Dubai: Golf in the UAE seems to be the sport of choice for so many people these days, from new golfers to traditional members.
After returning faster than most sports following the Covid-19 challenges of 2020, the industry is seeing a further boost with international travel and corporate golf also back in the UAE.
It almost seems to be a ‘perfect storm,’ in a positive way, for the entire golf industry in the UAE.
Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf, the management company of the three golf clubs and five golf courses at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates as well as TOPGOLF Dubai, said,
Busy period
“All the golf courses in Dubai are hugely busy over the next few weeks. Dubai Tourism and other government of Dubai entities have spread the message around the world that Dubai is one of the safest places in the world to visit and it is ‘business as usual. International rounds of golf are nearly at pre-Covid 2019 levels and corporate golf is also returning. In addition, our members and local market are seemingly not travelling as much so local rounds per member plus local visitor play is also at a record level. Add to this the positive tourism impact of EXPO2020 and we are in a busier than projected period. It has all happened so quickly, but it is great to see all the golfers back at all the golf clubs in Dubai, with them in excellent condition and the weather at its best. We just hope this positive momentum can continue for the rest of the golfing season,” said May.
Golf in the UAE is not just about Dubai as we all know, so never ignore the other emirates with great golf offers to be found in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Zorah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.
Lesson programmes at all the clubs for new golfers also seem to be ‘flavour of the month’ as the game seems to be in good health.
Andrea Faldella, Club Operations Manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, said of forecast business over the next few weeks, “We are looking at a busy time ahead like all the golf clubs. Just a reminder to all golfers in the UAE; to visit and play in Abu Dhabi, a valid green status on the Al Hosn app is needed. The Abu Dhabi golf clubs are very much open for business. At Abu Dhabi Golf Cub we not only have the 18 hole National Course but also the 9 hole Garden Course providing floodlit golf options.”
The advice to all golfers wishing to play during this busy time is to check all the usual booking apps at SpikesOn, Troon Golf, VIYA, EGF and direct with all the clubs through their apps and website platforms.
Full booking
Just one word of courtesy advice on behalf of the golf industry: go ahead with your booking, but if you cannot honour that booking or the full booking, please cancel or amend the booking. Golfers must respect the tee times and especially those fellow golfers who cannot get access to golf when they want to, whether members or non-members, local golfers or visitors. It seems that cancellation policies and no-shows are likely to be more strictly administered by the golf clubs for the good of all.
Just imagine if you cannot get on a golf course and you see games going off in two, three and fourballs after being told it is full!
Enjoy your golf!
