10 Of The UAE’s Best Golf Courses by Golfscape’s Jenna Heidstrom

The Middle East is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, each of them carefully put together with the skill and imagination of golf’s greatest designers. With iconic city skylines, guaranteed sunshine, luxurious clubhouses and challenging layouts, courses in the UAE offer the most memorable golf experiences across the globe.

Majlis, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
One of the most iconic golf courses in Dubai, with the famous city skyline in view from many of the holes at the course, this is an unforgettable golfing experience that challenges all player types. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum donated the site where Majlis now sits. A Karl Litten design, the 18-hole layout was the first grass course in the Middle East keeping the natural desert flora within his plan.

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Yas Links takes its name from the Bani Yas clan, a 19th century Al Maktoum dynasty. Yas is the only true links course in the Middle East, set along the shores of Yas Island. Far from the bustle of Abu Dhabi city life, the challenging layout is complimented with views of the Arabian Gulf. Yas Links is also the first club in the UAE to host Toptracer, a game that helps to improve skills.

Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Home to the European Tour’s DP World Tour Championships, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is a design inspired by the great parklands of North America and Europe. With rolling green terrains and water features trickling through the course, golfers could forget they are in the Middle East. A Greg Norman design, the Earth Course is not only abundant in bunkers, but also home to an array of wildlife.

Saadiyat Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Golf Club was designed by the golfing legend, Gary Player, and is the region’s first ever ocean course. It is eco-conscious, and with spectacular views of the Gulf’s sparkling blue waters, golfers can test their game on each unique hole at this beachfront course.

Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai
Dubai Hills Golf Club is one of the newest clubs to grace the UAE and is quickly becoming one of its most popular. Gary Johnston’s design instantly became an icon in the region. With views of the towering Burj Khalifa landmark, the bunkering and undulating greens will keep every golfer stimulated throughout the entire round.

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Golf Club looks out over glistening waterways, with the course itself meandering through open lagoons that blend seamlessly into the Arabian gulf. The championship course rolls over five million cubic meters of sand and is accented by grand swaying palm trees. Inside the clubhouse, expect to immerse yourself in sleek and modern Arabic style.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is an award-winning facility and plays host to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships, and is known for having one of most luxurious clubhouse’s in the Middle East. The 27-hole championship course is carved out of the desert and is home to seven glistening lakes.

The Els Club, Dubai
Designed for both professionals and beginners, this state-of-the-art facility is home to award-winning fairways and smooth Bermuda grass greens. On site is the famous Butch Harmon School of Golf, the perfect place to improve golf skills and master the art of your swing. A 5-star establishment that is a favourite with those that enjoy the finer things in life.

Al Zorah, Ajman
Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman, is a Nicklaus design that embraces its natural environment full of wildlife next to the mangroves. The course is set in an upcoming development in the UAE making it unique for golfers looking to experience something new, tranquil, and challenging.

Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai
The Address Montgomerie is a landmark for golf in Dubai. Although the distinctive city skyline is visible from its greens, the location provides a secluded ambience. Since the club’s opening it has become an opulent, multi-faceted golf resort, filled with stylish architecture and furnishings, quality restaurants and lounges, and basking in what is overall a luxuriously impressive golf destination.

Article c/o @IAGTO by Jenna Heidstrom is Marketing Manager at golfscape.com
www.forbesmiddleeast.com/10-of-the-uaes-best-golf-courses

Main pic of @YasLinks

Tee Times Golf Agency is pleased to invite you to our first “Tee Times Lisbon Golf Tournament 2019”

It will be the opportunity for you to discover Portugal, one of the most popular golf destinations in Europe.
Also, the proud owner of “Europe’s Best Sustainable Destination Award”
Now with all the spot lights turned to Portugal it is time to invest in the rising interest into this destination.

