. But on top of that, the club’s history gives it a soul. So many of the staff that were here when the doors opened in 1993 are still giving people a warm welcome when they walk into the clubhouse.” I reflected on this statement after my round and couldn’t find fault with it. The course is thrilling, the conditioning exemplary and the welcome first-rate.
Water, water everywhere
If you’re hoping for a gentle start to ease you into your round, I’m afraid you won’t find that here. The opening hole is a long par 4 that bends round to the left and uphill towards the green, while the 2nd requires pinpoint accuracy off the tee and on the approach. Drives must carry a lake but stop short of another one that flanks the left of the hole and cuts across in front of the green. There are also bunkers to contend with if you bail out right off the tee. Make pars on the first two holes and you’ll be absolutely delighted.
The 3rd, 4th and 5th give you chances – a short par
