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Swing Out

Emirates Golf Club (Faldo)
Par: 73
Length: 7,348 yards

The second championship course at the Emirates was originally opened in 1996 as the Wadi course, but was remodelled and renamed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo in 2006 to offer a true test of golf to the best players.

One of the main themes of Faldo’s design is dramatic bunkering. Another unique design aspect is the “wadi” (from the Arabic word valley) that stretches the length of the course, adding extra character. Indigenous Gaff trees are dotted alongside the fairways – and in some cases on the fairways.

Although the course is long and requires powerful play, there are also great rewards for those who think their way around, in true Faldo style. www.dubaigolf.com

Els Club
Par: 72
Length: 7,538 yards

Designed by US Open and The Open champion, Ernie Els, the course offers a traditional (desert) links style design, set on undulating slopes of native desert vegetation.

Teasing doglegs and cavernous pot bunkers combined with a surprising amount of wind mean the course is a real challenge at 7,538 yards.

However, there are four sets of tees to make the course playable for golfers of all abilities. The Els Club also boasts the Butch Harmon School of Golf.

Having been awarded Best New International Course by Links Magazine and selected as a finalist in the International Courses category of the 2008 Golf Inc Development of the Year contest, the facility is well on its way to receiving widespread international acclaim. www.elsclubdubai.com

Montgomerie
Par: 72
Length: 7,308 yards

The Montgomerie combines the traditions of Scottish links courses – rolling fairways and firm greens – with water features to create a unique test of golf in the desert.

Generous fairways allow for free-hitting drives. Fourteen lakes and 72 bunkers provide the danger, in addition to the natural length and winds.

The signature hole is the par-three 13th, which boasts the largest single green in the world. This island green can be played from a 360-degree teeing ground, giving the advantage of a totally different golf hole each time you play.

And the on-course service is without comparison; from strategically placed comfort stations providing drinks and food, to marshals on buggies proffering iced face-towels, everything is designed to ensure that you enjoy not just the game, but the whole experience. www.themontgomerie.com

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