Golf & Co

About Emirates Golf Club (Majlis)

The Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club is the Grand Dame of golf in the UAE. Host to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, this was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. At the time there was nothing around it but desert - now it is surrounded by the city. That makes for some dramatic backdrops to holes (none more so probably than the iconic tee shot on the 8th hole).

In terms of holes to look out for the 7th/8th/9th is a great run. 7 is a lovely par 3 over water before the famous drive on 8. At a full 434 yards, it plays uphill, which requires a long and accurate second shot to make the green, where a three putt is a possibility. The 9th is a par 4 which plays tough - even the best drive leaves a nerve-jangling approach over water.

The back 9 is another good test and the last two holes are particularly notable - the (almost) reachable par 4 17th and the 18th which like 9 requires an approach shot over water.

The course has become the focal point for one of Dubai’s most exclusive residential communities, Emirates Hills. The practice facilities are world-class, including a state-of-the-art swing analysis studio, a nine-hole, par-three academy course, a short-game area, practice putting greens and a driving range, all floodlit. It’s one of the best members-only golf courses in Dubai.