The Els Club, Dubai

Overview: Designed by four-time Major champion Ernie Els, The Els Club in Dubai Sports City is a first-class "desert links" course that combines traditional links-style design with the rugged beauty of the Arabian desert. Opened in 2008, the layout is characterized by its wide, undulating fairways, steep-faced bunkers, and complex green complexes that demand creative short-game play. It is a championship test that avoids the artificial feel of many modern resorts, offering a timeless and challenging round that rewards bold, strategic ball striking.

History: The course was the first significant golf development in the Dubai Sports City complex and represented Ernie Els's first design project in the Middle East. Els sought to recreate the feel of the great UK links and Australian Sandbelt courses, moving massive amounts of earth to create a rugged, naturally-undulating aesthetic. Since its opening, it has established itself as one of the most respected member-centric clubs in the region, known for its "Best of the Best" service standards and impeccable course conditioning.

Did You Know? Many of the course's features were inspired by Els's favorite layouts worldwide; the bunkering is reminiscent of the world-famous sandbelt courses of Royal Melbourne, while the undulating greens were designed to mirror the technical challenges found at Pinehurst No. 2. The club's Mediterranean-style clubhouse is home to the "Big Easy Bar & Grill," making it one of the most popular social destinations for golfers in Dubai.