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Nad Al Sheba Golf Club is now closed as the course was on part of what will become the Meydan development
Bright ideas are often illustrated by a single glowing light bulb, but at Nad Al Sheba Golf Club several hundred shine because of one inspired decision.
As the floodlights flicker on at dusk each night and the Dubai skyline sparks to life in the distance, those golfers whose addiction to the game can’t be satisfied by a weekend fix must be grateful to the vision which made Nad Al Sheba the only 18-hole floodlit course in the city.
Open until midnight, with the last tee-off time for nine holes at 10pm, more than 300 lights illuminate the course and act as a beacon for both novices needing to put in long hours of practice and low handicappers committed to fine-tuning their game.
With other clubs restricted by their proximity to residential developments, Nad Al Sheba – intertwined with the racetrack that has witnessed great sporting moments, such as Frankie Dettori’s Dubai World Cup win in March – has an obvious advantage when it comes to attracting members.
With 1,200 members – 800 men, 300 ladies and 100 juniors – the club is one of the most popular in the UAE. Fees are competitive, but when you consider the extra golfing hours available, Nad Al Sheba is hard to beat for value. And with a reputation as one of the least pretentious clubs in Dubai, it’s no surprise there is a waiting list to join.
The fact the course twists and turns around and within the track which hosts the richest horse race in the world must also be a big draw for racing enthusiasts who relish the challenge of links golf. No doubt Sir Alex Ferguson – who enjoyed huge success as the owner of Rock of Gibraltar – must have enjoyed the experience when he played there.
Other famous names spotted on the par-71 course include Geoffrey Boycott, Gary Player, Bernard Gallacher and Tony Jacklin. It also has the royal stamp of approval, if reports can be believed that a prominent member of the Maktoum family, with an army of bodyguards running in tow, occasionally jogs round the track late at night.
The prospect of a sliced drive scudding one of Goldophin’s multi-million dollar mares between the eyes means the course is closed during race meets, but on most other days visitors can combine playing with a stable tour and a nose round the neighbouring Godolphin museum.
Designed in association with renowned golf course architect Karl Litten, Nad Al Sheba, with gently undulating greens and deep bunkers, is a traditional test of golf, but there is no forgetting you are in the desert with 3,000 palm trees scattered throughout large stretches of sand.
The course, which opened as a nine-holer in 1993 and was redesigned in 1996 and 2005, holds some expensive hidden costs for golfers who struggle to hit the ball straight.
Accuracy, rather than length, is key to a successful round, with many of the holes weaved menacingly around nine large lakes which claim upwards of 30,000 balls per year.
Although a daunting drive over water off several tees makes for a challenging round, good shots are rewarded with lush rolling fairways that are sprinkled with gallons of water every night.
The racetrack is undoubtedly what gives the course its unique character and this is never more apparent than on the par-four 13th. With 409 yards to cover from the tee, treacherous water, several well-placed bunkers and a dog-leg must be negotiated before Nad Al Sheba is captured in all its glory.
Bathed in light, the grandstand – separated only by two rows of gleaming white barriers – overlooks the green, and if you swing back and send that dream shot spinning towards the pin, for a moment, you could be forgiven for thinking applause might erupt from the stand.
Green fees
During peak hours until May 31, 2007, 18 holes for a visitor costs Dhs 445 (inclusive of GPS cart and range balls), while playing off-peak hours costs Dhs 375. Nine holes costs Dhs 265 peak and Dhs 225 off-peak.
Nad Al Sheba also offer a tremendous value floodlit golf deal, with nine holes between 8.30pm and midnight costing just Dhs 99, inclusive of cart and range balls. Tee times can be booked up to five days in advance and are available from 7.30am to 10pm.
Membership
A variety of packages are available. Those which include green fees range from Dhs 7,000 to Dhs 13,000 per annum, while for juniors it costs Dhs 2,000 (under 12) and Dhs 3,500 (under 17). For a complex breakdown of the privileges each package includes, it’s best to click on the club’s website.
Hire equipment
Ladies’ and gent’s Ping clubs can be hired for Dhs 120 for 18 holes and Dhs 60 for nine. Carts cost Dhs 60/40 and shoes are available for Dhs 50/30. Trolleys can be borrowed for Dhs 12/6.
Training facilities
The driving range is open from 7am to 10pm and balls cost Dhs 20 per 50-ball bucket. British-trained PGA professionals head up the academy which offers a comprehensive programme and caters for complete beginners to serious golfers just hoping to tweak aspects of their game.
A standard individual 30-minute lesson, using the latest video equipment for swing analysis, costs Dhs 125. However, an array of packages, for both individuals and groups, are available and can be tailored for almost any requirement.
The 19th hole
With 15 plasma screens and a large projector screen, Spikes has built an excellent reputation as a sports bar catering for both golfers and those out for a more social occasion.
A laid-back atmosphere and a good value menu featuring mainly Asian and British fare make it a big hit during major sporting events.
For a more tranquil experience, there is also a terrace bar overlooking the course and race track, while for diners seeking something more upmarket, the classy Links Steakhouse is set apart from the rest of the clubhouse and offers fine dining at reasonable prices.
What to wear
The golf course and clubhouse is a spike-free environment, so rubber soled golf shoes or soft spikes are essential. Dress regulations follow international golfing etiquette.
How to get there
From Emirates Towers, follow signs for Abu Dhabi on Sheikh Zayed Road. At interchange two, take the turning for Muscat Street and follow signs for Nad Al Sheba Club. Allow 10-20 minutes for your journey.
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