Emirates (Faldo) - United Arab Emirates

The Faldo´s course biggest problem is the Majils Course. In comparison every course in the area will come in second. But playing the Faldo at night with full floodlight in front of the skyline is a unique golfing experience. Simply amazing.

The Faldo plays second fiddle to the Majlis at the Emirates Golf Club and you can see why once you play both. The Majlis plays host to the Dubai Desert Classic and most club championships, but I find the Faldo to be much more difficult. Not testing… difficult! The Faldo plays very narrow for the most part with holes 4, 5, 7, and 13 being prime examples. There is only one way to play this course well, and that is to be very accurate both off the tee and into the green. Every fairway has hazards on all sides in the form of water, sandy waste areas, and/or Mr. Faldo’s infamous bunkering. The greens are fast and heavily contoured with several breaks of various sizes. They are surrounded by trouble with most of them playing thin and long. Finishing pin high is a must if you are to avoid three-putting. If you are a low handicapper with good long iron play, you may find the going a little easier. But for the average club golfer, it can be a frustrating experience to say the least. You’re better off playing the Majlis for a little more, no matter what your skill level.

The Wadi is a really exciting course, especially the front 9 – with the exception of the par-3 8th; every hole on the front involves water. Accurate driving is a must, otherwise the water awaits. The land was previously desert and a lot of sand areas have been left around the fairways and greens. Although you can ground your club here, it is not ideal terrain to play from. The course is long too, around 7350 yards from the very back but there are friendly options also, 5440 from the front tees. Stand out holes on the front for me are the 4th and the 7th, with the later having the toughest tee shot on the course – for the whole hole, do not go right! The back nine has less water but it is still a threat. Loved the approach shot to the 11th – this time the left side needs to be avoided. There is a nice vista from the 15th tee – Faldo signature bunkering down the right, with the course boundary further right and a tough approach to the green. The 18th is very tough par 4 – many golfers may not reach in two, as the second shot will be around 200 yards and will need to avoid bunkers left and more water to the right – but make no mistake it is a classical finishing hole where anything may happen. The Wadi probably will not be voted above the Majlis, also here at The Emirates Club but that should not distract from a course worth playing.