Dubai is gaining a reputation as a luxury destination and with this comes the desire for many of its visitors to play golf. Luckily the Emirate is well equipped with world-class courses and welcoming clubhouses.

Its reputation for golfing has been further enhanced by the staging of the Desert Classic tournament, which has been held in Dubai since 1989. Even if you are not quite up to the standard of performing in the event you can still enjoy a few rounds of the sport on your next holiday.

Read on to find out about some of the golf courses you may wish to visit.

golfing in Dubai

Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club

A great place to head after flying into Dubai, as it is just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club sets high standards. Its 18-hole championship course requires a handicap of 28 for the men and 45 for the ladies.

An alternative nine-hole course is also available for use and this floodlit facility has no handicap restrictions. Visitors will be required to dress in shirts with collars and sleeves as inappropriate attire and beachwear is strictly prohibited. Rubber shoes without spikes are also a necessity.

As well as the golf, guests can enjoy all the amenities at the well-furnished golf club, as well as a pool complete with swim-up bar and fitness gym. Taking advantage of the yacht club is another benefit of passing time at Dubai Creek.

Emirates Golf Club

The Emirates Golf Club is unrivalled in Dubai as it is at one of its two championship courses on which the Desert Classic is played. You too can take to the greens on the Majlis, which is challenging to say the least as it is a world-class par 72 course.

Majlis translates as ‘meeting place’ in Arabic and was the first grass course to be built in the Middle East. It has been modelled around the topography of the landscape and is a particularly pleasant place to play some golf.

The Emirates Golf Club’s second course is the Wadi, meaning ‘valley’, and is characterised by its undulating fairways. This option is very popular with the locals and is punctuated by no fewer than 14 lakes.

Nad al Sheba

Golfers who do not have a handicap are welcome to use the driving range at the Nad al Sheba club, but the presentation of a certificate is required to play on the par 71 18-hole course. There is a strict no jeans policy and visitors are expected to be well turned out.

Located 20 minutes from the centre of Dubai, the Nad al Sheba is a great place to come if you are looking to improve your game. Tuition is available for all abilities and learn-golf-in-a-week courses are very popular.

Al Badia Golf Resort

The shiny new Al Badia Golf Resort clubhouse reflects the quality of the championship course on offer. As one of the newest offerings in Dubai it is much in demand, with guests keen to visit the stat-of-the-art restaurant, mezzanine bar and pro shop as well as playing a few rounds.

A driving range, chipping green and hi-tech swing analysis rooms set this course apart. Despite all of the mod cons, what lies beneath is a good solid golf course.