Over the past three years on the golf course the partnership has successfully eliminated the need for single use plastic bottles, preventing them from entering landfill and contributing to environmental degradation. This accomplishment aligns with No More Bottles’ commitment to reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

A noteworthy highlight of the collaboration is The Els Club’s recognition at the prestigious World Golf Awards where The Els Club had won “The Best Middle East Golf Course Award”.

The Els Club dedication to sustainability, with No More Bottles as a key partner, also played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first ever Sustainability Star Award Winner. These prestigious accolades acknowledges the success of The Els Club’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.

In celebration of this milestone, The Els Club & No More Bottles are fully committed to continue implementing a series of sustainability initiatives, including the installation of state-of-the-art water dispensers. These dispensers offer members and guests a range of refreshing options, including complimentary filtered water and sparkling, ambient water and hot water. The availability of these choices not only enhances the overall experience for golf enthusiasts but also contributes to a more sustainable and responsible golfing environment.

The statistics speak for themselves – the implementation of No More Bottles’ sustainable water solutions has resulted in a significant reduction in plastic waste at The Els Club. Through the use of reusable bottles and the elimination of single-use plastic bottles, the venue has achieved a 73% reduction in its overall environmental footprint and removing circa 240,000 single use plastic bottles over a three-year period

“We are incredibly proud to commemorate three years of collaboration with No More Bottles” said Tom Rourke General Manager, The Els Club. “Together, we’ve not only elevated The Els Club as a premier golf destination but have also set a standard for environmental responsibility in the golfing community.

“Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our achievements, from eliminating 240,000 plastic bottles to being honoured with the Best Middle East Golf Course Award at the World Golf Awards. This Sustainability Star Award is a testament to our dedication, with No More Bottles playing a vital role in our success. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our commitment to implementing sustainable initiatives that contribute to a greener future for golf enthusiasts and the environment.”

“It’s been an inspiring journey collaborating with The Els Club over the past three years, and we are thrilled to mark this significant anniversary” said Ian Hannah Co-Founder & Director of No More Bottles.

“Our shared commitment to sustainability has not only eliminated a substantial number of plastic bottles but has also garnered recognition at the highest level with The Els Club’s prestigious awards. The success of our partnership is reflected in the reduction of plastic waste, showcasing the impact of No More Bottles’ sustainable water solutions, especially as the focus in this region shifts to COP28 which is being hosted for the first time in the UAE.”

As No More Bottles and The Els Club celebrate three years of successful collaboration, both organisations express their gratitude to members, guests, and staff for their commitment to sustainability. The journey towards a greener future continues, with ongoing initiatives and innovations that will further solidify The Els Club’s position as a leader in eco-conscious golfing.

Image: The Els Club Dubai

The post The Els Club Dubai celebrates milestone in sustainability with “No More Bottles” appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Special company at Al Mouj
Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al-Rumhi, the former Omani Minister of Oil and Gas, attended the GoLadies programme at Al Mouj Golf Club. The concept aims to encourage women to participate in golf activities, following the Oman Golf Association becoming a signatory of the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

JGE gets in Open mood
Jumeirah Golf Estates held its Open Championship Scramble for members and guests over the weekend — a pairs scramble event that saw 74 golfers take part. Annabel Ayres and Bradley Webb came out on top with a net -14 under par, ahead of Connor McGlave and Gerry Donaldson in second.

Royal Golf Club

Royal Golf Club gets facelift
The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain has started work on its course enhancement programme — working alongside golf course construction experts Green Dynasty. European Golf Design architect Robin Hiseman will oversee the enhancements.

The Els Club

Quartet triumph at Els Club
The Els Club held the team Cha Cha Cha Golf competition, with teams of four going head to head in a stableford format. Kris Worne, Daniel Andrews, Ian Overton and Marc Spitzer were the winning quartet with a score of 84 points, three ahead of the team of Matthew Chen, Tim Haas, Guy Dawson and Murray Leslie.

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Green and Warham take top spot
The weekly Jumeirah Golf Estates Curry Club took place over the front nine of the Earth course, with 32 golfers battling it out in a pairs scramble. Richard Green and David Warham prevailed on eight-under, ahead of Mark Schofield and Simon Pearson on five-under.

