Rise and fall: The cost of playing golf in the UAE

Dubai: Playing 18 holes of golf in the UAE rocketed in price during the "boom years" from 2005-2008, but since the global financial crisis, courses have had to revise their pricing policy to attract golfers. Potential "customers" for the clubs have less disposable income and are cutting back on luxuries - golf being one of them.

Clubs have had to react quickly to keep the carts on the fairways and the customers coming and spending money in their equipment shops, bars and restaurants.

The recently published winter rates for 2009-10 show that the rise and fall in green fees have mirrored the rise and fall in the global economy.

Our illustration compares the rise and fall in peak winter rack rate in dirhams for the leading clubs in 2005, 2008 and now. It is what a visitor will pay for a round of 18 holes at the weekend (Thursday, Friday and Saturday) including shared cart and range balls across the UAE's courses.

In many instances you can play for less if you are a resident or an Emirates Golf Federation member.

If you can play on weekdays you will find some big reductions on the prices and many courses are offering twilight deals or two-for-one offers.

For a comprehensive list of 2008-09 green fees, visit www.emiratesgolffederation.com/promotions