The Els Club Dubai, designed by Ernie Els and which celebrated its 15th anniversary last month, has this month been voted the Best Golf Course in the Middle East at the 10th annual World Golf Awards.
“Huge congratulations to everyone at The Els Club Dubai and to the team at Troon Golf,” commented Ernie. “I know how much hard work and dedication goes into delivering a world-class experience, both on and off the golf course; it’s a real collaborative effort. We’ve always been proud of this golf course and I’m proud to have my name attached to it. Right from the start, we knew it would be special enough to host tour events, which we are happy to say it has. But it’s also a wonderful everyday course in superb condition, with a thriving membership who enjoy the challenge and the incredible facilities at the club. Keep up the great work everyone.”
The Els Club Dubai, which is part of Dubai Sports City, was voted ‘best new international course’ by the prestigious US magazine, Links, when it opened in 2008. It is described by the team at Ernie Els Design as a ‘desert links’, featuring pleasing undulations and elevation changes for visual and strategic interest. Extensive use of sandy waste areas and of native grasses and vegetation between wide fairways, along with a classic style of bunkering, add to the links aesthetic. The perfectly manicured playing surfaces can be enjoyed all year round and that, along with the exceptional practice facilities, has made the club a popular destination among DP World Tour professionals.
Indeed, such has been the extraordinarily high quality of the day-to-day presentation of the golf course, it was simply a case of fine-tuning in order to have the golf course ready for a professional tour event. When Arjun Atwal won the Asian Tour’s Dubai Open almost 10 years ago, he said afterwards, “…it’s fantastic, the course is in great shape, it definitely gets my vote as No.1.”
Of course, there’s more to The Els Club than golf. The Els Club philosophy is to offer the very best of everything and this really is a five-star experience every step of the way. The magnificent Mediterranean-style clubhouse features a Big Easy Bar & Grill and a restaurant named 261, a nod to Ernie’s record-breaking 72-hole aggregate in the 2003 Mercedes Championship. Naturally, there are extensive leisure facilities onsite including a gym, swimming pools and a spa.
“We take immense pride in being recognised as Middle East’s Best Golf Course,” commented a spokesperson at The Els Club Dubai. “We are truly honoured to have received this award, which reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class golfing experience for our valued members and guests.”
About Ernie Els Design
Ernie Els Design is a full-service golf course design company wholly owned by its principal, four-time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer, Ernie Els. The international scope of Ernie’s 76 professional career victories is mirrored in the global reach of his designs, with signature courses and renovations making an impact in emerging and established golf markets alike. The Els Club Dubai is one of six Ernie Els designed golf courses to have hosted a professional tour event. The Els Club Desaru Coast (back-to-back events on the MENA Tour in 2023), Albany in the Bahamas (The Hero World Challenge), The Els Club Dubai (Dubai Open Golf Championship), The Els Club Copperleaf in South Africa (Tshwane Open), Anahita Mauritius (Mauritius Golf Masters and AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open) and Wentworth West Course (BMW PGA Championship).
For more information, please visit The Els Club Dubai website.