The post The Gulf Club: News from around the UAE and beyond appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Ritchie rises to DDF Mark Fahy Memorial challenge 

James Ritchie with his trophy. DDF

James Ritchie fired 44 points to claim the Dubai Duty Free — Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday at Dubai Hills Golf Club.
This event has been held since 2005 with the support of the Dubai Irish Golf Society in memory of Mark Fahy, a prominent figure within the Irish community in Dubai.
A full field of 96 players took on the Dubai Hills Challenge, with Ritchie posting nines of 26 and 18 points to take the Men’s Division title, one point ahead of Anthony Stroud.
Richard Cole took home the Gross Winner’s Trophy, while Laura Kirkham took the Ladies Division crown

El Chaib triumphs at The Els Club Ladies’ Open

Lara El Chaib with her trophy. The Els Club

Lara El Chaib’s three-over was enough to take the Els Club Ladies’ Open, edging out Jamie Camero by one stroke. The Net Division was won by Sara Ali in this ninth of 11 Emirates Golf Federation Ladies’ Order of Merit events.

UAE bring home medal haul from Bahrain

The UAE team thrived at the GCC Championship in Bahrain. EGF

The UAE took home a haul of medals from the GCC Championship at Royal Golf Club in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Six teams from across the GCC took part, including Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and host Bahrain. After winning back-to-back Presidents Cups, Ahmad Skaik led the men’s team, and led from the front by winning the Individual Silver Medal. The UAE also won bronze in the team event and Under 18 team event.

Five step closer to Phuket at Al Hamra

Tyrone Evans. Al Hamra

Al Hamra Golf Club held its Race to Phuket qualifier on Sunday, allowing five participants to secure a spot for the UAE Final at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in September. With Tyrone Evans (Div 1), Andre Grove (2), Conor Freeman (3), Stamen Stantchev (4) and Ivan Kraemer (5) booking their spots.

Kron claims Creek monthly

Anders Kron with Men’s Captain Gene Cha. Dubai Creek

Anders Kron claimed the OMA Emirates Monthly Medal at Dubai Creek, overcoming 69 other competitors to claim top spot. Christian Klynge took Division A, with Anish Bhatia securing Division B. The Ladies Division was won by Tatiana Ganina. After Round 3, Bhatia leads the order of Merit with with 245 points.

Mullane shines at Els Club Men’s Open

Jay Mullane shone at The Els Club.

Jay Mullane claimed the Els Club Men’s Open in a closely fought competition over 36 holes. Mullane’s 71-72 scores took him to one-under for the tournament, two ahead of Anders Axelsson. The Net Division was won by Vivaan Chhibber

Noja keeps up strong run on LET

Chiara Noja. LET

Dubai wonderkid Chiara Noja kept up her strong run on her first full season on the Ladies European Tour with an impressive third place at the Investec South African Women’s Open. The German 16-year-old shot a course record on the opening day at Steenberg Golf Club, but eventually had to settle for third behind major winner Ashleigh Buhai and Ana Pelaez Trivino. German Noja has already followed up her famous victory in the Aramco Team Series — Jeddah individual event with a T11 in Morocco and a stunning T12 in the star-studded Aramco Saudi Ladies international. Noja moves up to eighth place in the LET season-long Race to Costa del Sol.

Bainbridge on top at JGE Club Championship

The JGE winners. Jumeirah Golf Estates

David Bainbridge claimed top spot in the Men’s Division of the Jumeirah Golf Estates Club Championships, finishing just ahead of Raghav Malik.
Anca Mateiu won the Ladies’ Division and Junior Division, while Sheila McIlroy claimed the Ladies’ Net Division. James Finnigan took the Senior Division

Selvaraj shines at Saadiyat Beach Men’s Open

Jonathan Selvaraj. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Jonathan Selvaraj triumphed in the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Men’s Open by one stroke fro Rami Samawi over 36 holes. Subhash Bhatia took the Net Division  from Amir Rehman and Jerome Martin.

The post The Gulf Club — All the latest golf news from the UAE and beyond appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By GolfDigestME.com
The R&A and the USGA, in conjunction with the Emirates Golf Federation, have hosted a World Handicap System Course Rating Seminar at The Els Club, Dubai over the weekend.

The WHS began in January 2020 with the union of The R&A and USGA to provide a uniform level of play for all golfers and a World System of course ratings.

The Course Rating is designed to assign a numerical value to represent the difficulty of the course. This number is calculated by measuring the fairways, inspecting the bunkers, measuring the size and contours of the greens, determining the distance to hazards and out-of-bounds locations, and many more golf course characteristics.

This past week at The Els Club, The R&A and USGA ran a two-day Beginner Course Rating Training Seminar for delegates from Federations and Associations from countries such as the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Bahrain and Mauritius.

Representing the EGF were Operations and Marketing Manager, Robert Fiala, EGF Operations Assistant, Cristina Petrovici, and Thomas Hall, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Assistant Golf Services Manager.

