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Attention to detail and a fair but competitive edge are characteristics which have served Colin Montgomerie well in his relentless pursuit of perfection.
It is no surprise then that the magnificent course which bears his name also reflects these traits as well as his somewhat capricious personality; charming in the main but prone to occasional abrasive moments.
The par-72 course is nothing but fair. Its wide, lush manicured fairways, which sweep through 7308 yards of natural contours, are forgiving enough to make the course enjoyable for lower handicappers, though there are plenty of hazards to worry even players of the calibre of the Ryder Cup legend himself.
With 14 lakes, covering 49 acres, and 81 bunkers, failure to hit the ball straight can be costly. The sand traps provide much of the course’s shapely beauty and considerable craft went into their construction, none more so than on the 17th where a bunker the shape of a hand cradles the green and the 14th where Great Britain must be conquered.
The lakes, although visually stunning, are the beast to the bunkers’ beauty and give the course a mean streak which can sink hopes of a good score into a watery grave.
On the par-three 13th, for example, an island the shape of the UAE is the target from tees – ranging in difficulty from the Black Pearl, Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby – surrounding the green by a full 360 degrees.
Large fast and undulating greens make for some nerve-wracking putts, but if the heat of battle is becoming too much in Dubai’s often searing hot temperatures, cooling down with an ice-cold face towel – which marshals are on hand to provide – could save a stroke or two.
Set among the palatial homes of the affluent Emirates Hills community and managed by Troon Golf, the links-style course, which draws on Montgomerie’s upbringing on great Scottish courses such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and St Andrews, is also considered cool enough for celebrity golfers.
Bill Clinton, Sam Torrance, Darren Clarke, the boyband Westlife and a host of Chelsea and Manchester United players have all stood quaking on the 18th tee as they contemplated the treacherous waters ahead.
The Montgomerie certainly saves the best test for last. The stunning Dhs 90 million clubhouse is but a mere blip in the distance as golfers prepare to tee off from as far as 656 yards. There is no room for doubt and no room for error.
Water lies short and on each side for over 300 yards so there is no choice but to hit and hope of finding terra firma. Another wood is required for the second shot which again must avoid water both left and right.
If indeed you have held your nerve and managed to negotiate yourself near the green unscathed, there is plenty still to do before you can breathe easy. The green is protected by water to the front left, while overzealous shots will be punished by either a bunker or yet more water to the right.
The hole must have obliterated many a good scorecard since the course opened in October 2002, but a hellish round can be quickly forgotten on entering the heavenly clubhouse.
As your clubs are cleaned for you, spot famous nameplates such as Franz Beckenbauer in the locker room before unwinding in the steam room and plunge pool.
If indecisiveness proved your undoing on the course, another obstacle awaits at the 19th as there is an array of restaurants and bars to cater for every mood and wallet size.
Green Fees
During the winter a round costs Dhs 675 every day of the week, while a special twilight deal allows you to play as many holes as you can after 2pm for Dhs 370. In the summer it costs Dhs 395 for 18 and Dhs 260 for nine, while various special offers are also in operation. Fee includes a golf cart with GPS, souvenir metal bag tag, divot tool and use of practice facilities, including unlimited range balls.
Membership
Termed citizenship, there are two types available – Golf (waiting list closed) and Social. At present, the club has 270 golf members and 150 social.
It costs Dhs 16,500 per annum for an individual Golf citizenship and Dhs 21,500 for a family, plus Dhs 6,500 joining fee. For the Social package, it costs Dhs 6,500 for an individual and Dhs 8,500 for family, plus Dhs 2,000 joining fee.
Equipment Hire
A set of Callaway clubs costs Dhs 175 for 18 holes and Dhs 110 for nine holes (both the main course and the Academy course), while shoes can be rented for Dhs 50.
Training Facilities
The Academy includes a 662-yard floodlit par three nine-hole course, putting area, training bunker and a driving range, which – unlike most ranges – allows golfers to tee up on grass. It costs Dhs 110 to use all the facilities, but to play either the par-three course or use the practice area costs Dhs 65.
An individual 45-minute lesson, including access to a state-of-the-art swing analysis studio and use of all the Academy facilities, costs from Dhs 325, however there are a wide range of packages to suit almost any requirement.
The 19th Hole
More of a luxurious leisure retreat than a traditional clubhouse, it offers a staggering array of facilities. The clubhouse – which was officially opened by Montgomerie himself and boasts superb views on to the course – includes a cigar lounge, poolside eatery, sophisticated restaurant and a more relaxed venue serving traditional fare.
In addition, the complex, which was voted Dubai’s leading golf resort at the World Travel Awards, has 20 five-star boutique hotel rooms and a spa offering a comprehensive menu of treatments to rejuvenate weary limbs and ease stressed minds.
Meanwhile, across the road at the more informal Academy clubhouse, a laid-back atmosphere can be found at the bar and restaurant which benefits from terrific views of the Dubai skyline and serves international cuisine at reasonable prices.
What to wear
Rubber-soled golf shoes or soft spikes are essential. Dress regulations follow international golfing etiquette.
How to get there
From Emirates Towers, head in the direction of Abu Dhabi on Sheikh Zayed Road. Take the Emirates Hills turning, then follow signs for The Montgomerie. Allow 30 minutes for this journey.
More information
Tel: 04 3905600
E-mail: info@themontgomerie.ae
www.themontgomerie.com
www.troongolf.com
Have you played this course? Do you find its facilities to be accessible? Are the fees fair, low or high? How would you compare it to other courses in the country? Which is the best course in the UAE? Share your views with us.
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