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From behind the huge,
arched glass windows of this stunning Clubhouse, there are inspiring views
of a course that is as challenging as it is seductive to visitors. There
are few par threes to match the bewitching seventh, with a glistening
lake reaching from the edge of the tee to the fringe of the green. The
iron shot required is not one for the faint-hearted, particularly with
wind rushing in from the Gulf and complicating club selection.
Indigeneous plant
life flourishes
In keeping with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's desire to
preserve as much of the land's natural character, numerous patches of
desert have been retained within the course, the indigenous plant life
flourishing under the spray from the sprinklers. One such area punishes
over ambitious drives on the eighth hole, which has a fairway curving
right and rising as steeply toward a green ground by five bunkers. For
no small reason is the 12th rated one of the most difficult holes on the
course, its narrow fairway swinging left towards and elevated green that,
even after a pin-point drive, can seem a distant, meagre target
An
18th to rival the best
Without exception, the great golf courses of the world are blessed
with great finishes. The Emirates Golf Club has an 18th hole to rival
any. At just under 550 yards, this par 5 is a monster, but a loveable
one, the fairway bending left at 90 degrees, leaving big-hitters to
imagine a drive that cuts the corner, setting up the chance to power
a second shot across the lake that guards the sprawling double green |
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an achievement may prove impossible. With the water beckoning, far
better to drive straighter, play up short, and try not to cause a
splash with your third. Two putts and it will probably seem like a
birdie anyway! The Emirates Golf Club has enough hazards - and potential
disaster areas - to demand total respect from the most accomplished
tournament professions. They will love it, and respect it, even at
times when they might feel like hating it. Golf to accommodate players
of all abilities. It is a game worshipped by millions, and in Dubai,
it is easy to understand why. |
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