A golfer swinging on a green course with palm trees and a city skyline in the background.

Emirates Golf Club Dubai: A Total Overview for Golf Lovers and Visitors

If you ask golfers in Dubai where the city’s golf culture truly began, most will point to one place. Emirates Golf Club Dubai is not just a golf course; it is part of Dubai’s sporting identity. It has hosted international tournaments, welcomed professionals from around the world, and remained a favorite for residents who take their game seriously. This guide walks you through everything people usually want to know before visiting or joining the club. From its location to membership details, course difficulty, and dress code, you’ll find clear answers without fluff or exaggeration.

Where Is the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai?

Emirates Golf Club sits in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach from most major neighbourhoods.

Location Details

  • Area: Emirates Hills
  • Nearby landmarks: Dubai Marina, Media City, Internet City
  • Main road access: Sheikh Zayed Road
  • Metro station: Dubai Internet City (short taxi ride)

The club’s location works well for both residents and visitors. If you are staying in Marina, JLT, or Palm Jumeirah, the drive usually takes less than 15 minutes outside peak traffic hours.

Unlike some courses located far outside the city, this one feels connected to daily Dubai life. You can play an early morning round and still make it to work or meetings afterward.

A Brief Look at the Club’s History

Emirates Golf Club opened in 1988 and holds the title of the first grass golf course in the Middle East. That alone gives it historical importance.

Over the years, it has hosted major events such as:

  • Dubai Desert Classic
  • Regional amateur championships
  • Corporate and charity tournaments

The club has grown without losing its original character. While facilities have been updated, the atmosphere still feels grounded in tradition rather than trend.

The Golf Courses at Emirates Golf Club

The club offers two main courses, each designed for a different playing style and skill level.

Majlis Course

This is the flagship course and the one most people associate with the club.

Key features:

  • 18-hole championship course
  • Par 72
  • Known for tight fairways and fast greens
  • Host of professional tournaments

Majlis rewards accuracy more than power. Long hitters still enjoy it, but careless shots often lead to trouble.

Faldo Course

Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, this course offers a different experience.

What makes it unique:

  • Floodlit for night golf
  • Strategic layout
  • Emphasis on shot placement
  • Suitable for players who enjoy thinking through each hole

Playing at night adds a calm, focused feel that many golfers prefer, especially during warmer months.

How Difficult Is Emirates Golf Club?

This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is: it depends on your skill level and expectations.

For Beginners

  • Challenging but playable
  • Course management matters more than distance
  • Lessons recommended before full rounds

For Intermediate Golfers

  • Very enjoyable
  • Tests consistency and patience
  • Greens require good putting control

For Advanced Players

  • Demanding without feeling unfair
  • Punishes careless shots
  • Strong mental game needed

Water hazards, bunkers, and narrow approaches keep players alert throughout the round. This is not a course where you can switch off mentally.

Emirates Golf Club Membership Explained

Membership at Emirates Golf Club is designed mainly for residents who play regularly.

Membership Options

While exact fees change over time, membership types often include:

  • Individual membership
  • Family membership
  • Corporate membership

Membership Benefits

  • Priority tee time booking
  • Access to both courses
  • Use of practice facilities
  • Entry to member-only events
  • Clubhouse access

Membership is best suited for golfers who play at least once a week. Occasional players may find pay-and-play options more practical.

If you are serious about improving your game, the value becomes clear over time.

Practice Facilities and Coaching

The club is not just about playing rounds. Practice areas are among the best in Dubai.

Available Facilities

  • Driving range
  • Short game area
  • Putting greens
  • Golf academy

Coaching

Qualified instructors work with:

  • Beginners learning basics
  • Juniors building confidence
  • Experienced players refining technique

Lessons are structured but personal, which helps players see steady improvement instead of quick fixes.