DUBAI in recent years has become a major hub for golfers and is leaving no stone unturned to establish itself as a leading golf tourism destination. With top-notch courses, high profile course designers and world-class tournaments, the emirate is keen to attract golf tourists from around the world.
James Shippey, Golf club manager at Al Badia Golf Club believes that golf participation is on the increase and memberships are strong. “At Al Badia Golf Club, will welcome over 50,000 golf rounds this year, which is the highest occupancy the golf club has ever witnessed .”
“Over the years Golf tourism has become more challenging. In order to attract golfers, we are seeing hotels partner with golf courses to offer packages. One of the benefits we have here at Al Badia is the fact that we have the InterContinental properties at our doorstep and so can package these deals more effectively,” he added.
Currently all guests staying at either the InterContinental or Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City can enjoy a 30 per cent discount on published green fee rates as well as a complimentary Limousine service to and from the club.
Shippey adds that Dubai is witnessing more transient golfers in recent times. At Al Badia, there is a strong increase in UAE nationals showing interest to the game. The golf course also has a very strong junior programme.
“The demographic of the UAE golfers is a lot younger than those in the countries like UK & US. We have over 120 children in our programme today and we believe that the majority of them will continue to play golf for the rest of their lives,” added Shippey. Competitive membership prices have also led to an increase in interest.
“Certainly this part of the world has always been associated with high golf fees, however the quality of the course and facilities available to members surpass those offered elsewhere in the world. We must also remember that operative costs are high in the region, with our summer temperatures,” he added.
In order to increase the popularity of golf in the region, Shippey believes that it is vital for golf courses to work together rather than individual marketing. “The UAE is already on the calendar for international golfing events. With green fees coming down and hotels offering attractive packages marketing the region under one umbrella will prove more successful for our golf courses,” he said.
The Al Badia Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 Al Badia course designed on an oasis theme by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones II.
The golf course recently took home the honours of Middle East’s leading golf course at the World Travel Awards 2012 held at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on April 30. Its clubhouse is home to two restaurants, the signature Blades and the international Spikes as well as the Tee Lounge and Trent’s bar while the Spa InterContinental at the golf club provides specialty massages and treatments. Members of the golf club may also take advantage of the facilities at the nearby InterContinental and Crowne Plaza hotels.