This tournament will take place from May 29th to June 2nd, 2019

Our aim is to invite media partners along with tour operators and create teams’ competitions by country – Nation Cup Competitions, following Ryder Cup format.
Each team 4 players, and each day there will be a different competition;
1st day – Foursomes
2nd Day – Four-Ball – best score per hole of the 2 players
3rd Day – Singles
Winning team will be the one that reach the higher score after the 3 days.

We intend to create 4 ball teams per country which can be mixed media&T.O. or only media or T.O. We will be happy to welcome the media partners who agrees to promote our products on their media channels.

There will be another competition taking place simultaneously for costumers, on a Stabelford Individual format. If you have any clients interested feel free to bring them to join us.
There will be prizes for both competitions.

We would like this tournament to be the first of many to come.

We hope this tournament will deserve to be marked on your calendar as a yearly event to enjoy the best hotels, courses and gastronomic experiences in the area and to have fun in a healthy competition environment between countries. Also, we would love to see it finding its place in the media to reach out as many people as possible.

TO FIND OUT MORE ON THIS TOURNAMENT OR TO REGISTER – PLEASE VISIT:

https://www.teetimes.pt/portugal-competition/20/tee-times-lisbon-tournament/

We are looking forward welcoming you in one of our most beautiful destinations.

Mie prefecture, Japan— Mie Golf Tourism Organization (MGTO) announced today the launch of the world’s first Golf Triathlon, taking place on the 14th of October at the renowned Tsu Country Club in Mie prefecture.

The triathlon event for the first time will combine golf, running, and cycling. The organizers hope that the combination of these individual sports will have a wide appeal to both domestic and international golfers, attracting many foreign participants and also inspire other Golf triathlon events in Japan and abroad.

Event organizer, Mr. Shunsuke Matsuo, Representative Director of Japan Golf Triathlon Association said: ‘We have 3 main objectives for the event, firstly to encourage a new generation of athletes into golf and this new triathlon sport. Secondly, we would like to help Golf courses pursue new possibilities as outdoor sporting venues, creating new business opportunities. And lastly, we hope to create a ripple economic effect, working in coordination and cooperation with local governments and businesses to grow the event as well as tourism in the local areas.

The triathlon is based on points, with the winner the one with the lowest point accumulation. There will be 3 categories of competition: Ironman, Challenge and Relay. Ironman is the full triathlon, challenge participants are only required to bike and run half of the distance, and for the relay competitors, the course can be shared between 3 team members.

The first leg consists of running, with participants accumulating 1 point per second. Ironman level is required to complete 18 holes of the course, and just 9 for the other categories. Next comes cycling; participants must complete 2 lap of the 36-hole course (challenge participants just 18 holes), with one second equivalent to one point. The final leg is golf: A standard 18-hole stroke play format for all categories, not determined by time, participants can carry their own bag, or can wheel it on a trolley. Competition rules are the local rules of the course. Points calculation is 40 points per stroke.

Details of the event:

Participation is limited to 150 people.

Date and time: October 14th 2019

Venue: Tsu Country Club and surrounding roads Address: 30 Katadahase-cho, Tsu, Mie Prefecture 514-0077

Entry fee: Ironman: ¥15,000 / person
Challenge: ¥15,000 / person
Team Relay: ¥21,000 / team

Credit IAGTO

Dear Partners & Friends,

It is with pleasure that we announce that we finalized our 9 hole renewal. On the 23rd of September 2019 the course will re-open 9 holes and be fully playable for 18 holes.

What have we done?
– We renovated 9 greens completely to assure a great playing experience. – Tee renovations: we added and reformed different tees in order to have a top quality tee surface – Improvement on our legendary “PINE TRAP”, we have renewed some aspects of our 5 Pine Trap holes with the objective to keep it challenging but increasing the FUN factor

THE PINE TRAP what´s that?
Different courses have their own Amen Corner (Augusta National), we have the PINE TRAP. 5 challenging holes through our Pine Wood part of the course (some of our other holes are Parkland holes with views on the Mediterrean Sea).

