Golf In The Desert

Many Christmas Gifts

Golf normally conjures up images of lush green rolling hills, with the elegant trees waving in the breeze. So the concept of golf in a desert may seem a little far fetched.

However, in the Gulf states of the Persian Gulf golf is taken very seriously, and they have some of the finest courses and club facilities in the world.

This article covers some of the major golf clubs in the region and the PGA tournaments which they host.

Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi golf club offers one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East.

This oasis of green tranquility in the desert is only 15 minutes from the city centre and just 10 minutes from the international airport.

The 27-hole championship course is managed by the world famous Troon Golf. Its undulating landscape features mature palm trees, ornamental shrubs and trees and nine spectacular salt water lakes.

The impressive club house is built in the shape of a falcon, with outstretched wings. This elegant modern building offers casual meals to fine-dining experiences, a gymnasium, corporate and social events, swimming pools and luxurious spa facilities.

The club hosts the European PGA tour, Abu Dhabi Golf Championships. This annual event attracts some of the worlds top professional golfers, and the 2008 event was won by Martin Kaymer.

Bahrain

The Royal Golf Club has been in operation since 1999, and has been one of the key sporting venues in the region since then. It is currently undergoing an exciting redevelopment.

The Royal Golf Club forms the centerpiece of Riffa Views, a luxury lifestyle community currently under development. It has ben designed by golfing legend Colin Montgomerie, the clubs 18-hole championship golf course is due to begin full operations in November 2008. Floodlights on the back 9 holes mean that golfers will be able to enjoy a round until well after sunset.

In addition to the links-style par 72 championship course, the Royal Golf Club will boast a floodlit 9 hole, par 3 academy course, a Royal golf academy and driving range and a luxurious club house containing a fully-stocked golf shop, conference facilities and a wide variety of food and beverage outlets.

A country club adjoining the club house is also under construction and will feature swimming pools, gymnasiums, volley ball and tennis courts as well as a childrens play area and gardens.

The Royal Golf Club is a business name of the Bahrain International Golf Course Company.

Dubai

Dubai Golf, is the consumer brand of Dubai Golf, which manages three of Dubai´s most unique and internationally renowned golf courses; Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Emirates Golf Clubs Majlis and Wadi by Faldo Courses.

Dubai Golf is naturally about golf, but it also includes so much more. For instance, a golf academy, top-class hotels and spa facilities.

It provides an online reservations system allowing golfers to book tee times at Dubai Golfs three golf courses. And it also provides a Central Reservations system allowing golfers to make reservations at all of the grass golf courses in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Golf academies are renowned as world-class teaching facilities.

Dubai Golf is also a leader in golf related services, consultancy and project management under the umbrella of International Golf & Leisure Services. And Dubai Golf provides a unique set of top-quality venues for corporate and major events.

Emirates Golf Club

The Emirates Golf Club, is host of the PGA European Tour Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai Ladies Masters. The 2008 Dubai Desert Classic event was won by Tiger Woods.

The Emirates Golf Club has two courses: The Majlis and The Wadi by Faldo, as well as a 9 hole Par 3 course, golf academy, a variety of restaurants and bars, gymnasium and tropical swimming pool.

Qatar

The course was opened in 1997, and was designed by Peter Harradine. It features a full 18 hole championship course and a 9 hole Academy course.

It is home to the annual European and Asian PGA Tour, Qatar Masters tournament and it provides one of the longest par 72 courses on the tour.

The Qatar European Masters has just passed its 10th anniversary, and the winner in 2008 was Adam Scott.

Visiting the region:

The hottest time of the year is June to August, with temperatures often over 40° Centigrade. So if you are unused to the heat, it is best to avoid visiting during these months.

The author is a Business Consultant with some 10 years+ of commercial experience, and he manages travel related websites for the Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Bahrain, Dubai and Qatar.

Email: aguide2.manager@yahoo.com

http://www.aguide2abudhabi.com