Designed by four-time Major Champion Ernie Els and managed by Troon Golf, The Els Club features an 18-hole championship course laid out in two returning loops of nine within the exclusive Victory Heights community. The course offers a choice of four tee options per hole, ensuring an enjoyable yet challenging experience for golfers of all abilities.
Designed by four-time Major Champion Ernie Els and managed by Troon Golf, The Els Club features an 18-hole championship course laid out in two returning loops of nine within the exclusive Victory Heights community. The course offers a choice of four tee options per hole, ensuring an enjoyable yet challenging experience for golfers of all abilities.
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The Els Club in Dubai provides a wonderful test of golf and importantly because of its four separate tees can be a fair challenge for the average golfer as well as the accomplished player.
We played off the silver tees at 6242 yards and quickly settled into this undulating parkland golf course which rewards considered shot-making avoiding the sand traps ,waste areas and occasional water, and playing positive approach shots into immaculate greens which are a joy to putt on.
I have played and liked two other Els golf courses (in South Africa and Mauritius) and his style is to build big courses where the fairways are wide and the hazards plain to see. This course may be his best, and his words back in 2008 when it opened for play, ‘The Els Cub combines the best of all the great clubs I have played worldwide. The golf challenge is second to none’, suggests he was very happy with his work.
The course starts pleasantly enough with two short holes in the first four but quickly the tempo gets going leading up to a 3 hole sequence from the 9th known as The Lions’ Den and including two long par fours with testing green complexes. A magnificent par five at 13 is followed by a testing left dogleg at the picturesque 14th, as photo, and then another very sharp right dogleg around a lake at 15. Here after a long drive taking off as much of the corner as you dare, an accurate second shot is needed to a green where anything right meets a watery grave. This is the stroke index one hole.
Good holes continue until the mighty 18th where the back tee is a mere 619 yards. To most golfers, this hole demands 3 good blows before arriving at a green, protected by a mound to the right and bunkers elsewhere, in front of the large clubhouse.
The variety of challenges is a feature of the Els Club, as is a relaxing ambience in which to play the game. Houses do encroach on parts of the course but not too close, and some of the larger sand waste areas dry very slowly due to the unusual drainage conditions in Dubai which leads to them being GUR for some of the year. These however are minor issues for a golf course that is beautifully maintained and overwhelmingly great fun to play.
Tim Elliott
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
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Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
The Middle East has firmly established itself as a world-class golf destination, and Top 100 Golf Courses reflects this evolution with an expanded Top 25 ranking for 2025. For the first time, dedicated panellists living in the region have played virtually every course in the region, ensuring the most informed assessment of the Middle East's premier golf courses. The region now spans seven countries, featuring exceptional layouts from the UAE's championship courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as emerging destinations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. These rankings identify the courses genuinely worth building a golf trip around, distinguishing between the must-play experiences from the merely adequate. Middle East Top 25 Golf Course Ranking 50 Word Synopsis: Top 100 Golf Courses unveils its expanded Middle East Top 25 for 2025, assessed by dedicated regional panellists. Yas Links maintains its 13-year reign at #1, whilst five new entries include Saudi Arabia's Riyadh at #15. The UAE dominates with 17 courses, as the region's golf landscape continues to evolve remarkably. 2025 Rankings: The Top 25 Era The 2025 rankings represent a significant milestone. The chart has expanded from 20 to 25 courses, with all assessments based on play by dedicated Middle East panellists. An additional 21 courses can be played in the region but haven't made the rankings, not meeting the calibre needed to justify a dedicated golf trip. The exception is Shura Links in Saudi Arabia, which opened recently and will feature in the 2026 update once panellists complete their visit. 2025 Top 25 At A Glance The Unchanged Elite #1: Yas Links Golf Course (UAE) - No change - World Ranking #96 #2: Al Mouj Golf (Championship) (Oman) - No change #3: Trump International Golf Club Dubai (UAE) - No change The Rising Stars #9: Al Zorah Golf Club (UAE) - Up 4 positions #5: Emirates Golf Club (Majlis) (UAE) - Up 3 positions #7: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (UAE) - Up 3 positions #4: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth) (UAE) - Up 2 positions #6: The Els Club - Dubai (UAE) - Up 1 position The New Entries #14: Al Hamra (UAE) - New #15: Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) - New #18: Yas Acres (9 Holes) (UAE) - New #22: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club (UAE) - New #25: The Montgomerie (UAE) - New Notable Movements #10: Dubai Hills Golf Club (UAE) - Down 6 positions #23: Emirates Golf