“It is important for us in the region to continue to push professional development”, said Fiala. “This seminar was a great way to bring the region’s golf industry together while having the opportunity to learn a new skill. Due to the pandemic many golf courses in the UAE and across the region have [provisional ratings]. The EGF will work with these golf courses in order to make sure the courses are rated properly and are included in the World System of course ratings. I feel that we have put together a team that will focus on accuracy and consistency in order to get the job done.”

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The post R&A and USGA come to town to host Course Rating Seminar in UAE appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Following the success of last year’s Oktoberfest at The Els Club, Golf Digest returned for Round 2 — with bigger and better prizes on offer during the party-atmosphere event.

Proudly sponsored by African + Eastern, Erdinger, Adidas, Baker’s Kitchen, Birkenstock, Al Rostamani Travel & Holidays, MyGolf Dubai, Luxury Supercar Rentals, USEO, The Els Club’s agronomy team had the course in top condition for the 18-hole individual stableford event.

Competitions on the course included longest drive and nearest the pin on holes 2 and 4, plus a nearest the pin in 2 on the long par-4 ninth hole — along with a spot in the Dubai Desert Classic pro-am for the best gross score, which went to Michael Harradine and Division A and B winners received invitations to the Dubai Desert Classic hospitality chalet.

Following the action, the party continued with the prize presentation and a MyGolf simulator experience.

Winners

Nearest The Pin — Hole 2
Peter Norris
Nearest The Pin — Hole 4
Sean Haynes

Nearest The Pin in 2 — Hole 9
Nicolas Hymas
Longest Drive
Sean Haynes
Division B
Winner: Nick Hymas (44 points)
Runner-up: Kneal Brown (39 points)

Division A
Winner: Sean Haynes (39 points)
Runner-up: Kyle McKellar (37 points)

Best Gross
Michael Harridine (-1)

The post LOOK: Catch all the action from Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest’s video and gallery appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

With concerted promotional efforts and considerable backing from Golf Saudi and the Government’s Public Investment Fund, the game has expanded greatly in the Kingdom in recent times, from global events such as the LIV Golf Invitational Series, and the flagship Saudi International on the Asian Tour, to a growth in golf tourism as well as an upturn in Saudis of all ages and abilities — both male and female — taking up the game for the first time.

There are two young men who are enjoying the ride first-hand — amateur golfers Faisal Salhab and Saud AlSharif.

The pair have risen to prominence in the Middle East thanks to some outstanding performances, and their dedication to the cause is reaping dividends. 

Salhab, at 24, is the slightly more experienced of the two, and his recent achievements include victory in the 2021 Saudi Open, another title at the 40th Pan Arab Championships in Cairo, second spot at the GCC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi and a third consecutive invite to the stellar Saudi International at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City.

“The game is coming together nicely,” Faisal told Golf Digest Middle East after competing at the Tillman Trophy in England in late July, where he scored a first-round 65 to top the leaderboard before settling for 15th in a talented field. “It’s still not completely there but things are going in the right direction.”

While still only 22, AlSharif is also showing similar promise, as he builds on his triumph at the Jordan Open late last year. 

He has been honing his game in England alongside Salhab this past month — all under the watchful eye of Golf Saudi Senior Professional Grant Smith, who is helping mentor the duo, who are based at the Claude Harmon III Academy at Els Club in Dubai. Smith offers first-hand coaching on the boys’ travels, with three more Asian Tour events on the horizon very soon ahead of the Eisenhower Trophy — the World Men’s Amateur Team Championships — in Paris.

Thanks to their progress and Golf Saudi’s backing, Salhab and AlSharif are getting more and more opportunities to shine, with multiple events on the Asian Tour‚ including the new International Series which took them to Slaley Hall, Newcastle, for the Tour’s first-ever event in England.

Faisal Salhab has been gaining vital experience at the Saudi International and Asian Tour tournaments in Europe

“With the Asian Tour events we have been given the opportunity to play in, those have really sharpened up our game,” said AlSharif, embracing the journey the pair are on together. “Speaking of myself, they have been a very important reason behind my being comfortable out there in any tournament I have been in, or any situation I have faced, because I am now in these bigger fields with more to play for and playing alongside all these professionals. 

“It is a massive plus for my game and I am so grateful for that. It is really showing in how we both perform and also how we feel more confident and comfortable in some of the other amateur events — it is such a positive thing. We certainly don’t take it for granted and are very grateful to Golf Saudi and the Asian Tour for these opportunities.”

Salhab is happy to concur.

“What is happening with the Asian tour is great,” he added. “Especially with the International Series as it’s giving an opportunity to both me and Saud to test ourselves with some of the top players. The field was so strong in Newcastle and there was the added incentive of a spot at the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series up for grabs, which made the competition even more intense.”

