History of Golf in the Middle East

Since its introduction in 1988, golf in the Middle East has gone from strength to strength. Without first emerging in Dubai, we have now seen the rise of one of the world’s most popular golf in the sun destinations. Turkey, notable for its All Inclusive golf holidays has attracted a number of top designers such as Feherty, Faldo and Colin Montgomerie, whose Montgomerie Maxx Royal has been selected as a European Tour host course, something few would have predicted when it was opened in 2007.

Now we see the emergence of golf in Qatar with its Doha Course annually hosting the increasingly prestigious Qatar Masters. Who knows? Maybe in 10 years it’ll be as respected as Turkey! For now though, let’s step when to see just how this transformation came about…

Where did it all begin?

It all started at The Emirates GC, where the first all grass Championship undertow was born through the Majlis in 1988. Since then, Emirates GC has widow flipside Middle Eastern record breaker, with the 1996 designed Faldo undertow stuff the first in the region to offer night golf. The club certainly stands the test of time too and despite stuff founded some 28 years ago, it is still widely regarded as the weightier undertow in Dubai, ranking unceasingly in Golf World’s ‘Top 100 Courses’. No wonder it was dubbed “The Desert Miracle”!

Who followed the trend in Dubai?

It didn’t take long for others to realise Dubai’s potential as a golfers paradise. Five years without seeing the success of Majlis, Dubai Creek Golf Club opened in 1993. The undertow has since hosted the European Tour Desert Classic event and its perfectly manicured fairways and internal lakes are typical of a Dubai course. Without the millennium, several courses were opened in Dubai. Notable names include…

Montgomerie Dubai

Opened: 2002

Arguably Dubai’s most spectacular course, designer Colin Montgomerie has expertly created a resort style layout, whilst subtracting a slight links accent. At 7,308 yards from the Championship markers and with 49 acres of lakes, the undertow certainly provides a stern test but, like most courses in Dubai, it is designed to present a rencontre to all levels of golfers.

The Els Club Dubai

Opened: 2008

At over 7,500 yards from the championship tees, the Els undertow was designed with the aim of stuff a tournament host and offers fantastic views of the desert scenery. However, don’t be put off by this hefty yardage, the 6,200 yard forward tees offer a much increasingly reasonable test on a undertow with a unconfined accent on the short game (in true Ernie fashion!).

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Opened: 2009 (Earth) | 2010 (Fire)

With two outstanding championship courses, Jumierah Golf Estates provides a unconfined variety of golf to all. The Earth Undertow hosting the Dubai World Championships in its first year is some victory and this is no surprise considering its 7,706 yard pro markers. The Fire Undertow offers an interesting round too, with notable links features such as undulating fairways and sloping greens protected by large bunkers.

Trump International Dubai

Opened: 2017

One of the Emirate’s newest courses, this Gil Hanse diamond is part of the Trump International Group, the undertow naturally has a championship feel, worldly-wise to test golfers of all abilities. The facilities are simply among the weightier in the world, with fantastic dining options, wide-stretching leisure provisions and all round sunny hospitality.

Dubai Hills

Opened: 2018

Whilst this par-72 gem can be played by golfers of any calibre, Dubai Hills is no pushover, measuring a solid 7220-yards from the tips. Dubai Hills is one of the newest additions to the phenomenal portfolio of golf that Dubai once boasts.

Enter Turkey

Heavily reliant on tourism, it is no coincidence that Turkey has wilt the golfing destination it is today. The quality of its resorts, hotels, golf courses and all inclusive deals have proved invaluable in attracting golfers and holiday goers from all over. It began in the early 90s, when a growing number of well-off Turkish residents moved to the outskirts of Istanbul so that they could enjoy the peaceful greenery and hands commute to work.

Naturally, this led to an increase in leisure facilities and a endangerment to promote a new sport to the people of Turkey. And why not golf considering its success in Dubai eh? The country’s first professional golf undertow was founded in Istanbul in 1994 (Note – Turkey’s only surviving non-professional golf undertow surpassing this was unquestionably opened in 1895!) and was shortly followed by National Golf Club in Belek – soon to wilt the hub of Turkish golf.

The success of these courses ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Turkish Golf Federation in 1996. And the rest is history… Since then, Turkey (and increasingly specifically Belek) has established itself as a premier golf destination, with increasingly and increasingly courses stuff introduced to alimony up with the demands of Turkey’s growing tourism sector, all with a prime focus on All Inclusive golf! Here are three of our favourites…

Gloria Golf Resort

Opened: 1997

Gloria boasts 2 spanking-new championship tracks (Old & New) and one 9 slum layout. The initial success of the resort proved a huge inspiration towards the megacosm of many other courses.

Cornelia Golf Resort

Opened: 2006

Cornelia offers increasingly than just fantastic golf. The 5* resort can stand vacated on its vast selection of facilities and luxury accommodation. Its 27 slum Faldo course carves through a magnificent pine forest and offers a unconfined test of golf to all.

Sueno Hotels Deluxe

Opened: 2007

Although Sueno’s two courses were opened when in 2007, it was only in April 2015 that its palatial hotel opened. While the Pines is the tougher, the Dunes incorporates links-style characteristics suitable for all abilities. The hotel has uncontrived wangle to a waterfront front, perfect for those wishing to relax without a round.

Meanwhile, a short way from Dubai…

In 1998, Abu Dhabi’s first all grass championship undertow opened, having been an 18 slum sand undertow for 22 years prior. The 9 slum Abu Dhabi Municipality Course, situated in the heart of the city, has since been dubbed ‘The People’s Golf Course’ and its overhead lights indulge for tee times up until 9pm – perfect for merchantry travellers! Here are some of Abu Dhabi’s pursuit highlights…

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Opened: 2000

Abu Dhabi Golf Club is arguably the country’s most prestigious course. While annually hosting the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship (a European PGA Tour event), it has moreover received several accolades, including a ranking in Golf World’s Top 100 courses. It’s clubhouse is Arabia’s most iconic – a winged falcon resting on top of a golf ball.

Yas Links

Opened: 2010

Designed by Kyle Phillips, Abu Dhabi’s only Links undertow provides spectacular coastline views of the Arabian Gulf. Entertainment is never far yonder either and the island is home to a range of world-class hotels, mega malls, theme parks and golf courses.

Saadiyat Beach

Opened: 2010

The Middle East’s first waterfront front course, Saadiyat offers stunning views over the Gulf’s sparkling undecorous waters bordered by stretches of pristine white sand. No two holes are the same on this scenic Links course!

Where Next?

So there you have it… The incubation of golf in the Middle East. Where next??? Who knows? But if it’s anything remotely similar to what’s come surpassing then we’re in for a treat!

Why not typesetting your golf holiday or find out increasingly well-nigh courses in the Middle East.