With lake and Alp views, this club between Munich and Tegernsee promises an idyllic golf getaway

By Kent Gray
We all look forward to a time when we can travel freely once more and especially when future trips for business or pleasure allow us to indulge our passion for golf. When that time comes, Golf Valley in the heart of Germany’s Bavarian region shapes as an alluring escape. Offering 27 holes of golf from the drawing board of Canadian architect David Krause, Golf Valley presents a challenging experience close to Munich. Part of the IMG Prestige global network, the club includes a 9-hole academy course and a high tech golf development centre with flood-lit driving range and short game practice area. Just the place to rejuvenate mind, body and game before exploring the local delights.

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By Kent Gray
Dubai Golf has described the expansion of its partnership with IMG Prestige as a win-win for the three club cluster and the group’s collective membership.

The Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club has been part of the global design, development, marketing and golf management company for “many years”. Under the new deal, IMG Prestige members will now enjoy preferred access to the Majlis at Emirates, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates as well as the Faldo.

Dubai Golf CEO Chris May insists there are benefits for members of the three Dubai clubs as well.

“We have a long-term relationship with IMG and I am confident that Emirates, Dubai Creek and Jumeirah Golf Estates members will take good advantage of the 200+ premium courses IMG Prestige has to offer around the world,” said May.

The par-3 17th on Earth at JGE.

“At the same time, IMG Prestige members can now enjoy a fantastic golfing destination and play all of our courses in Dubai.”

Russell Hannah, Senior Director, IMG Golf Course Services, commented: “These are superb additions to our growing network and I am sure IMG Prestige members will enjoy visiting Dubai and playing such enjoyable and challenging layouts.”

The iconic 8th hole on the Majlis course at Emirates G.C.

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The 800,000 square metre property on the shores of Jordan’s Red Sea in Aqaba joins Emirates Golf Club in Dubai as the second club in the Middle East with links to IMG Prestige, an “elite network” of clubs around the world. In addition to driving green fee revenue for clubs, IMG Prestige promises benefits for members of clubs within its network including preferred access, special rates, discounts and “privileges” offered by its partners and other clubs in the network, via the company’s concierge service.

Other venues under the IMG Prestige umbrella include Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National on the outskirts of Paris, Vietnam’s KN Golf Links Cam Ranh (like Ayla a Greg Norman design), renowned Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand and the prestigious London Club in England and Mount Juliet in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Ayla Golf Club, rated 9th in the 2020 Golf Digest Middle East Top 10 courses ranking, hosted the Jordan Mixed Open last year, a world-first mixed events featuring players from the European Challenge, Ladies European Tour and Staysure (Senior) Tour. The Greg Norman design is also destination partner of the MENA Tour and is working to host the completion of the regional developmental circuit’s COVID-19 disrupted season in a luxury encampment style lock-in later this year.

RELATED: MENA Tour eyeing six-week Aqaba encampment to finish postponed Journey to Jordan season

Ayla Golf Club head professional Chris Dodd trusts IMG Prestige will bring further exposure to the club and the Kingdom.

“Ayla is Jordan’s first championship golf venue and we are very proud of the experience we have to offer visiting golfers. The association with IMG Prestige makes total sense for us as we look to promote the club internationally,” Dodd said.

Russell Hannah, Senior Director of IMG Golf Course Services, described Ayla as a “unique destination” that IMG Prestige are “delighted to welcome…to the network”.

“The resort is a fabulous waterfront development offering an unforgettable experience to our club members. We hope to see international travel allowed very soon so everyone can enjoy everything this world-class facility has to offer.”

The par 5 17th at Ayla G.C. in Aqaba, Jordan.

Ayla features a nine-hole, fully floodlit academy course in addition to the 18 hole championship course. Created in an architectural style that mimics the rolling green fairways of the course, the Ayla clubhouse includes a dedicated golf academy clubhouse, swing studio, putting studio, meeting room and gourmet restaurant.

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