Intense is also a word you could use to describe the elements in the UK for these two, who are much more used to the sunshine and warmth of the Middle East.

“The weather was certainly different,” laughed Salhab, who found the course layouts more of a challenge than the wind and rain. 

“It was much colder than we were used to but very enjoyable. It is nice to escape the heat sometimes. The biggest difference were the types of courses over here, whether it would be links or heathland or parkland, it’s very different to the courses back home.”

With Golf Saudi’s links to Greg Norman’s innovative LIV Golf adventure, the series has inevitably caught the attention of the Saudi pair, who would love to play alongside the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Paul Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed and Henrik Stenson at the ground-breaking, 54-hole tournaments in the future. 

“I am very hopeful — whenever it happens — to tee it up with those guys,” said AlSharif. “They are some of the best players in the world, and LIV Golf is a very cool format, if you ask me. It would be very cool to be part of that environment.”

Salhab also thinks it is a welcome addition to the golfing calendar. “To be able to be competing in the Asian tour and in the International Series is already a bonus,” he said. “Of course, if I get the opportunity with LIV Golf, it would be incredible, and I would be interested in competing there.”

Saud AlSharif is based at CH3 Academy in Dubai, where he works with Jamie McConnell

NEXT STEPS
Back to the immediate future, and CH3 coach Jamie McConnell has been helping out from afar as Faisal and Saud continue their travels.

“We have done some online lessons with Jamie when being in the UK with the supervision of Golf Saudi’s Grant, and implemented what needs to be worked on,” explained Salhab. “Also with the support of the national team we were able to do a training camp at Centurion in Hertfordshire, England, and keep playing events to not get too rusty.”

Soon the pair will be back in Dubai after their summer trip to the UK, but that doesn’t mean the work stops, even if the heat is unrelenting, as there are the Asian Tour’s remaining 2022 events coming up thick and fast. 

“My plans over the next few weeks when I get back to the UAE are training with Jamie at Claude Harmon III Academy at the Els Club in Dubai for the upcoming Asian Tour schedule,” said AlSharif. “We obviously haven’t seen Jamie in a while as we have been on the road, so we are heading back his way now for some prepping in Dubai. It might be in the heat, but we are used to that these days! 

“We are looking forward to the fully packed schedule for the rest of the year on the Asian Tour and beyond. I feel like it is going to be a good year for all of us and, hopefully, we get a lot of chances. But we will go out there, enjoy it and give it our best and see what happens.” 

Despite the travel and hard work, Salhab is also eager to keep going.

“I’m keen to play all the International Series events on the Asian tour, also I have never competed in the Eisenhower Trophy which I’m very excited about,” he said. “There are also a few Asian Development Tour events and I am hoping to play in the Saudi international again next year. I want to use all the knowledge from the upcoming season to try to compete at that event. It would mean so much to me to do well at an event on home soil. 

“I believe I have the game it takes to be competing out there. It still has not come together on the Asian Tour but I see the light at the end of the tunnel and just have to keep at it and something good will happen.”

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The post Flying the flag: Saudi Arabia’s Faisal Salhab and Saud AlSharif ready for next step in their careers appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

It’s a problem I see with club golfers everywhere. In an effort to get the ball into the air, they hang back away from the golf ball, leave their weight on their trail leg which inevitably leads to major contact issues. If you regularly hit fat or thin shots, it could be the problem.

A great drill to help you get into a better impact position and through the ball is to try the step through drill. This can be done in three very simple steps:
1. Start with your feet together and get into a set up position
2. As you bring the club back to impact, take a step towards the target and finish the swing
3. Make sure to finish on your lead side facing the target

This drill will help you create separation between your upper and lower body while also allowing you to transfer your weight correctly from the trail foot to your lead foot in the follow through.

Onto the Course
This drill is great for the driving range or out on the course during a practice round. For those looking to take this out onto the fairways, incorporate it into your pre-shot routine by making a practice swing without a ball. Try to get the feeling of the correct weight transfer before you execute the shot.

[divider] [/divider]

Claude Harmon III is in the vanguard of the new generation of golf teachers. Steeped in tradition both his grandfather, Claude Harmon and father Claude “Butch” Harmon Jr., have been the dominant teachers of their generation.

