|
It is one of golf’s most enchanting qualities that high-handicap hackers can, at least once in a round, hit a magical shot that even Tiger Woods would be proud of. Every day, amateur golfers across the globe regale friends with such fanciful comparisons. However, any player who has trod the fairways of the Majlis can truly gauge their moment of glory against shots taken by the world No 1.
When Woods plays in the Desert Classic everyone who has played the course, from Dubai residents to the thousands of tourists who have visited, will be watching his every move as they relive their round through the eyes of Tiger.
The Desert Classic has been growing year on year since Seve Ballesteros won the inaugural event in 1992, but in 2006, with 47,000 spectators in attendance, its place among the best events on the golfing calender was cemented when the name of sport’s most marketable star was engraved on the giant silver Arabic coffee pot.
That the Classic is now a European Tour event and Woods has committed to play in it another three times over the next four years is further confirmation of the Middle East’s burgeoning status in world golf.
The growth of the sport is marked by the lush green courses that defy nature and sprout out of dusty dunes every month all over the region, but they all stem from one source – the course christened the ‘Desert Miracle’ when it opened in 1988.
If St Andrews lays claim to being the home of golf, the Majlis can proudly declare itself the birthplace of the sport in the Middle East. And like the legendary Scottish course, it has survived the arrival of many young pretenders to remain the crown jewel of the region.
Sure, other courses can match the Majlis in terms of pristine greens and wonderful water features but, at nearly 20 years old, none can rival it in terms of maturity.
Patches of sandy wasteland, populated with indigenous desert shrubs, give the course an Arabian feel, while the vibrant vegetation and bushy green trees which flank many of its fairways provide a tropical taste, a combination which no doubt helped secure the Majlis a place in Golf Digest’s 100 best courses outside the USA.
However, what the professionals want is a challenge, and despite Ernie Els carding an incredible 61 to set the course record, nobody could say the par-72 Karl Litten-designed Majlis is easy as, with water and sand hazards cleverly placed throughout its 7,185 yards, much thought is required to survive the 18 holes unscathed.
The par-four eighth is perhaps the hole which captures the essence of the Majlis best.
It is one of the hardest, yet with the glittering Dubai skyline on the horizon, also one of the most attractive. A perilous expanse of desert lies to the right of the dogleg fairway and there is little room for error with just a narrow strip of fairway to aim for. Good shots are rewarded by a straight run at the green atop a sharp incline that is framed by a building in the style of a Bedouin tent.
Lakes are a major feature of the Majlis, but the water hazard which guards the giant green of both the ninth and 18th holes is easily the most memorable.
Els certainly won’t forget it after his hopes of winning the Classic in 2006, during a play-off with Woods, drowned in that watery grave. The last hole is designed for drama, with a sharp dogleg giving big hitters a real chance to save a stroke, but cutting out the dogleg is a high risk/high reward strategy as passage to the green could easily be blocked by a palm tree. No matter which route is taken, the shot at the long narrow green, tight against the lake, is the most daunting.
The clubhouse perched above the target area only adds to the tension and no doubt those reliving their round through Tiger will be watching closely next year as it will be no surprise if the Classic is won or lost there again.
Green fees
You can play the Majlis in the winter for Dhs 685, inclusive of range balls. There is no off-peak rate. During the summer it costs Dhs 390 to play 18, while tee-off times after 4.00pm cost Dhs 250.
Equipment Hire
A buggy with GPS costs Dhs 60 per person, while a trolley costs Dhs 25. A set of Ping clubs can be rented for Dhs 150, while Footjoy shoes are Dhs 50.
Training facilities
The high standards set on the course are matched on the practice areas. There are two floodlit ranges, which can be used at a cost of Dhs 25 per bucket of balls, and designated areas to practice putting, pitching, chipping, recovery shots and hitting from both greenside and fairway bunkers.
In addition, there is a superb par-3 nine-hole course, which could never be described as a pitch-and-putt, with one hole stretching to almost 200 yards. Costing just Dhs 90 and benefitting from floodlights, it is a brilliant spot to fine tune your game. Individual lessons with a PGA professional start from Dhs 325, while there is also a wide range of tuition packages to suit any level of ability.
The 19th hole
The gleaming white clubhouse, modelled on a village of Bedouin tents, is symbolic of the birth of golf in the region.
Like Doctor Who’s Tardis, it is much bigger inside than the building suggests and houses an array of bars and restaurants to suit any mood.
The patio of the informal Spike Bar is ideal for golfers seeking a cool drink and a bite to eat while reliving their round, and there are five more options, including fine dining, al fresco eating on the terrace, traditional fare at the sports bar, lazy lunches at the library and healthy light meals by the pool.
Membership
Membership of Emirates Golf Club, which includes the right to play the neighbouring Wadi by Faldo course, costs Dhs 20,000 for a single male (plus Dhs 7,500 joining fee), Dhs 15,500 for a lady and Dhs 26,000 for a family. To become a member with no golfing privileges costs Dhs 6,500 for an individual and Dhs 9,500 for a family.
The club has a wide range of top-quality facilities, including a luxurious pool with a sunken bar, squash and tennis courts and a well-equipped gym, with a variety of training programmes available for all pursuits. In addition, membership also allows you use of all the leisure facilities at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
What to wear
The international golfing dress code must be followed and appropriate footwear worn.
How to get there
From Emirates Towers, head towards Abu Dhabi along Shaikh Zayed Road. At Hard Rock Cafe watch out for signs for Emirates Golf Club and follow them through the maze of roadworks. Allow 20 minutes for the journey.
More information
Tel: 04 380 2222
E-mail: EGC@dubaigolf.com
www.dubaigolf.com/web/egc
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.
Send us your comments
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Gulf News may edit comments for length and clarity but will not change the tone of the message. Comments will only be accepted if all fields (including name) are filled correctly and the message isn't abusive, defamatory or offensive. The Gulf News website will only print your first name along with your comment. Please state in the message if you wish to remain anonymous. All comments sent may be forwarded for use in the Gulf News newspaper.
|