Club (Faldo) (UAE) - Down 4 positions #24: Arabian Ranches (UAE) - Down 4 positions #8: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (UAE) - Down 3 positions #19: Royal Golf Club (Montgomerie) (Bahrain) - Down 3 positions #20: Doha (Championship) (Qatar) - Down 3 positions #21: Caesarea (Israel) - Down 3 positions Complete Top 25 #11: Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (Saudi Arabia) - Down 2 #12: Education City (Championship) (Qatar) - Down 2 #13: Ayla (Jordan) - Down 1 #16: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Fire) (UAE) - Down 2 #17: Abu Dhabi Golf Club (National) (UAE) - Down 2 Best Golf Courses by Country UAE Golf Courses Dominate 17 of 25 courses (68%) are located in the UAE Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue their head-to-head rivalry for the region's best courses Five new UAE entries join the Top 25 Yas Links maintains 13-year reign at #1 Saudi Arabia Golf Courses Emerge 2 courses in Top 25: Royal Greens (#11), Riyadh (#15 - new entry) Additional courses monitored: Dirab, Nofa, Shura Links (recently opened) 2030 development plans remain ambitious Regional Golf Destinations Oman: 1 course (Al Mouj at #2) Qatar: 2 courses (Education City #12, Doha Championship #20) Jordan: 1 course (Ayla #13) Bahrain: 1 course (Royal Golf Club #19) Israel: 1 course (Caesarea #21) What the Rankings Tell Us Consistency at the Top Yas Links has held the #1 position since 2012, an unprecedented 13-year run that speaks to Kyle Phillips's masterful design. The Abu Dhabi course remains the only Middle Eastern layout in the World Top 100, currently ranked #96 globally. Al Mouj's consistent #2 ranking demonstrates Greg Norman's ability to create championship golf in challenging environments. The top three positions remain unchanged for the second consecutive ranking, suggesting a quality gap at the elite level. Dubai and Abu Dhabi's Architectural Excellence The Emirates' dominance extends beyond sheer numbers. The region features designs from the world's elite architects, including Kyle Phillips, Greg Norman, Gil Hanse, Ernie Els, Gary Player, and European Golf Design. This depth allows for genuine competition, with courses moving significantly up and down the rankings based on conditioning, innovation, and playing experience. Dubai's golf courses benefit from healthy competition, driving standards ever higher. Great Golf Doesn't Always Mean 18 Holes Yas Acres becomes the first 9-hole layout to feature in the Top 25 at #18, recognising that exceptional short courses can match the quality and strategic interest of full 18-hole facilities. This inclusion reflects modern golf's appreciation for variety in the playing experience. Saudi Arabia's Golf Development Riyadh's debut at #15 and Royal Greens' solid #11 position demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to golf development. With Shura Links recently opened and ambitious plans through 2030, the Kingdom is positioning itself to challenge the UAE's regional supremacy. The expansion of golf courses in Saudi Arabia represents the most significant Middle East golf development story of the coming decade. A Decade of Growth: 2012-2021 2012: The UAE Foundation The journey began in 2012 with a UAE Top 10, doubling the previous chart and establishing the foundation for regional rankings. Kyle Phillips's Yas Links in Abu Dhabi claimed the top position immediately, described as "the first links layout in the Middle East" and elevating modern golf course design to new heights. Greg Norman's Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth and Fire courses made their debuts at #3 and #5 respectively, whilst Gary Player's Saadiyat Beach Golf Club entered at #7. 2014: Regional Recognition Two years later brought significant expansion with the UAE chart growing to a Top 15 and the first comprehensive Middle East regional ranking. Oman emerged as a serious golf destination with Greg Norman's Al Mouj taking the #1 position in the Sultanate and claiming #2 in the wider regional rankings. The chart highlighted quality across the region, featuring Pete Dye's Caesarea in Israel, Peter Harradine's Doha Golf Club in Qatar, and Montgomerie's Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. 2017: The First Top 20 The inaugural Middle East Top 20 in 2017 brought together 14 UAE courses with six from neighbouring countries, recognising the region's importance following nearly three decades of growth since the first European Tour event in 1989. Yas Links retained its #1 position whilst Al Mouj held firm at #2. Notable inclusions were Peter Harradine's Championship layout at Doha Golf Club (#6), Pete Dye's rare international design at Caesarea (#11), and Montgomerie's Bahrain course (#13). 2019: Quality Deepens The first revision of the Top 20 showcased a region maturing rapidly, with 26 courses now featured across thirteen countries. The top three positions remained unchanged, demonstrating the quality gap at the elite level. Trump International Golf Club Dubai made an impressive debut at #7, the first new Dubai course in seven years. The Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates climbed to #13, whilst monitoring began on Dubai Hills Golf Club and Education City in Doha. 2021: The Modern Era The third biennial edition revealed European Golf Design as the most prolific firm with four courses listed, whilst Major champions including Els, Faldo, Nicklaus, Norman, Olazábal and Player all had designs featured. Trump International Dubai surged from #7 to #3, whilst Royal Greens in Saudi Arabia climbed five places to #9, taking nearly a decade to complete but delivering exceptional quality. Dubai Hills made its debut at #4, Education City entered at #11, and Arabian Ranches returned at #20. Planning Your Middle East Golf Trip These rankings serve a clear purpose: identifying courses worth building an itinerary around. The Middle East offers convenient travel between destinations, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi golf courses easily combined in a single trip. Qatar's Doha provides an alternative hub, whilst Saudi Arabia's emerging golf scene rewards the more adventurous traveller. The distinction between the ranked Top 25 and the additional 21 playable courses matters. These rankings focus on golf courses worth travelling for, not simply courses that exist. Every layout in the Top 25 offers something special—championship pedigree, architectural significance, or playing experiences unavailable elsewhere. Read our UAE & Abu Dhabi Travel Guide Looking Ahead The Middle East golf landscape continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. Shura Links in Saudi Arabia represents the future. Recently opened and highly anticipated, the course will undoubtedly feature in the 2026 update once our regional panellists complete their assessment. Tiger Woods's design at Trump World Golf Club in Dubai continues its development, whilst various projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia progress toward their 2030 targets. The region that began with a simple Top 10 for the UAE in 2009 now boasts 25 courses worthy of international recognition, with another 21 playable layouts and significant development in the pipeline. Kyle Phillips's Yas Links may have held the crown for 13 years, but competition intensifies with each passing season. View the complete Middle East Top 25 rankings
Winter sun, warm weather and a dry forecast are the dreams of most golfers in the north of Europe from October to March. Spain and Portugal have catered to most travelling golfers, and emerging destinations have popped up in Turkey and the Mediterranean in recent years. However, weather can be volatile on the Atlantic with the guarantee of the sun not being what it once was... Also, there are only so many courses you can play and if you've been every year for a decade or two perhaps the shine has worn off... Enter the UAE. A Compelling Alternative to Spain and Portugal The UAE, or United Arab Emirates, is made up of seven emirates. An emirate is the American equivalent of a state, the Canadian equivalent of a province or county in England. Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate and Dubai is the most populous. The nation's (federal) capital and emirate (state) capital of Abu Dhabi is also named Abu Dhabi. Dubai is the emirate capital of Dubai. Think of it as New York City, New York, USA. The other emirates are Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Dubai is the golf capital of the UAE, next is Abu Dhabi and finally Ajman, and Ras al Khaiman each have just one course of note currently. Getting to the UAE From London, there is non-stop service from London Heathrow on British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates. Emirates also runs non-stop service to Dubai from Dublin, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Newcastle. The flights are about seven hours, but the time change is only three or four hours, depending on the time of year. Once you arrive, the scale of the airport in Dubai is extraordinary. It's a large place, and it does take time to process, but usually, it's very straightforward, with your luggage waiting for you on the other side of immigration. Getting Around the UAE If you rely on a hotel shuttle, costs are equivalent to a taxi in London or another major European city. The UAE equivalent to Uber is called Careem. You can download the app in advance and be ready to book as soon as you land. Costs are very reasonable and will be less than the equivalent journey in the UK. The last option is the official RTA taxis, which are metered. These are safe, clean and abundant. They are also very reasonable, almost cheap from a UK perspective. Some strike up a relationship with a taxi driver who is able to help them for the duration of their stay with the ability to preplan pickups and dropoffs directly. Like most foreign destinations, many shy away from public transit from less-than-honourable providers who take advantage of foreigners. Don't worry about that in Dubai - they are professional and operate to the highest standards. The cars are uniform in colour and livery - red and beige. Golf in Dubai - An Itinerary There are a multitude of options for a golf trip to Dubai. Once you've experienced it, there is enough golf to come back a second time to experience more. We picked the courses you will be familiar with - most of which you see on television due to the DP World Tour venues. It gives you a great introduction to golf in the Middle East and if you're a bucket list ticker, you'll get most of them off the list in a week-long trip. Below is a good start on a potential trip that will get you started: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Currently ranked 10th in the Middle East and 8th in UAE, Dubai Creek is one the first golf courses in Dubai. Dating from 1993, it feels like a proper members club, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better one in the UAE. Close to the airport, the journey is easy and the clubhouse is iconic. Play from reasonable tees and it's not too arduous. It is a perfect start to your Dubai golf holiday or for