The post Claude Harmon III’s simple impact drill appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

In the second instalment of our series on taming the Middle East’s toughest holes, Claude Harmon 3 Performance Golf Academy Director of Instruction Jamie McConnell tackles the water-hugged 15th at The Els Club Dubai

There’s irrefutable statistical proof but it’s not just the numbers that make the 15th the most difficult hole at The Els Club. It is also the most visually intimidating hole on Ernie Els’ Dubai gem and that often throws amateurs off their strategy as soon as they arrive on the tee. Indeed, it’s often the intimidation factor that results in all those scorecard blowouts and broken hearts.

The key to conquering the 15th is the tee shot. Finding dry land is the first step and for most amateurs, the odds of achieving this can be significantly increased by choosing the correct line from the tee. For most, the instinct is to take the “Tiger Line” between the bunkers and the water. Yet by taking this line you significantly narrow your “Safe Miss Zone” and instantly increase the odds of taking a water-infused penalty. To make matters worse your next shot will be from an even worse position, most likely a nasty lie in the sand.

Higher skilled, lower handicappers will be able to take a line tight to the right edge of the traps and allow the ball to simply slide right towards the fairway. This maximises the margin for error and almost completely removes the chances of taking a penalty.

Map illustration by 3deagleview.com

For higher handicappers, a more conservative strategy is the key. The prudent line is directly at the centre of the two bunkers on the far corner of the dogleg. There is nothing fancy needed here as this line affords the widest possible landing area while also reducing the risk of hitting the ball in the water and suffering a penalty. The worst-case scenario is a second shot played from one of the bunkers, followed by a wedge or a short iron in. This still means you take any potential for big numbers off the card. And remember, you get a shot or two here anyway depending on your handicap. Use them wisely!

Once your tee shot finds the fairway – or pretty much anywhere other than the water – the approach to the green becomes much easier to handle.

At first glance, the 15th green looks like a difficult surface to hit but it is actually an exceptionally clever design. When you look at it in more detail, the key to figuring out the approach is to look at the shape of the green. Essentially the green plays in a figure of eight: wide at the front, slender in the middle and wide at the back. This means that the pin has a huge influence on how you need to approach the green.

For a front pin, the best miss is certainly short left, while for a back flag ensuring that you have enough club almost completely takes the water out of play. Favouring these areas will mean that you either have a great look at birdie, or an easy up and down to save par. Remember, don’t allow that intimidating tee shot to knock your before you even tee off. Stick to a strategy consummate with your handicap and reap the rewards. Good luck! — with Kent Gray

BE AT 1 SERIES:
Tame ‘Sea View’, stroke index 1 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Tower Links Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Tame the 7th, stroke index 1, at Dubai Hills Golf Club
Tame the 12th, stroke index 1, at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club
Tame the 13th, stroke index 1, at Al Zorah Golf Club
Tame the 10th, stroke index 1, at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

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The post BE AT 1: Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at The Els Club Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

What would a compilation of the Middle East’s favourite holes look like? Stunning. Long. And very, very tough. Welcome to the region’s dream 18.

By Kent Gray
“The ideal hole is surely one that affords the greatest pleasure to the greatest number, gives the fullest advantage for accurate play, stimulates players to improve their game, and never becomes monotonous.”

Alister MacKenzie departed this life 86 years ago, more than 50 years before golf first met grass in Dubai and longer still before the game spread its virtuous tentacles around the Middle East.

But if he could, the revered British course architect surely would doff his Tam o’ Shanter to this, our compilation of the Middle East’s favourite holes.

Judged by the expert panel that brought you Golf Digest’s Top 10 Courses of the Middle East 2020 ranking (click here) and dreamed into a composite 18 by the editorial team, this is an impressive and imposing test of golf.

The criteria to be considered for the region’s dream 18? The same exhaustive process that determines the world’s most respected course rating system, a series of seven categories which reward shot values, design variety, resistance to scoring, memorability, aesthetics, conditioning and ambience. The kicker is that holes had to receive at least 75 per cent of the panel’s collective ‘your favourite hole’ vote at a respective course to be considered.

There is nothing more subjective in sport than the apples versus pears ranking of players or matches from different eras. The same can be applied to the rating of golf courses where one players manicured hybrid of parkland and desert, is another’s modern-day seaside layout, or, in the Middle East at least, yet another’s inland links wannabe. Drill down further to individual holes and the debate is even hotter. The most impartial way to measure that is with Golf Digest’s internationally trusted formula.

What is indisputable is that our composite layout complies to the criteria of the ideal hole as MacKenzie once famously hypothesised. Each and every hole inspires, demands accuracy (or acceptance of a lack thereof), will send you to the range searching for solutions and could never, ever be considered tedious. Enjoy.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s iconic 16th makes the cut in our favourite holes selection.

