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.”

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