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The United Arab Emirates take their sport and leisure very
seriously, being in the middle of the desert is no drawback
to them from building a 18-hole, par-71 desert sand course.
Offering a new twist and a novel challenge to golfers around
the world, these desert golf courses are quickly gaining popularity
among the golfing fraternity.
Quick Guide to Desert Course Lingo
Here, the 'greens' are known as 'browns' and there is hardly
a problem with filling up your divots. Oiled sand is used
on the 'browns' and players carry a piece of Astroturf with
them when on the fairway.
Apart from the usual water hazards and the rough, golfers
must also contend with the numerous burrows dug by desert
lizards known as dhubs. And be warned, it will be harder
to spot a sand trap.
All in all desert golf is fun way to unwind in the dry-arid
locations.
The 'Desert Miracle'
Known as 'The Desert Miracle', Emirates Golf Club
became the first championship all-grass golf course in Emirates,
way back in 1988. The brainchild of His Highness General
Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Club was built
as an attraction to business men and international tourists.
Within a month of opening, the most important regional golf
tournament - the Pan-Arab - was taking place on the
newly named Majlis course.
Designed by Florida architect Karl Litten, the original
18 holes Majlis course was built in and around the dunes of
a beautiful site on the edge of Dubai, donated by Sheikh Mohamed,
on whose instructions, the desert flora was maintained in
its natural state. Now encompassing a mammoth 36 holes, Emirates
is the Middle East's original and biggest 'desert course'.
The Majlis Course, with its lush fairways and large greens
is a formidable test of golf while the 2nd 18 hole Wadi
Course adds further interest, with superbly positioned
water hazards and desert rough.
The club's international recognition was confirmed in 1989
with the Club's first European Tour event - the Dubai Desert
Classic. Fourteen years later the tournament reaches hundreds
of millions of TV screens around the world every year, and
most of the world's top players, including Tiger Woods
and Ernie Els, have taken part in what is now one
of the European PGA Tour's top events.
A traditional Arabic warm welcome combined with superb tennis
and squash courts, an extensive gymnasium, a beautiful swimming
pool and spectacular outlets and shops, makes the Club a haven
for the sporty and casual visitor alike. You can even visit
the fully-fledged Golf Academy which features high-tech
video swing analysis, flood lit driving range and a putting
green.
So if you've got the cash to flash, don't be putt
off, desert golf is a great way to experience the beauty of
the Emirates, and will suit golfing die hards to a tee!
Anyone for tennis?....
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