1. The 16th, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
488 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 1
We’re fans of course architects who like to ease you into a round with a simple hole, providing, if not a birdie chance, then a relatively straight forward shot at par. There is no such luxury at our composite course. With its tight tee shot, magnetic waste bunker hugging almost the entire right-hand side of the fairway and approach over yet more sand to a deceptively large green well protected by humps and hollows, par is no cinch. Add in a breeze off the Arabian Sea and, well, good luck. This hole is stunningly brutal, a bit like designer Gary Player’s fitness regime.

READ MORE: Tame ‘Sea View’, stroke index 1 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Soak in those Red Sea views on the 16th at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Saudi Arabia

2. The 16th, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club
180 Yards, Par 3, Stroke Index 16
We’ve gone for a par-4, par-3, par-5 opening to our composite 18 to test every club in your bag early. You won’t find many short holes in the Middle East more picturesque than the last par 3 on the Kingdom’s most recognisable course but don’t be lulled by those turquoise Red Sea views. Dustin Johnson nearly lost the inaugural Saudi International here before producing a miraculous recovery from the drop zone for a bogey to hold off Li Haotong in 2019.  Take par and run.

Any par on the closing hole at The Address Montgomerie Dubai will help you soar up the club’s monthly medal leaderboard

3. The 18th, The Address Montgomerie Dubai
656 Yards, Par 5, Stroke Index 1
How many good and great rounds at The Monty have been sunk by Colin’s (in)-famous closing hole? Finding dry land off one of the numerous teeing grounds is cause for mini celebration but this par 5 will keep you sweating till the end. The hole is relatively straight forward if you can get off the tee but isn’t it amazing how sensible strategy goes out the window with so much water everywhere, or how you suddenly chunk a wedge that has been co-operating so well until now? The potential sucker punch is under clubbing what should be your third (but probably your fourth, fifth of sixth) shot into the green. You deserve a drink but we are only getting started…

The 18th at Greg Norman’s Muscat gem, Al Mouj Golf, tests the European Tour’s best in the Oman Open so don’t fret your score

4. The 18th, Al Mouj Golf
410 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 9
Speaking of tough closing holes with watery graves…

The 18th at Greg Norman’s Muscat masterpiece tests the mettle of the European Tour’s top players at the Oman Open so it’s a given that it will keep the blowtorch focused on your ball striking now you’ve warmed your way into our composite course. Slicers can’t aim far enough left off this tee – and invariably they’ll hit it straight into trouble if they do. Don’t be tempted by any pin cut in the right half of the putting surface or you could be playing pinball with the rocks which elevate this green, and hole, to favourite status among our judges… a big call on a layout overflowing with memorable holes.

The 16th at Al Ain is another par 4 where getting wet is an ever- present danger

5. The 16th, Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club
421 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 5
This par-4 ranks as just the fifth toughest hole at AESGC but don’t be fooled by the stroke index or the alluring design aesthetic. A telephone number awaits any player who strays from the fairway off the tee and that’s just the beginning of the fun. Ideally you’ll shape your drive around the dogleg and past the two furthermost palm trees on the right, hopefully without needing a second or third ball with all that water right and sand and OB left. Now play smart, ignoring any back left (bunker bound!) or centre-right (you’re wet!) pin. Simply rifle your mid-iron to the centre of the green, two-putt and walk off with a big smile and plenty of lead left in your pencil.

Good luck if you need a birdie to win your match on the 18th at The Faldo at Emirates Golf Club. Actually, best of British if you need a par

6. The 18th, The Faldo, Emirates Golf Club
485 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 5
We find The Faldo one of the region’s most exacting tests off the tee, particularly on the outward nine with all those tight doglegs. And sand. And water. To be fair, the closing hole on the Majlis’ sister course at Emirates G.C. offers a generous landing area for all but the biggest slicers but there are few more intimidating approach shots than here. Sir Nick was one of the game’s great shotmakers. You’ll feel like one too if you escape with par of better here.

The curvy 18th at Trump International Golf Club, Dubai is another testy finishing hole but comes early in our dream 18

7. The 18th, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai
425 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 3
Just don’t go left, right? Easier said than done on designer Gil Hanse’s closing hole at Trump Dubai. With that man-made lake hugging the dog-legged par 4, it’s easy to push it way right off the tee which then brings the wet stuff into play with your approach. Aim right of the green and hope for a members’ bounce onto the putting surface because any chip, downhill and with that ever-present water begging, is sure to unearth any jitters in your short game. In effort not to thin it? A frustrating fat? Fun and sometimes frightening.

