INDUSTRY pioneer Dubai Golf, which runs Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, has a vision for Dubai to be among the most prestigious and most sought-after golfing destinations in the world. CHRIS MAY general manager of the two clubs spoke to TTN.
Has the opening of so many golf courses in Dubai affected the industry?
Yes, it has clearly strengthened the offering for tourists and local players so it is welcomed. We are delighted to have the new golf courses opening in the region as it simply improves the destination and will ultimately attract more players from around the world. Each course being developed is unique. One very positive aspect that the new courses bring to the region is that they encourage overseas visitors to return to the region to play the new courses as well as the more established ones.
The state of the game is currently very healthy. On a local basis rounds played are at an all time high.
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8th hole at the Majlis Course |
How much was the industry affected by the downturn. Are we witnessing a change in demand?
International rounds declined in the region around the start of 2009, however we have started to see this trend reverse and overseas rounds have actually increased over recent months. The global economic climate at the time meant less international visitors to the region so it was natural and expected for international rounds to decrease.
It was during this time that we started to think of how to develop and improve our offering, with new products and innovations like night golf and upgrading our services. We also used this time to focus on the grass roots level of the game by actively promoting junior golf.
What are your main source markets for tourist golfers? Is there a large local and regional market for golfing in Dubai?
Dubai is a market leader and has become a hub for the golfing tourist. Our traditional sources include Europe, during the winter months when we extend their season, and Asia-Pacific. Golf is booming across India, China and Japan with players wishing to test their skills on some of the finest courses in the world. Regionally golf is still very much in expansion mode rapidly emerging as new courses are continuing to be constructed from Oman to Bahrain and the UAE. We are very fortunate to have the now well-established ‘Desert Swing’ on the European Tour culminating in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, which is the jewel in the crown of the early season on the Tour.
What has been Dubai Golf’s role in developing the sport in the emirate?
In a sense we’re the home of golf in the Middle East as the pioneers and founding fathers, having literally sown the seeds for the game to develop through creating the first grass course in the region. But beyond that we’ve tirelessly promoted golf to people of all ages and backgrounds. As important as our introduction of the Majlis, was the first teaching academy in the region at Dubai Creek, getting people started in the game through expert tuition. With visitor rates, par three courses and professional coaching packages golf is widely accessible for anyone with an interest.
We continue to work closely with the Emirates Golf Federation with Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek having a strong junior programme with more than 250 juniors actively participating.
You’ve announced plans to modernise the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club. What can we expect to see? Does this include redesigning the course? When is it expected to be ready?
As a world-class lifestyle destination the entire Emirates Golf Club Facility is being upgraded, starting with the clubhouse which is being totally renovated – due for completion in the last quarter of 2010. The work includes new restaurants, leisure facilities and a spa. The following stage will see the Majlis Course undergo enhancements to the irrigation system, new bunkering and an extended cart path in 2011.
The course is not being redesigned, since it is a modern classic loved by leading professionals, members and visitors from around the world. The course is simply being improved to suit the modern game, playable all year round by all standards of player.
Emirates Golf Club has launched the first fully floodlit 18-hole course. How has this been received in the market?
It has been a remarkable success. The launch of night golf has helped revolutionise the game within the UAE. Typically work constraints and limited tee-off times mean securing a round on a quality course in Dubai is a constant challenge. But with night golf we hope to make golf more accessible, especially in the summer months, for those wishing to play in the cooler evenings.
What are your future plans for the company?
We have clearly set very high standards for ourselves both on and off the course, with a commitment to promoting Dubai as one of the world’s leading tourist, leisure and sporting destinations. Beyond this ongoing goal we wish to bring our knowledge and expertise to the wider region and improve our existing offering with an expanded portfolio of leisure and residential services.
*The Majlis Course at the Emirates Golf Club was recently named as the highest-ranked course in the Middle East to feature amongst the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf World in 2010.