New Tee Signs
In the process of developing along with the Golfworld and its new rules we have a new Tee off system in place.
Tees will have new definitions Championship, Gold, Executive and Diamond and will be market with numbers which represent the length of the full 18 hole golf course. Upon arrival players will be able to decide from which tee they want to play, depending on their handicaps or actual golf “moment”. Our caddies will assist them in this decision.

HALF WAY HOUSE
As of September our NEW HALF way house will delight our players with some great bites after 9 holes, they will have the chance to sit down and relax 10 minutes between the first and second 9.

Rafa´s Favourite Hole
Yes indeed it´s Rafa, we are happy that such an iconic star is member of our club since 2005. He describes hole 14 as his favourite Hole. So we name hole 14 Rafa´s. A sign along the 14 tee line explains from his words, how he prefers to play it.

New Club House
2019 has also brought the complete renovation of the Club House and Locker rooms. Considering today´s players needs both in comfort and food & service offer we have now a fine Restaurante, which offers local classics and tapas in a relaxed ambience.

We look forward in welcoming you and your customers to the Club
With best Regards

Stefano Bortolotti Marc Nebot
Director Golf Operations

To make a booking, please email:
reservas@golfsonservera.com

Members of clubs within this network gain access at discounted rates to golfing facilities across PLI’s comprehensive portfolio, consisting of over 430 clubs in 44 countries, including the likes of 2018 Ryder Cup venue, Le Golf National, France, and Riviera Maya Golf Club, Cancun, Mexico.

With several fantastic golf resorts and golf courses, Portugal is one of the most popular countries in the world for a golf holiday. Golfers may instantly turn to the popular region of the Algarve, however, Portugal boasts many hidden gems near its capital city of Lisbon, of which Penha Longa is one and is located only 30 minutes’ drive away.

Ranked in the top 30 Courses in Continental Europe, the 27-hole course at Penha Longa Resort designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones, Jr. is escapist golf at its best. It offers three different circuits: Atlantic Championship, Atlantic North and Atlantic South, providing completely different experiences.

The Atlantic Championship course is the standout design, taking advantage of the steeply sloping terrain and excellent views of the surrounding landscape. Six of the holes are situated in the valley, whilst the other holes have been built on a hill offering stunning views of the Sintra Hills.

Aside from the superb golf offering, Penha Longa Resort features a 5* Ritz Carlton hotel, eight innovative dining options including two Michelin Star restaurants, a Thai-inspired spa and many more on-site facilities to satisfy even the most discerning guest.
Rita Simões, Director of Travel Industry Sales, Penha Longa Resort, said: “The new relationship with Pacific Links International is a fantastic move for Penha Longa Resort. Whilst we offer a superb 27-hole golf course, our facilities extend far beyond golf. We’re looking forward to enhancing our international appeal and providing our members with a number of value-added incentives to play top quality golf whilst visiting other countries.”

Rudy Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Links International, said: “Penha Longa Resort is one of the premium golf facilities in Portugal; the 27-hole course, world class practice facilities, and award-winning dining options are just a few of the benefits on offer whilst golfers are visiting the Lisbon region. We are delighted to welcome the club as one of our newest European partners and look forward to hearing the feedback from our network golfers.”

For more information on Pacific Links International, visit:

https://www.pacificlinks.com

The National Club Association (NCA) has announced that Jonas Club Software has agreed to a multi-level commitment to NCA – the first of its kind – unlocking new opportunities for the two club leaders.

With the deal, the premier club software company renews it Corporate Partnership to NCA as a Strategic Alliance Partner and becomes the first Exclusive Sponsor of the NCA Member Appreciation Luncheon and a leading sponsor of NCA’s National Club Conference.

“This exciting partnership with Jonas Club Software continues to elevate our suite of programmes and benefits, allowing NCA to reach new heights. Taking a multi-level approach increases both organisations’ presence and effectiveness in the private club arena,” said NCA President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Wallmeyer.

