Troon International President Mark Chapleski is confident the makeover of the Ian Baker-Finch design, which began on June 1, will please and even surprise members and green fee players.

“…Anybody that has played it in the last 10 years will hardly recognise it. The green complexes are back to their original shape…it’s going to be awesome,“ Chapleski said.

“The greens look very healthy, they’re coming along well, we’ve done some other work on other parts of the golf course. It’s going to be a completely new experience. “

The practice putting green at the Emaar-owned property (which opened in 2004) has also been rebuilt while the driving range, turf nursery and the desert surrounds on most holes have been enhanced as part of the ambitious course improvement programme.

Like Chapleski, Arabian Ranches G.C. General Manager Elliott Gray is clearly happy with the progress as this series of social media posts highlight.

The Greens renovation at ARGC is progressing well, pictured below is the 9th green, some new lines on putts will be had! A big thank you to Sean Kinsley his dedication and commitment to this project has been second to none ! ?‍??‍@skinsleygolf @troonint @RanchesGolfClub pic.twitter.com/EtlpqL2xR7

— Elliott Gray (@ElliottGraygolf) July 12, 2019

Progress is good, first 9 holes and putting green will be completed soon. We are excited to see the larger surfaces and what looks like to be a few new undulations ?‍??‍@RanchesGolfClub @skinsleygolf @troonint @TroonGolf pic.twitter.com/rSMvQ0Ty9P

— Elliott Gray (@ElliottGraygolf) July 17, 2019

The first cut of front nine greens after the planting of sprigs in mid July. We are on schedule, thanks to Sean and his team for their passion and commitment . ?‍??‍?? @RanchesGolfClub @skinsleygolf @troonint @troonint pic.twitter.com/37K9nonmBu

— Elliott Gray (@ElliottGraygolf) August 5, 2019

There is a wee stripe appearing ladies and gentlemen! The second cut on our new greens completed today, and yes we are still very happy with the progress ?‍??‍@RanchesGolfClub @skinsleygolf @IBFinchy @troonint @TroonGolf pic.twitter.com/5ULCfxsVqT

— Elliott Gray (@ElliottGraygolf) August 7, 2019

Starting to see the greens stripe up now, great cover of grass over the entire surface! Sean and the team working extremely hard to ensure everything is in place for re-opening. Today F9 greens verti cut and cleared, walk behind mowers to finish them off ?‍??‍@RanchesGolfClub pic.twitter.com/y0E0bkCnES

— Elliott Gray (@ElliottGraygolf) September 9, 2019

Desert Golf, a division of Desert Group, completed the greens renovation two weeks ahead of schedule. The course was closed to pave way for a greens renovation due to the invasion of foreign grasses, which had affected the uniformity, appearance and smoothness of the greens.

RELATED: Arabian Ranches promises “refreshing new experience” after major greens renovation

“The Arabian Ranches greens renovation process entailed a comprehensive survey of all 18 greens, followed by excavation and the precise shaping of the subgrade of all the greens in order to mirror the final levels,” Desert Golf said in a statement.

“A consistent depth of USGA greens mix was then added and shaped to meet original design contours. Finally, the greens were planted with certified Platinum TE Paspalum sprigs, an environmentally sustainable, salt-tolerant turfgrass, which was refrigerated and shipped by air from the United States of America.”

Platinum TE features a dark green colour and due to its very fine leaf texture provides a tight compact canopy surface that provides “exceptional ball puttability”, Desert Golf said.    

The post Greens renovation promises ‘completely new experience’ at Arabian Ranches appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
The championship course at Arabian Ranches Golf Club is to close for upwards of 4.5 months for a makeover designed to ensure its greens once again “compete” with those of its world-class Dubai neighbours, old, new and soon to be opened.

All 18 greens at the Troon International-managed, Ian Baker Finch-designed course are to be rebuilt as the centrepiece of a summer renovation set to begin on June 1.

Arabian Ranches G.C. General Manager Elliott Gray also confirmed the practice putting green at the Emaar property would be rebuilt while the driving range, turf nursery and the desert surrounds on most holes would be enhanced as part of the ambitious course improvement programme. It is also hoped some of the final back nine pipework to combat the club’s on-going drainage issues will be laid during the renovation although this is yet to be confirmed.

It is hoped the course will re-open in mid-October after what will be the “largest enhancement” since its opening in February, 2004. Gray said the majority of the club’s “loyal membership” has chosen to “defer their membership or suspend it until returning in October. With summer round the corner, many members travel and play less in the summer [anyway].”

“We regret the inconvenience this causes but we assure you of a refreshing new experience,” Gray continued.

“With new golf courses opening, we believe that it is important to enhance the experience that we deliver for our members. It is important to take timely action now to maintain the integrity of the turf for the future and with this in mind we are very excited that our course will compete on a level that allows us to have an active membership and tournament calendar which resembles years gone by.”

The renovation will be undertaken by Desert Landscape who also completed Dubai Hills Golf Club. “The grass will match that of Dubai Hills Golf Club which is known for its superior conditioning,” said Gray who also oversees the management of the emirate’s newest course.

Sean Kinsley,  Emaar Hospitality Group’s Director of Agronomy, explained the technical side of the makeover.

