Guide to Dubai's Best Golf Courses

Written by Arpan Ghosh

Golf season is nearing its end in Dubai, but there is still plenty of time to go and enjoy a day out on the links. With the most high-profile golfing events on the city's calendar such as the prestigious DP World Tour Championship and Omega Desert Classic already over, you can have a very relaxed golfing experience before the summer heat kicks in. If you are planning to hit the links, then you have a wealth of choice. Here are the very best golf courses in Dubai, presented in no specific order.

List of Top 8 Golf Courses in Dubai

1. Arabian Ranches Golf Club 2. Emirates Golf Club 3. The Address Montgomerie
4. Jumeirah Golf Estates 5. Dubai Hills Golf Club 6. Els Club
7. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club 8. Trump International Golf Club  

1. Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Arabian Ranches Dubai is one of the first true family communities to be built in Dubai, transforming a desert landscape into a beautiful green neighbourhood. Designed by Australian champion golfer Ian Baker-Finch, the 18-hole course pays tribute to its origins with indigenous shrubbery and trees that add another layer of challenge to the game. You can also shore up your skills at a golf academy and relax in the clubhouse, which features delightful dining options such as Ranches Restaurant.

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2. Emirates Golf Club

Emirates Golf Club

Image Credit: Emirates Golf Club

This major Dubai landmark is located near the ultra-exclusive community of Emirates Hills, making it an ideal hangout for the high-end clientele that live there. It features two signature courses. The Majlis course is the oldest grass golf course in the Middle East, incorporating natural topographical features that make it tricky for the most expert players. The Faldo course, designed by Nick Faldo, rewards players who are precise with their shots and for the longest time was the only floodlit golf course in the city for anyone who wanted to shoot a few rounds after dark.

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3. The Address Montgomerie

The Address Montgomerie

Featuring an 18-hole course designed by Scottish golfing veteran Colin Montgomerie, this club is also located around Emirates Hills - indeed, the residents there are spoiled for choice when it comes to golfing. The course enjoys fantastic views of the Dubai Marina skyline and is accompanied by a five-star Address hotel and an exceptional clubhouse. There are excellent facilities at both, including restaurants, plus fitness and wellness centers.

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4. Jumeirah Golf Estates

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Twin golf courses Earth and Fire form the backbone of Jumeirah Golf Estates. The courses were designed by Greg Norman, who was ranked as the Number 1 golfer in the world for two decades. Each one is designed to provide a unique playing experience. Earth, which draws inspiration from courses across Europe and North America, is generally the more well-known of the two as it hosts the DP World Championship each autumn. Fire has several beautiful natural features that also add to the level of challenge. The courses are united by a golf academy and a clubhouse that has an exceptional selection of restaurants, including two recently opened venues by celebrity chef Silvena Rowe.

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5. Dubai Hills Golf Club

Dubai Hills Golf Club

Recently voted the world’s best new golf course, the course at Dubai Hills Estate enjoys one of the best locations in the city. You can look out over stunning vistas of the skyline as you play, and the signature 5th hole has a direct line of sight to the Burj Khalifa. The course itself has carefully contoured fairways and design elements that draw from the desert to create a landscape that is well-suited for players of all levels. A big attraction of the course is its clubhouse, which features a great range of amenities and two highly renowned restaurants.

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6. Els Club

Els Club

Els Club Located alongside the community of Victory Heights, the Els Club was designed by veteran South African golfer Ernie Els, who also lent his name to the clubhouse and its two fantastic all-day dining restaurants. The clubhouse was recently expanded to include several more facilities for residents and members, including a newly branded training academy. The course takes design inspiration from some Els’ favourite courses in the UK and is home to the Lion’s Den, a stretch of three holes that are among the toughest in the city to achieve par on.

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7. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Image Credit: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Another of the city’s classic golfing destinations, this club sits alongside the beautiful Dubai Creek, giving you an enchanting waterfront golf experience. As one would expect, water plays a large part in the design of the course, with the Creek featured in four of the holes to add an extra dimension for the most experienced players. The club also features a dedicated mini golf course for a casual game, as well as a gorgeous clubhouse with nautical-themed architecture and a fantastic selection of restaurants.
 

8. Trump International Golf Club

Trump International Golf Club

Image Credit: Trump International Golf Club

Trump International Golf Club Located in the community of Damac Hills, the course is definitely among the more challenging in the city with a very unique and carefully planned layout so that you really need to plan your shots well. It also has the largest clubhouse in the city, giving you plenty of space to unwind after a game, or to enjoy a meal at its signature restaurant, which features an expansive terrace with incredible views.

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