Emirates Golf Club News

Emirates Golf Club Dubai Announces Major Renovations

Emirates Golf Club (EGC), the UAE’s premier golfing destination, is undergoing a number of improvements during the quiet summer season club officials have confirmed.

Following the recent launch of Night Golf on the Faldo Course, the club has announced a further series of significant investments that include the refurbishment of the clubhouse, improvements to the legendary Majlis course and the introduction of a boutique events venue, the Royal Majlis. All the improvements will be complete by October 2010.

“The renovations mark an exciting new chapter for the Emirates Golf Club as we seek to improve upon existing world class golf, recreational and hospitality facilities”, explained Chris May, General Manager, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. “Since opening, the Emirates Golf Club has always set the standard at the forefront of golfing destinations in the region. Through this major investment we’re confident of enhancing our position further by offering unrivalled facilities for members, visitors and the local community to enjoy, whether on or off the golf course.”

The series of improvements will start with a major enhancement of the iconic clubhouse. Leaving intact the instantly recognizable ‘Bedouin Tent’ façade, the interior of the clubhouse will undergo a complete upgrade with new fit outs and furnishings. An upgrade to the swimming pool area and a greatly anticipated on-site spa will complete the refurbishment, adding to the club’s recreational facilities outside of golf. 

Commenting on the operational aspect of the renovations, Andrew Whitelaw, EGC Club Manager said; “For the duration of the renovation, all clubhouse operations have moved to the state-of-the-art tournament hospitality facilities used for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic that overlook the Majlis’ 9th and 18th greens. The temporary clubhouse facility comprises of a spike bar, pro shop, meeting and function rooms, locker rooms, gymnasium, aerobic studio and physio treatment rooms. Everything a golfer or guest would require is catered for, during the renovation period.”

A substantial number of improvements have also been announced for the Majlis golf course. The proposed upgrades are geared to guarantee the highest level of playing conditions all year round and to enhance the playability of the courses for every standard of golfer. Developments include a new fully automated irrigation system to reduce water consumption, new and renovated bunkering, additional landscaping and an extension of the cart paths.      

“The Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club has matured into modern classic admired and loved by the world’s best players, our members and visiting guests. Our intent is not to significantly alter the course layout but to enhance existing features, ensuring the course stands the test of time. With the repositioning of some bunkers, the introduction of new tees and additional bunkers, the course is set to remain a fitting challenge for the modern golfer in the years to come, whether an amateur enjoying a social four-ball or professional playing from the championships tees,” continued Whitelaw.

To allow for the improvements, the Majlis Course will be closed June 1st to September 30th 2010. Whitelaw stressed that considerable thought had gone into selecting the dates for closure to make the improvements, stating that member play is at its lowest during these four months and course works will cause the minimum amount of disruption to golfers.

The significant investments which also include extensive enhancements to the Faldo course and the Academy have only been made possible due to continued support and expertise of the Dubai Real Estate Corporation (DREC) who assumed complete responsibility for the management of Dubai Golf in early 2009 through subsidiary, wasl. As the direct parent company of Dubai Golf LLC, wasl have immediately offered an extra dimension to the Emirates Golf Club, as Whitelaw acknowledged;

“With the vision and ambition of wasl, we’ve recently brought the excitement of night-golf to the championship Faldo course with the installation of floodlights, making it the only fully floodlit 18-hole championship golf course in the UAE. The Emirates Golf Club continues to lead the development of the game in the region, giving people more opportunities to play.”

Following the current renovations, the club will be extending its world class practice facilities by building a two-tier state of the art golf academy on the Faldo driving range, doubling the current capacity of the practice range.

“Since introducing the first grass course to the region, the Emirates Golf Club has become a renowned sporting venue recognised globally. It has developed into a celebrated and much loved symbol of Dubai. But our focus remains dedicated to bringing the enjoyment of the game to even more people. We’re confident the recent investments made will have a lasting impact on the growth of golf and further position Dubai as a truly world-class golfing destination”, concluded May.

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