8. The 16th, Al Zorah Golf Club
354 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 14
The 16th at Nicklaus Designs’ Ajman gem will have you umming and ahhing like the ebb and flooding tides that engross the hole’s island tees. The smart strategic play, with sodden marshland left and desert despair right, dictates a hybrid or mid-iron off the tee and a flick of a wedge in. But maybe, just maybe, you could get there with driver, maybe even a 3-wood? A classic risk and reward hole from another classic course Jack (kinda) built.

The 4th at The Track, Meydan Golf isn’t quite the shortest par 4 in our composite layout but it is a, ahem, tall order for those who suddenly get nervous with a bit of H20 to negotiate.

9. The 4th, The Track, Meydan Golf
358 Yards,  Par 4, Stroke Index 7
For further, irrefutable proof, that a hole needn’t be long to be memorable, welcome to this feisty little dogleg at The Track, Meydan Golf. You could almost throw it off the tee and have a shot at a green that is generously proportioned. Isn’t it amazing how even the silkiest of swings suddenly becomes a little twitchy though when you have to negotiate a bit of H20. And good luck if you over club (prudent) with your approach and leave yourself a slippery downhill chip, looking back at that hypnotic water.

RELATED: Top 10 Golf Courses in the Middle East: The Class of 2020

You’ve done well to make it to the turn with balls left in your bag, not to mention the will to carry on. Grab yourself a nice drink and perhaps an extra sleeve or two of your favourite ammo and prepare for yet more fun.

Do you pull the trigger from this spot on the closing hole on the Majlis course at Emirates G.C. or lay-up and risk getting wet with a wedge anyway?

10. The 18th, Majlis, Emirates Golf Club
546 Yards, Par 5, Stroke Index 12
It’s the scene of so much OMEGA Dubai Desert and Moonlight Classics glory – and amateur heartache. Go straight off the tee and you run the risk of not reaching the corner of the dogleg and blocking yourself out or overpowering things and running out of fairway. Hit it too far left and you’re in the trees or lush rough at best. Somewhere in between and either wooden or watery fate potentially awaits. Then you must decide to go for it or lay-up and test your nerve over the water. Short is wet while air mailing the green brings another chance of the same. A brilliant strategic test.

11. The 18th, Dubai Hills Golf Club
486 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 10
European Golf Design architect Gary Johnson wanted to differentiate Dubai Hills’ finale from the par-5s that predominate the UAE golfscape. The Scot surely did – the 485-yard finish is an absolute brute. Getting it in play off the tee of this par 4 (don’t go too far right) is the (not so) easy bit. Afterwards you’ll need to rifle a mid-iron to a peninsula green guarded by water left and magnetic bunkering front right that looks like it’s cut tight to the green but is actually a clever optical illusion. Par? You’ve just roared up the leaderboard.

12. The 18th, Yas Links Abu Dhabi
646 Yards, Par 5, Stroke Index 3
There is arguably no tougher finish in Middle East golf than Yas Links’ closing par-5, a hole that just keeps coming at you. That’s why we’ve slotted it in early in our inward nine, to leave you some energy to get back to the 19th! You’ll need a solid drive and two decent whacks from there to stand any chance of reaching a green large enough to make three-putting almost inevitable. Into a breeze? Your blob won’t be the first or the last today.

The approach shot to the 16th is one of the trickiest shots on Earth at Jumeirah Golf Estates

13. The 16th, Earth, Jumeirah Golf Estates
486 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 10
The best players on Earth breathe a sigh of relief if they escape here without a scorecard glitch during the DP World Tour Championship each November so who are we to sniff at par? Proof again a hole needn’t be long to be challenging. Watch that your tee shot doesn’t bound right, never to be seen again. Commit fully to the approach shot too, ignoring the water that frames the partial island green. Yeah, we can’t either.

It’s the most photographed hole in the Middle East, the iconic 8th on the Majlis at Emirates G.C.

14. The 8th, Majlis, Emirates Golf Club
459 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 3
Is there a more iconic hole in the Middle East? Is there a hole where more golfers miss right off the tee anywhere in the world? Dust yourself off at the end of this famous par 4 and remember that no matter your score, you’ve got a marina views selfie your pals the world over will be jealous of.

Any par on the 15th hole at The Els Club, Dubai is to be celebrated, especially if you manage to get up and down from the bailout area pictured to the right of the green here

15. The 15th, The Els Club Dubai
489 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 1
Thankfully in our composite 18, you haven’t had to play the par 4 that mirrors the 15th at The Els Club Dubai because, no doubt, you’d rock up to this tee with the mental scar tissue from negotiating the 6th hole at Ernie’s course still fresh in your mind. Instead, rid your thoughts of the water right, that welcoming pot bunker in the landing zone off the tee left, and the bailout area left of the green, a no go zone for those with a twitchy wedge game. Instead, find the fairway, pure your approach to the heart of the green, two-putt and walk away with a par and the lingering admiration of your playing partners. If only golf was as simple as the Big Easy makes it look.