a second round of the day. Even a couple of rounds here in a week would be enjoyable. The 16th to 18th are Dubai's answer to Carnoustie's closing stretch, which is relatively straightforward until there is a whisper of wind. October to April is the Winter Season, with peak rates in force from Friday to Sunday. Your range balls and buggy are included. Ice-cold water, frozen towels, and ice lollies are usually on offer if the weather calls for it. All in, you'll be looking at about £250. For context, The Grove in London is £249 at peak rates. The Emirates Golf Club - Majlis & Faldo The first grass golf course in the Middle East from 1988, it is the home to the Dubai Desert Classic and has one of the most iconic clubhouses in the modern game. Currently ranked 8th in the Middle East and 7th in Dubai, the practice facilities at the Majlis are top notch and a second 18 hole on the Faldo course can provide a second 18 without additional travel and can even be played at night. The Faldo is currently 19th in the Middle East and 12th in Dubai. Compared to Dubai Creek, the course is a step up in terms of test or sternness. It can no doubt be ratcheted up to test the best when the DP World Tour comes to town and the average player will enjoy seeing how he stacks up against the best... thoroughly enjoyable and very playable, it's a great way to ease into the meat of a quick golf holiday. The Majlis is the most expensive green fee in the Viya portfolio at 1500 Dirhams, equating to about £325. The Faldo is about £190. The only real equivalent to the two courses are Wentworth and The Wisley. Again, 36 holes as a member guest after appropriate gift and gratuities you may be quids-in in the UAE. Jumeirah Golf Estates - Earth and Fire 36 holes of Greg Norman on a single estate. This is the home to the DP World Tour's flagship Race to Dubai. You've seen the golf course and will know many of the holes when you step on the tees. Everything here is next level. The practice facilities are geared toward serious golfers and tour players. If you've been to The Wisley you'll know the score. The sand is quartz which gives it a flashy Augusta feel. Used for the tour championship, you better be at your best from the get-go on the Earth. Even from modest tees, it is a test of golf. The Fire is enjoyable and relatively straightforward from the tees with fairways that seem to funnel the ball. Approaches that find the centre of the greens make for stress-free golf but if you miss, that's where you will start to lose shots. This is a track day in an F1 car - it's fun and enjoyable but if you're not a low single-digit or plus golfer, be modest, as moving back too far will make this a battle of attrition rather than a very cool experience of playing the same corridors as the pros. The Earth and Fire are golf courses that you, as a player, will enjoy. Similar to The Emirates experience, the East is about £300 and the Fire is about £215 during peak times. Yas Links The Kyle Phillips design in Abu Dhabi is the jewel in the crown of Middle East golf. Ranked in 1 in the Middle East and 1 in UAE, Yas Links is superb and knocking on the door of the World Top 100. As golf is built in this part of the world, Yas Links sets the bar to meet or exceed - as of yet, it hasn't been bettered. Like most great golf courses, it can play every role and do it all very well. Everyone can play it - if the wind is blowing and you're on the tips, you'll struggle to shoot your handicap even as a plus golfer. This is a great venue as a club member and as a visitor. You could play here every day and enjoy your golf. As a staunch traditionalist, I was smitten by Yas Links - persimmons, blades and a short set worked well here. A different test and experience, this is one you'll be glad you made the hour-long ride from Dubai to see. Worth every penny, this is a special course and club - a rare combo to find in the UK let alone in the desert. Yas Links Abu Dhabi is perhaps the best value of money in terms of the overall golf experience I've seen in a very long time. At £235, it is not inexpensive but the experience is comparable to Kingbarns and Castle Stuart. Kingbarns is £448 to play, and Castle Stuart is £330 as of 2025. Viya Golf & Dubai Golf You'll be hearing more about Viya in the next few years as the golf management company moves from the Middle East to more traditional golf markets. When you arrive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, download the app and you'll be entitled to tee time booking, offers and a host of other benefits. It also has all the other UAE golf courses listed so planning has never been easier. Common Misconceptions of UAE Travel Debunked Most people will be used to living in a multi-cultural environment in the UK. However, if you've never been to the Middle East or predominantly Muslim country some common misconceptions need to be debunked. Alcohol - some countries are completely dry, meaning you won't be able to enjoy a cold beer on the patio after a round of golf in the desert. Sharjah is an example of a dry emirate, but in Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the golf clubs, resorts, and most restaurants, alcohol is freely available since 2020 when it was decriminalised. Whilst alcohol is widely available, public drunkenness is best avoided. Dress - perhaps not an issue for most golfers, most locals value a more modest and conservative style of dress. