The Els Golf Club Dubai: A Premier Experience Awaits
The Els Golf Club Dubai is a premier golfing destination conveniently located in the heart of Dubai's expansive and breathtaking desert landscape. Designed by the legendary golfer Ernie Els himself, the course officially opened its doors in 2008 and has since become renowned for its challenging layout and stunning natural surroundings. Spanning an impressive distance of over 7,500 yards, this championship course features 18 holes that offer a unique blend of both links and desert golf experiences. Players of all skill levels will encounter rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and meticulously undulating greens that demand a high level of precision and skill. The layout is thoughtfully crafted to cater to golfers of all levels, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for both beginners and seasoned players alike.
In addition to the exceptional playing conditions that the course offers, The Els Golf Club Dubai also boasts top-notch facilities to enhance your visit. The clubhouse presents a luxurious setting to unwind and relax after a round, featuring a restaurant with a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes, a fully stocked pro shop filled with premium golfing merchandise, and private locker rooms for added convenience. For those who are eager to refine their skills or practice their swing, the club also offers a state-of-the-art practice facility equipped with driving ranges and short game areas to help golfers improve.
Ultimately, The Els Golf Club Dubai is not just a golf course; it is an extraordinary experience waiting to be enjoyed. Its beautiful surroundings, combined with attentive and excellent service, make it a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast traveling to the vibrant city of Dubai. Whether you’re looking to play an unforgettable round, enjoy a delicious meal, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds you, The Els Club delivers an exceptional experience on all fronts.
Nestled within the expansive Dubai Sports City complex, The Els Club Dubai stands as a beacon of golfing excellence in the Middle East. 1 Since opening in 2008, it has garnered significant acclaim, including being named 'Best New International Course' by Links magazine shortly after its debut and more recently recognized as the Best Golf Course in Dubai 2024 by the World Golf Awards. 2 Designed by the legendary Ernie Els, a four-time Major champion, the course represents a unique fusion of classic links characteristics and the dramatic desert landscape. 3 It offers a first-class golfing experience complemented by 5-star service, making it a must-play destination for discerning golfers visiting the region. 4 The club caters to players of all levels with multiple tee options across its 18 holes, yet presents a formidable challenge, particularly from the championship tees stretching over 7,500 yards. 4 Beyond the course itself, The Els Club boasts world-class facilities, including multiple dining venues, a state-of-the-art performance academy, and luxurious leisure amenities, contributing to its reputation as a premier golfing destination.
The Lion's Den (Holes 9, 10, 11): A Defining Challenge
The Els Club consciously created its own named sequence of holes to rival famous stretches like "Amen Corner" or the "Bear Trap". Dubbed "The Lion's Den," this formidable trio comprises holes 9, 10, and 11, presenting what the club describes as "as tough a stretch of golf holes not just in Dubai, but across the whole of the Middle East". This sequence is strategically placed around the turn, capable of significantly influencing a player's score and momentum. The selection of these specific holes appears deliberate; the combination of two exceptionally long and difficult par 4s followed by a demanding par 3 tests a wide range of skills under pressure – power and accuracy off the tee, precise approach play, and nerve with the long irons. Members even have the chance to win prizes from sponsor Johnnie Walker for navigating this stretch under par.
Hole 9 (Par 4, 466 yards Blue, SI 2): The gateway to the Lion's Den is a brute of a par 4, measuring 507 yards from the back tees and playing as the second-hardest hole on the course based on its Stroke Index. Reviewers consistently label it a "really tough driving hole". Its design features two bunkers cutting into the left side of the fairway on a diagonal, tempting aggressive players to try and carry them for a shorter approach, a decision made more complex by shifting winds which can make the hole play significantly harder in the afternoon. The approach shot is particularly daunting, played to a "hugely elevated green" situated directly in front of the clubhouse. Coming up short is described as "perilous" and a potential "card wrecker," demanding precise club selection and execution.
Hole 10 (Par 4, 438 yards Blue, SI 3): Immediately following the 9th, the 10th hole maintains the pressure. It is another long par 4, stretching 467 yards from the tips and rated the third most difficult hole. While detailed descriptions are less common than for the 9th, its length and high Stroke Index clearly indicate a significant challenge continuing the theme of demanding tee shots and accurate approaches. One source even identifies Hole 10 as the course's signature hole, though the Lion's Den designation is more widely promoted.
Hole 11 (Par 3, 184 yards Blue, SI 11): The final hole of the Lion's Den shifts the challenge from power to precision, albeit over a considerable distance. Playing 209 yards from the back tees and 184 from the blue, this long par 3 typically requires a well-struck long iron, hybrid, or even fairway wood to find the putting surface. Rated SI 11, it demands accuracy to avoid likely trouble surrounding the green, providing a stern test of long-iron play under the pressure accumulated over the previous two holes.
Hole 15 (Par 4, 420 yards Blue, SI 1): The Toughest Test
Officially ranked as the most difficult hole on the course with a Stroke Index of 1, the 15th is a formidable par 4 that demands respect and precise execution. Playing 489 yards from the black tees and 420 from the blue, its primary challenge stems from the significant water hazard that comes into play. Described as one of only two holes where water is a major factor , the 15th requires players to "indulge in a fully fledged embrace" with the lake. After navigating the tee shot, which likely involves a carry over water or waste area, players face an approach of around 160 yards to a green that edges out into the water. Compounding the difficulty is a "brutal" left-to-right slope in the fairway leading towards the green, capable of cruelly feeding mishit or short approaches into the water hazard. Heralded as the start of a "fantastic set of closing holes," the 15th is a pivotal moment in the round where survival often feels like victory.
Hole 18 (Par 5, 557 yards Blue, SI 13): The Grand Finale
The Els Club concludes with a dramatic and demanding par 5, stretching to a mammoth 619 yards from the championship tees (557 from the blue). Widely praised as a "superb signature hole" and a "great finishing hole" , the 18th provides a fitting climax to the round. Unlike many other holes on the course, the fairway here is noted as being narrower, placing a premium on finding the short grass off the tee. From the fairway, long hitters face a classic risk-reward dilemma: attempt to reach the green in two or play safe. The reward is a potential eagle or birdie, but the risk is significant, primarily due to three deep, "pothole" style bunkers strategically guarding the green. A more conservative strategy involves laying up with a long iron, leaving a short pitch for the third shot. The hole sweeps majestically back towards the spectacular clubhouse, providing a memorable finish. Its length, strategic options, and dramatic setting often lead to it being used for Longest Drive competitions. The frequent and specific praise it receives suggests that while the Lion's Den holds the official title, the 18th often serves as the perceived signature hole in the minds of many players due to its inherent drama and position as the final test.
