Dubai: Golf in Dubai has gotten a new glow — quite literally.
To enjoy a game now, beginners and avid golfers need no longer brave the heat and sweat it out on the city’s open, manicured greens. Instead, they can give it a go from within the air-conditioned comfort of an indoor course, complete with 18 holes.
What’s more, the newly opened Tee & Putt mini golf course at Wafi City offers a unique glow-in-the-dark game, the first of its kind in the UAE, claims its owner Rashi Panjabi. A golfer with an MBA from the US, the 30-year-old Dubai-based Indian said the objective of the 10,000 square feet facility is to provide a world-class family entertainment and amusement avenue for residents and tourists. “This type of 18-hole mini golf course is popular in other parts of the world. So I wanted to introduce it to the UAE as well. It is meant for both adults and children and can be enjoyed under all weather conditions at a cost far cheaper than regular golf.”
Panjabi said a full round of the game costs Dh65 per person for groups of three or more. And there’s no time limit to play, although it typically takes 60-80 minutes for three or more people to finish and between 45-60 minutes for two people. Like regular golf, this too entails the putter and the ball. “You start off from Hole 1 and the idea is to achieve the least number of strokes. Depending on whether the hole is Par 2 or Par 3, you will be allowed two or three shots. Every group gets a score card on which the scores are tabulated,” she said, adding high scorers are rewarded with a special mention on a screen at the counter.
The good part is that the game can be played even by those who’ve never played golf. It’s more about being a fun, leisure activity. Panjabi said the facility’s staff are at hand to explain the rules and assist players if they need help.
“It’s different and special,” said German tourist Inga Froehlich who was having a game with Robert Nieberg. “It’s too hot outside, so we’re enjoying this indoors.
Jordanian Haya who was visiting the facility with her four-year-old son said: “This is so funky. The holes are quite challenging. I have played outdoor mini golf but nothing like this before. It’s a lot of fun.”
But what’s with the glow?
“Glow-in-the-dark just adds a fun twist to the game. Players get excited when they see parts of them glow in the light. They find it very intriguing,” said Panjabi.
Tee & Putt, which opened on June 28, has had a very encouraging response, she said. “Besides the regular offering, corporate team building and birthday party packages are also popular. Tournaments are also held.”