“We’re thrilled to become the first company to have a deal of this kind with the National Club Association,” said Trevor Coughlan Software Director of Marketing at Jonas Club, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“Throughout our years of working together, we’ve seen clubs flourish thanks in no small part to the NCA’s tireless efforts as an advocate of the industry. Together with the NCA, we remain committed to developing a culture of education and innovation that will help clubs thrive in the years ahead.”

Jonas Club Software is a leading provider of integrated software solutions for the club industry. The firm helps clubs by focusing on the creation of exceptional experiences. These experiences are delivered through industry leading services, integrated applications, innovative technology and long-term partnerships with the clubs they serve.
Through this ground-breaking partnership, Jonas Club Software will benefit NCA club members through educational initiatives and sponsorships across NCA’s many platforms and services.

The NCA has been the advocate for the private club industry in Washington DC, for more than 55 years. As the voice of private clubs on Capitol Hill, NCA ensures that club concerns are forefront when legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry are being decided.
In addition, NCA provides club leaders an outstanding array of resources on club industry trends, governance best practices, legal and operational matters and ways to strengthen club leadership.

PRESS RELEASE: C/O AGIF

AUTUMN 2019 https://joom.ag/LYRe

Our travelling duo of Andrew and Paul Marshall have hit the road once again in search of golfing experiences for our readers. Starting with the established Canary Islands, Andrew & Paul take on a week-long ‘Birdies in the Canaries’ golf trip by car, ferry and plane, teeing it up on half a dozen of the best tracks on Tenerife, La Gomera and Gran Canaria – each an established destination on their own right.

From beaches to the Baltics, our due travelled to Lithuania. When it comes to golf travel there’s a growing trend towards city trips – a few rounds of golf mixed in with some sightseeing, culture and local cuisine. For golfers looking for an off-the-beaten track destination, then it’s worth considering undiscovered Lithuania and its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage capital, Vilnius. The golf scene here is relatively new, and currently there are a total of five 18-hole courses in the country, the main trio being located in the Vilnius region.

Following our large feature on Mission Hills in our Summer Edition, Jenna Heidstrom provides an exclusive interview with The Chu Brothers, the Most Powerful People in Golf. Ken and Tenniel Chu are the faces of golf in China and the driving forces behind the world’s largest golf resort, Mission Hills. The Chu brothers electrify the golf industry with their entrepreneurial nature by encouraging equality in the sport, collaborating with the greatest names in golf, and creating a ‘Golf and more’ philosophy at Mission Hills. Take a glimpse into the lives of Ken and Tenniel as they conquer golf in China, through ambitious plans and magnificent designs.

Our club feature takes a look at famous links course of The Island Golf Club in Ireland, while our “Letters from Africa” section by John Cockayne provides some information for the lucky ones who are contemplating a golfing vacation, or indeed a holiday trip of any kind to Southern Africa.

Follow our travels on Twitter (@Dest_golfguide), Facebook (@destinationgolf) or Instagram (@destinationgolfglobal).

The DG Team.
http://www.destinationgolf.travel

Since then, the club has gone out of its way to finish the nine holes on time, and to offer a challenging 18 holes to the competitors, 6880 meters long, backtrees for a par 72. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, this golf course will offer very interesting game situations, especially if the wind is blowing in the games.

For more information please contact Houria on
houria.rammioui@lamphitrite.com

PRESS RELEASE C/O IAGTO

A member of the Leading Hotels of the World since 1988, with magnificent views over the Sea and the Ria Formosa’s tidal lagoon, is surrounded by the greenery of the Natural Park and walking distance from the beach.
Our guests can enjoy the Algarve’s most magnificent golf courses of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, which are just minutes from the hotel.

The Hotel Exclusive Golf Packages are an opportunity to play at Quinta do Lago South, North, Laranjal and Vale do Lobo golf courses.

