The Championship Course at Dubai Creek celebrated its 1,000,000th round this month. Since opening in 1993, the Championship Course has developed a reputation of one of the most challenging layouts in the region. The first round on the iconic course featured a star-studded challenge match between World number 1 Sir Nick Faldo, Severiano Ballesteros, Japanese ace Isao Aoki and South African legend Ernie Els.
The course has earned tournament pedigree over the years, having played host to the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 and 2000 won by Englishman David Howell and Argentina’s Jose Coceres respectively. In 2015 the Club played host to the Icons Cup which featured a host of legendary names from a multitude of sports was played in a Ryder Cup-style format between a Rest of the World team headed by Darren Clarke against an American side led by Fred Couples.
The par 71 Championship Course was enhanced in 2004 by the 2018 winning Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn. Well known for its iconic clubhouse and warm welcome, the course measures just under 7,000 yards and all who play it are in for a memorable journey from the first tee to the 18th green. The fairways are undulating, defined by mounds, date and palm trees, and most other times by water. Apart from the Creek, which comes into play at four holes, several lakes add to the beauty and difficulty of various other holes. Despite its challenging layout, Dubai-based amateur sensation Rayhan Thomas holds the prestigious honor of ‘course record holder’ having shot a 10-under par 61 which featured nine consecutive birdies during the second round of the Dubai Creek Open on the MENA Tour in September 2017.
Course designer and winning Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn said:
“Congratulations to all the Members and colleagues at Dubai Creek on this incredible milestone of 1,000,000 rounds played on the Championship Course. Today, the course remains the center-piece of one of the most recognized golf resorts in the region and I am incredibly proud to have been part of the design process and contribute to the Club’s reputation around the World”.
Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Golf said “It is a terrific milestone to celebrate 1,000,000 rounds played on the iconic Championship Course at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. Over the years, the club has welcomed generations of families and friends and has hosted the best players in the World to enjoy the challenging layout and extensive facilities the club has to offer. On behalf of everyone at Dubai Golf I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the members and guests of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club over the years on this historic milestone, and here’s to the next 1,000,000 rounds!”
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club marked the 1,000,000th round during the club’s annual Captain’s Day on Saturday 18th January 2020, where the traditional ‘drive-in’ by the two incoming captains Saeed Malik and Lianne Scatterty will signify the start to their year as captains for the season ahead.
About Dubai Golf
Dubai Golf, a leisure subsidiary owned by wasl Asset Management Group, manages three of the most established and internationally renowned golf clubs in the Middle East- Emirates Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The clubs boast five world class championship golf courses, luxurious clubhouses, restaurants and golf academies, and offer some of the most spectacular locations for golf, events and entertainment in the Gulf.
About Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Founded in 1993, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club offers a broad, five-star leisure experience in the heart of Dubai. Alongside its 18-hole Championship and Par 3 courses, it boasts a state-of-the-art Peter Cowen Golf Academy and beautiful restaurants within its iconic sail-shaped clubhouse and idyllic setting.
The Yacht Club at Dubai Creek is also home to some of Dubai’s most iconic and award winning dining venues Boardwalk, Casa de Tapas, Cielo Sky Lounge and QD’s.