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it is very Western, but if travelling to other emirates, be respectful of the local culture. Beach wear is best worn at the beach or pool, and there are expectations for both men and women if visiting a mosque. To avoid any hassle away from the pool and beach, men and women should cover their shoulders and above their knees. Safety - Dubai is ostentatious, but there is never any feeling of threat or danger. Even the most extravagant displays of material wealth are not met with the potential for theft or mugging. In fact, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are considered safer than most of the United Kingdom! Religious Conservatism - in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, one would not necessarily know they are in a religiously conservative country. The typical call to the mosque throughout the day is very seldom heard in Dubai. Restraint and modesty are valued, and there will not be any issues if shown. English Language - Of interest, the native Emirati population is dwarfed by the amount of immigrants to the UAE. In fact, the largest majority is South Asian, making up nearly 60% of the population. As such, English is the de facto lingua franca. Whilst English comprehension is not always native, virtually all are conversant and communication in English is easy. Value - Dubai certainly caters to the uber-wealthy and ultra-rich. However, there are options at all price points. Every major hotel chain is represented in Dubai, from Premier Inn to ultra-exclusive boutique hotels. The closer you get to the coast the more expensive it becomes but there are options. Don't think if you're a budget-conscious golf traveller Dubai or Abu Dhabi is not an option. Climate - It's the desert - its hot and humid. That works very well from November to March but it can be overwhelming from May to September. 36 holes with a cart is still a tall ask during the peak of the summer. Chase winter sun, it's perfect. The Ultimate UAE Golf Travel Guide Summary Golf in Dubai and Abu Dhabi isn't inexpensive when you compare it to a soggy two-for-one offer in the depths of winter at your local municipal golf course. If your main consideration is budget, you're probably not looking at premium Spain or Portugal packages anyway. Additionally, the type of golf on offer is not really accessible in the UK to the average punter. The Grove, Wentworth and The Wisley all come to mind. Comparables to Yas Links in Scotland are Kingsbarns, Dumbarnie and Castle Stuart. When comparing apples to apples, Dubai and Abu Dhabi deliver. On top of that, you're virtually guaranteed sun and fair weather with average temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s during the winter season. With options around accommodation and eating at every budget, you're set for a trip to a new region that may just become your preferred.
Review of the Month March 2020 – Yas Links Notwithstanding the ongoing zombie apocalypse, there is change in the air at Yas Links. They seem to have recognised the concerns over some of the conditioning issues and have already rectified many of them. Plenty of new sods were growing in and conditioning as of mid-March is solid if not spectacular. Some things never change however and the course retains the same challenging, exciting, even exhilarating design. The aesthetics are probably even improved right now as the rollercoasters and water park have fallen silent, another victim to the overwhelming shut-down of public facilities designed to keep people apart from one another. Yas Island as a whole is perhaps a shadow of itself. The staff at my hotel noted that even the golf course was closing at the same time the theme parks were directed to, but fortunately that was not the case and the afternoon I played seemed sufficiently solidly booked with golfers. That being said, I was graciously allowed out a little early by the starter and was never held up so it was a very pleasant round. A green and serene patch amongst meltdowns, closures and concerns. My family and I have a fortnight of 'isolation' to look forward to when we return to Australia in a week; assuming there will still be an airline to get us back there... but enough of this twaddle: to the golf. What a wonderful and exciting course Yas Links is. It feels almost natural, even though the land surrounding the course is mostly flat, the fairways roll across the land twisting and falling. And the green complexes were probably the highlight for me. There are some buried elephants out there where a mishit or overly aggressive chip or putt can have you replaying from off the green once more. Some really interesting shaping and thought definitely required with the short irons and flat stick in hand. Off the tee was no let up either with options available aplenty. Whilst the back nine certainly plays harder, the front is equally as interesting. This course requires patience and thought. Anything less will have you playing from some of the wild looking bunkers, or worse, from the thick coastal ground-cover from which I couldn't execute a single decent recovery. The hotels being constructed down at the turn point of the back nine are eyesores now in brutal grey concrete and when completed I can't imagine that will improve greatly, but it is what it is on Yas Island. You can always look the other way out over the azure water and adjacent sand island. The course staff were excellent, including marshalls on both the front and back nines to keep the pace of play moving. Yas Links is a wonderful course and comes highly recommended. Scarlett Review of the Month March 2020 selected by Editor-in-Chief, Keith Baxter, and sponsored by TaylorMade – click to read more about Yas Links.