“The purpose of the greens re-surfacing is to eliminate the existing mixed turf sward and replace it with a new higher quality playing surface,” Kinsley said.

Sean Kinsley our Director of Agronomy – Emaar Hospitality Group and I discussing the the greens renovation, not long to get your last game in now, we close June 1st. ???‍??‍@RanchesGolfClub @skinsleygolf @troonint @Troon pic.twitter.com/M0sN2qZerX

— Elliott Gray (@ElliottGraygolf) May 19, 2019

“The existing Tifeagle Bermuda turfgrass has become weakened and contaminated with off type mutations, Tifway 419 and significant Paspalum encroachment. The intent is to remove this plant material along with the top 150 mm of greens/collars root zone and replace with a new USGA Greens Root Zone (greens core) and Red Sand (collar core) and then replant with Platinum TE Paspalum.”

Kinsley added: “Works are forecasted to occur June through August 2019 [13 weeks] from mobilisation onsite to grassing. The golf course will be closed for the duration of the construction and grow-in works. The construction will require several teams to establish a progressive program of completion and handover for each hole.”

Gray admitted the mid-October target for re-opening is dependent on initial growth. Robin Evans, Vice President of Troon Agronomy and Construction, will travel to Dubai to ensure the handover of the new greens meet expectations and standards.

“Mid-October is the targeted date for nine holes with the balance nine coming towards the back half of October. It will all depend on progress in the first two months of the project and the timing of the sprigging of the greens. Rest assured we will have all hands on deck to ensure there are no significant delays in regard to the work plan.”

Gray said Arabian Ranches hoped to host a MENA Tour event in January/February 2020.

“Many Pros who played here when there was very little contamination on the greens know how good this ‘hidden gem’ is,” Gray said. “Many ex-members are also excited to come back and play and with our social engaging atmosphere, we only see participation and membership sales increasing.”

The post Arabian Ranches to close for 4.5 months; club promises “refreshing new experience” after major greens renovation appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Interview by Kent Gray

Elliott Gray is no stranger to delivering quality golf at world-class venues.

The Scot started his career as an assistant professional at current Scottish Open venue Gullane Golf Club in 1986, working for highly-regarded PGA Professional Jimmy Hume who helped Gray qualify as Scottish PGA Trainee-of-the-Year at the conclusion of his three-year apprenticeship.

He then enjoyed an eight-year stint teaching at Emirates Golf Club before accepting a Director of Golf posting at Fancourt Golf Resort in South Africa between 1997-2000. Thereafter he served as senior pro at Wilmington Country Club in Delaware, remaining in the U.S. for three years before returning to Dubai in 2004 as Director of Golf at Arabian Ranches Golf Club. In 2010, Gray was promoted to general manager at Ranches, a role he continues today. Now, closing in on 50, his experience has also seen Gray charged with ultimate responsibility for both Ranches and the region’s newest course, Troon International sister club Dubai Hills Golf Club.

Having had the chance to play Dubai Hills Golf Club prior to its official opening this month, tell impending members/green fee players what they can expect?
It is extremely enjoyable. You’ll be greeted by generous fairways, it’s well bunkered and the greens are tricky. It is majestic from a backdrop standpoint and the crushed marble sand in the bunkers is visually extremely striking.

How does it differentiate, in your well-travelled opinion, from other courses in the region?
It’s very unique in that the front nine carves its way through the desert with impressive landscaping off the fairways to the property edges, the course being almost stadium like. The back nine is a flatter nine with an awesome finish over holes 17 and 18 where water will challenges players.

What’s your favourite hole?
The par-3 13th – it’s an absolute cracker! Very striking from the tee and a challenging green with numerous pin positions to test all golfers.

What can prospective members expect from the region’s newest club in terms of conditioning, value for money and member availability given the iconic Burj Khalifa views are sure to make Dubai Hills G.C. a magnet for international tourists?
Conditioning due to the grass type (Paspalum) will be the best in the region, 12 months a year. Value for money has been the top priority when compiling the membership pricing and strategy and we will ensure members are always able to play this majestic European Golf Design creation.

What’s the pricing strategy for memberships and green fees in light of all the world class golf on offer in Dubai?
When the club is operational, golfers in Dubai and the UAE will be very surprised how good the course is and the “word of mouth” on value for money will be out in the market from day one.

How will Troon International’s expertise help?
We are excited to have Troon on board and count on their expertise in all areas of golf course agronomy, to golf operations and marketing.

How has Dubai Hills G.C. adapted to the current market conditions?
It has been priced on the current market conditions and with the expertise and experience of our team on the project, coupled with the guidance from Troon.

Where does Dubai Hills G.C see itself positioned in the Middle East market now and where does it want to be in a year from now, and in five years time?
We are positioned in the top bracket for condition and design and we will work hard towards building a strong reputation as a club, very similar to Arabian Ranches Golf Club. We will work on our strategy and review as we grow from year to year.

How do you judge the health of golf clubs/membership globally?
Globally memberships and market conditions are tough, that’s no secret. However, as I have experienced market conditions change in the past and taken Arabian Ranches Golf Club through a similar period, I feel with the team I have around me, Troon, and all our commitment and drive, we will adapt accordingly.

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