Emirates Golf Club (Majlis)

The Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club stands as a pioneering achievement in Middle Eastern golf, marking the region's entry into championship-level golf when it opened in 1988 as the first grass golf course in the Middle East. Designed by American architect Karl Litten, this par-72 layout stretching 7,301 yards was carved from natural desert dunes on the outskirts of Dubai, transforming an arid landscape into lush fairways that would become the foundation of the UAE's golf tourism industry.

The course derives its name from the Arabic word for 'meeting place,' inspired by the distinctive Bedouin tent-style clubhouse that remains an iconic architectural landmark. Known affectionately as the 'Grand Dame' of UAE golf, the Majlis Course has earned global recognition as the long-standing host of the Dubai Desert Classic, which began just one year after the course opened in 1989.

This European Tour event has attracted golfing legends including Tiger Woods, who claimed three victories here, Ernie Els with three wins, and Seve Ballesteros, cementing the course's reputation on the international stage. The layout winds through indigenous desert flora and fauna, incorporating seven natural fresh and saltwater lakes that serve as both water hazards and stunning visual elements.

These strategically placed lakes, combined with the challenging bunkering and undulating greens, create a demanding test for golfers of all abilities. The course is renowned for its immaculate conditioning and features some of the fastest greens on the DP World Tour circuit, demanding precision and strategic play from professionals and amateurs alike.

The signature 8th hole has become one of the most photographed and recognizable holes in championship golf, featuring a demanding dogleg par-4 played toward the dramatic Dubai skyline. This hole epitomizes the course's unique character, blending natural desert beauty with the modern architectural marvels of one of the world's most dynamic cities.

The tee shot requires a carry of at least 240 yards just to reach the fairway, while the approach plays sharply uphill to a sloping green, creating both visual drama and strategic complexity. The course record of 61 is held by Ernie Els, achieved on January 27, 1994, during one of his three Dubai Desert Classic victories.

This remarkable score stands as testament to both the quality of the layout and the high standard of professional golf it has consistently attracted over more than three decades. The Majlis Course operates in Dubai's hot desert climate, with scorching temperatures that initially made the concept of a grass golf course seem impossible.

However, innovative irrigation and maintenance techniques have created and sustained the lush playing conditions that golfers experience today. The course layout takes full advantage of its desert setting, with tall dunes framing the perimeter while the sprawling city has grown to encircle the course, creating spectacular urban backdrops on many holes.

What makes the Majlis Course truly unique is its role as a trailblazer in regional golf development. When construction began, the idea of maintaining grass fairways and greens in the Middle Eastern desert was considered nearly impossible, yet the vision became reality through ambitious engineering and unwavering commitment to excellence.

The course set the standard for golf in the Gulf region and paved the way for numerous world-class developments that followed. The facility features world-class practice amenities, including a state-of-the-art swing analysis studio, a nine-hole par-three academy course, short-game areas, practice putting greens, and a fully floodlit driving range.

These facilities reflect the club's commitment to golf development and education in the region. Beyond its tournament pedigree, the Majlis Course has become a cultural landmark in Dubai, representing the emirate's transformation from desert outpost to global destination. The contrast between the natural desert landscape and the modern city skyline visible from many holes captures the essence of Dubai's remarkable development story.

The course continues to challenge and inspire golfers from around the world, maintaining its position as one of the Middle East's most prestigious and recognizable golf venues.