Going Fore it!

A few years ago, I hung up my racing goggles thinking I’d love the leisurely pace of regular life. But having been a professional athlete all my life, I found myself craving the discipline of training and competition instead. One evening, I watched a film called “The Greatest Game Ever Played” and it inspired me to try golf. Two days on the course and I was well and truly hooked. It’s my goal now to, hopefully, go pro at this new sport. I train mainly in Pune and Dubai but over the last few years have played at several courses around the world, since I love to travel. Here’s one of my favourite courses in the UAE which you must try.

The Emirates Golf Course

The first thing that hits you when you enter the courses in the UAE, is the wide expanse of the undulating, beautifully manicured green fairways in the midst of the hot desert, always a testament to the power of human will! And the Emirates Golf Club undoubtedly offers two of the finest courses in the region – the Majlis and the Faldo. In fact, Majlis was the first all grass championship golf course to open in the Middle East. The club takes pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, and plays host to the European Tour sanctioned Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, where you can watch the world’s best in action. The club’s Faldo Course is also the only 18-hole course in the region to offer night golf. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse, in my opinion, remains one of the most eye-catching in the region.

If you respond well to good course management and enjoy that kind of thing, I suggest you make your way to the Emirates Golf Club. Holes you think look easy off the tee will keep you on your feet in your approaches to the pin, and for many, lines off the tee with your drives will be a challenge too. But no matter what level you play at, if you do end up visiting Dubai, don’t forget to make your way here.

Stunning view of Dubai's skyline from the 8th hole.

'The Emirates' appeal is equally wide-ranging off course, with everything from fine dining to bar bites available alongside top-notch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a brand new spa.

As for me, I somehow found the Faldo harder than the Majlis, and with the night golf on offer is definitely on my list of must-play’s on my next visit. 

Green fees depending on peak/off peak:

Majlis Course: AED 635 – 1200 for 18 holes

Faldo Course: AED 435-695 for 18 holes

Faldo Night Golf: AED 365-450 for 18 holes

ABOUT REHAN PONCHA: The author is one of India’s finest athletes. An Olympian swimmer and Arjuna Awardee, Rehan has recently given up swimming to pursue golf with a dream of going pro. He is a passionate athlete who loves to travel and is a self confessed foodie!