GWD_MAY_16

COURSES
Emirates (Majlis)
The original course in Dubai and in our
opinion, still the premier venue. The host
of the Dubai Desert Classic is a Karl
Litten design with an emphasis on more
traditional architecture values rather than
an explosive American style.
The Tour players enjoy all of the venues
on the ‘Middle East swing’ but if a poll
was to be held, you would strongly suspect
the Majlis would come out on top.
It has been lengthened since it opened
over 25 years ago, but is still not that long
by modern standards and it is definitely
not the most testing in the emirate. As a
result, you can follow in the footsteps of
the Tour stars – and everyone has played
here, from Seve to Tiger to Ernie to Rory
– without being beaten up by it.
Characterised by nice elevation changes,
mature trees, neat shrubs and a rare class,
its setting on the edge of downtown
Dubai gives it the awesome skyscraper
views such as the one on the left.
The iconic 8th is similar, a challenging
hole, especially in the frequent wind;
anywhere right is in the sand hills yet you
can also run out of space on the dog-leg if
you bear too far left. Photographs of it –
with the marina and skyline beyond – are
a different sort ‘I was there’, usually taken
at Turnberry, the Old Course or Dornoch.
It is part of a front nine that is more
LEFT: The Majlis is the original and, in Golf World’s
opinion, best course in Dubai, with its incredible
views. BELOW: The spectacular Dubai Creek.
difficult than the back side, with the run
from the 5th to the turn where you make
or break your score. The last provides a
great climax for all (if you play off the
correct tees) because you can get over the
water in two – although now you can’t cut
down 17 (a la Tiger, Ernie and Laura
Davies), as it is out of bounds now.
The course takes its name from the
spot behind the back of the 9th tee where
the Royal family used to meet, as Majlis
means meeting place. The distinctive
clubhouse mimics bedouin tents and is
home to a superb fine dining restaurant.
Dubai Creek
Its location overlooking the creek and
marina means it was difficult not to end
up with a fairly spectacular course here.
The creek is in play on four holes – and is
augmented by several artificial lakes – and
the climax is arguably the best stretch of
golf in Dubai. Opened in January 1993, it
has hosted numerous events including two
Dubai Desert Classics.
While it is aesthetically pleasing, with
lush fairways lined by date palms, coconut
trees, and shrubbery, it is a serious test –
especially when the wind blows up ‘the
channel’ in the afternoon. Thomas Bjorn’s
redesign – including the tee that floats
above the water of the marina – stiffened
the challenge further at this course in the
heart of the city, next to the airport.
The finish is spectacular but can also
be a real disappointment to those with a
match in their hands or a good score on
May 2016 Golf World 113