The 17th at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (foreground right) didn’t make the cut in our dream 18 but easily could have. The closing par 4, as you approach the iconic Dhow shaped clubhouse, did and thoroughly warrants the distinction

16. The 18th, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
421 Yards, Par 4, Stroke Index 3
Likewise, be thankful you haven’t had to play the previous hole at the Creek (see p.39) before you roll up to this beautifully brutal par-4. There is actually no option here other than hitting it arrow straight down the middle and then purposefully onto the green. There is no Creek. Or sand. Or rocks guarding the green to send your ball there anyway. Who are we kidding. Grab a group selfie with the iconic clubhouse in the background and forget that double. Or was it a triple?

The sun sets on one of the prettiest – and most testing – par 3s in the Middle East, the 17th at Yas Links Abu Dhabi

17. The 17th, Yas Links Abu Dhabi
204 Yards, Par 3, Stroke Index 13
For golf eye candy, it doesn’t get much better than the penultimate par 3 at Kyle Phillips’ Abu Dhabi masterpiece. Aesthetically pleasing yes, easy no. You’ll need to strike it crisp, long and straight to walk away with a score anywhere as attractive as those shots your entire group did manage to nail off the tee – with their camera phones. Majestic.

18. The 18th, Abu Dhabi Golf Club
567 Yards, Par 5, Stroke Index 5
Great closing holes effortlessly conjure great late drama. A doff of our cap then to architect Peter Harradine for the climax to the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship each January. Risk and reward comes in wet and sandy waves, tempts the big hitter, teases till the end with its speedy, sprawling green and lures all to the most astonishing clubhouse anywhere in the Middle East. You’ve made it and well played, regardless of your score. Enjoy your drink and the debrief of the Middle East’s favourite holes.

RELATED: Top 10 Golf Courses in the Middle East: The Class of 2020

The post The Middle East’s 18 favourite holes appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
After shutting down the professional game globally almost overnight, the coronavirus pandemic is now starting to impact golf at the club level across the UAE.

The Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) on Monday announced the postponement of its season-ending EGF Order of Merit (OOM) Championship at Al AIn Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club next month. The 54-hole event, which carries official World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points, was scheduled for April 9-11 and the EGF hope it can be rescheduled later this year.

RELATED: Can You Play Golf Amid Coronavirus Concerns? With Proper Precautions, Yes

The EGF has also advised clubs, on the directive of the UAE’s General Authority of Sports, to postpone the remaining regular-season EGF OOM events; ladies tournaments at The Els Club Dubai (March 20) and Jumeirah Golf Estates (March 21) have postponement notices on the EGF website already while men’s opens at Yas Links Abu Dhabi (March 20-21) and Al Ain are likely to follow suit. With the General Authority of Sports prohibiting golf for under 18s UAE wide, the Dubai Creek Junior Open on March 27 has also been postponed indefinitely.

Club events and casual rounds for golfers over 18 continue but Golf Digest Middle East has learned clubs have been tasked with regular sterilising of carts, locker rooms, wellness areas and sporting/gym equipment. Given the global move towards social distancing, more restrictions seem inevitable.

The EGF decision comes hot on the heels of the postponement of this week’s scheduled Aramco Saudi Ladies International due to the temporary ban on international flights into the Kingdom. As early as March 5, the Middle East’s tightening travel restrictions prompted the MENA Tour to delay the second half of the regional men’s Pro-Am development circuit until Sept.-Dec. 

Due to the ongoing CoVid 19 precautionary measures the EGF Order of Merit Championship scheduled for 9th-11th April has been postponed until further notice. pic.twitter.com/hNQnv7AZez

— Emirates Golf Fed. (@EGFuaegolf) March 16, 2020

The EGF is working in tandem with the General Authority of Sports as the UAE ramps up efforts to halt the spread of COVID-19.

“It’s always a tough decision to postpone an event and especially an event that gives players of all ages and genders the opportunity to collect World Amatur Golf Ranking points and showcase their achievements throughout the golf season,” the EGF said in a statement.

“With the ongoing precautionary measures for the CoVid-19 virus, we feel that it is best to postpone the event for all players health and safety. We hope that in due time, things will get back to normal and we can finish the 2019 – 2020 golf season on a positive note.”

This is a breaking story. More to follow…

The post EGF Championship postponed as COVID-19 pandemic begins impacting Middle East club scene appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.