Els Club

	New club on the block The Els Club is the first amenity to open in Dubai Sports City and this golf facility has already had an exciting impact on golfers around the world.


	Opening to critical acclaim during this year’s Dubai Desert Classic, where the designer himself remained in contention until the final hole, The Els Club provides a significant moment in history for Dubai and the UAE. The course sits amid what will be a sporting hedonist’s dream. Dubai Sports City, part of Dubailand, is one of the wonders of the Middle East and it is fitting that world number four Ernie Els has designed a desert links-style course to rival the very best that is on offer in the Emirates. With generous landing areas off the tee, fresh winds and undulating greens, The Els Club is already one of Dubai’s top golfing venues. Set amongst the Victory Heights residential development, the course is situated in a sporting oasis just 20 minutes from the city centre. With spectacular city views, the course, managed by Troon Golf, will be a must-visit for anyone going to Dubai. The course itself is some 7,538 yards from the back tees, with a variety of teeing options available to cater to all standards. The layout is a challenging and unique test. Ernie took his inspiration from his worldwide golfing experience to create what is the culmination of one of the most prolifically travelled minds in the game. There can be no question that Royal Melbourne was in the back of his mind during the design process! Holes to watch out for are the long par-4 9th, which plays downwind in the morning and into the breeze in the afternoon; the 12th, a strong par 4 inspired by Muirfield; the drivable 16th which is a great risk/reward short par 4; and the 18th, a great par-5 finishing hole that allows you to open up the shoulders off the tee. With other facilities yet to be completed, The Els Club has a great temporary clubhouse and an immaculate practice area and short game arena. The golf course itself feels like it has been cut out of its desert surrounds and does not play like a newly opened track at all. As Dubai Sports City continues towards completion, The Els Club is 2008’s must-play course in the Emirates and set to be a landmark on the world golfing circuit.