Emirates (Faldo) - United Arab Emirates

As mentioned in a previous review, the biggest problem with the Faldo Course is the Majlis. It's at the same resort and it's always in its shadow, however that doesn't hide the fact that it's still a great test and a great course.

I played this course on my trip to Dubai in Jan/Feb 2018 under the floodlights at night and what an experience that was.

The layout of the course is fantastic, surrounding the Majlis course, you get a few glimpses of the special course in the middle although not easy to see in pitch black as the lights only extend to the Faldo.

The 14 lakes on the course are well positioned and the greens and bunker placement are great. Some very good holes, some being quite short, which provide a great challenge. It's not a bombers course, it's about being in play and not being far enough astray so you out of view of the lights!

Although the experience of playing under the lights is fantastic, the only negative I would have is the phase in which the sun sets and you have a odd 20/30 minutes of that awkward sky colour before it transitions to black which makes it very difficult to see the ball.

Walks to tees were minimal, we did play in a buggy but at that time of night, you don't need one dependent on the time of year, Jan was perfect weather in the evening for trousers and a shirt. Although we saw glimpses of other players, we were held up for one hole which the guests let us through instantly.

Condition of the course was as you'd expect from Dubai golf, nothing short of excellent. Coming from the same green keepers who manage a European Tour course it's never going to be too dissimilar. Greens very consistent in pace and even after a day of play, considering with it open in the evenings with a lot of traffic, I thought it was in great condition and they held up well.

Facilities, are the same as the Majlis, the same stunning clubhouse, same guys taking your bags, same fantastic grass range and short game area make it hard to compete (even with some of the official practice Pro V's they had left from the tournament!)

Views are sublime, if you're playing at night it's hard to find a hole you can't grab a picture on, all of the lights from the nearby skyscrapers make the whole experience sublime.

Round Played - January 2018

Layout: 8

Walks to tees/Congestion: 8

Condition: 9

Facilities: 9

Views: 10

TOTAL SCORE 44/50

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.