Including accommodation for 3, 5 or 7 nights, buffet breakfast, welcome VIP upon arrival, rounds of golf, golf transfers within Quinta do Lago courses, complimentary use of the hotel gym, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, sauna, Steam bath and Jacuzzi. For the accompanying non-golfers, golf rounds can be replaced by SPA massages.

The Faro International Airport is just 20 minutes distance from the hotel and can be easily accessed from most major European cities, with year-round direct flights from most international airport’s hubs, making Hotel Quinta do Lago the perfect European escape for a golf break.

For more on special offers, see: http://www.quintadolagohotel.com/
or click here to enter your preferred dates: http://bit.ly/2Z8EUqz

The Middle East is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, each of them carefully put together with the skill and imagination of golf’s greatest designers. With iconic city skylines, guaranteed sunshine, luxurious clubhouses and challenging layouts, courses in the UAE offer the most memorable golf experiences across the globe.

Majlis, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
One of the most iconic golf courses in Dubai, with the famous city skyline in view from many of the holes at the course, this is an unforgettable golfing experience that challenges all player types. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum donated the site where Majlis now sits. A Karl Litten design, the 18-hole layout was the first grass course in the Middle East keeping the natural desert flora within his plan.

Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
Yas Links takes its name from the Bani Yas clan, a 19th century Al Maktoum dynasty. Yas is the only true links course in the Middle East, set along the shores of Yas Island. Far from the bustle of Abu Dhabi city life, the challenging layout is complimented with views of the Arabian Gulf. Yas Links is also the first club in the UAE to host Toptracer, a game that helps to improve skills.

Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates
Home to the European Tour’s DP World Tour Championships, the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is a design inspired by the great parklands of North America and Europe. With rolling green terrains and water features trickling through the course, golfers could forget they are in the Middle East. A Greg Norman design, the Earth Course is not only abundant in bunkers, but also home to an array of wildlife.

Saadiyat Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Golf Club was designed by the golfing legend, Gary Player, and is the region’s first ever ocean course. It is eco-conscious, and with spectacular views of the Gulf’s sparkling blue waters, golfers can test their game on each unique hole at this beachfront course.

Dubai Hills Golf Club, Dubai
Dubai Hills Golf Club is one of the newest clubs to grace the UAE and is quickly becoming one of its most popular. Gary Johnston’s design instantly became an icon in the region. With views of the towering Burj Khalifa landmark, the bunkering and undulating greens will keep every golfer stimulated throughout the entire round.

Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah
Al Hamra Golf Club looks out over glistening waterways, with the course itself meandering through open lagoons that blend seamlessly into the Arabian gulf. The championship course rolls over five million cubic meters of sand and is accented by grand swaying palm trees. Inside the clubhouse, expect to immerse yourself in sleek and modern Arabic style.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is an award-winning facility and plays host to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships, and is known for having one of most luxurious clubhouse’s in the Middle East. The 27-hole championship course is carved out of the desert and is home to seven glistening lakes.

The Els Club, Dubai
Designed for both professionals and beginners, this state-of-the-art facility is home to award-winning fairways and smooth Bermuda grass greens. On site is the famous Butch Harmon School of Golf, the perfect place to improve golf skills and master the art of your swing. A 5-star establishment that is a favourite with those that enjoy the finer things in life.

Al Zorah, Ajman
Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman, is a Nicklaus design that embraces its natural environment full of wildlife next to the mangroves. The course is set in an upcoming development in the UAE making it unique for golfers looking to experience something new, tranquil, and challenging.

Montgomerie Golf Club, Dubai
The Address Montgomerie is a landmark for golf in Dubai. Although the distinctive city skyline is visible from its greens, the location provides a secluded ambience. Since the club’s opening it has become an opulent, multi-faceted golf resort, filled with stylish architecture and furnishings, quality restaurants and lounges, and basking in what is overall a luxuriously impressive golf destination.

Article c/o @IAGTO by Jenna Heidstrom is Marketing Manager at golfscape.com
www.forbesmiddleeast.com/10-of-the-uaes-best-golf-courses

Main pic of @YasLinks