Matthew Perry sheds light on the meticulous efforts that are made behind the scenes to prepare the iconic Majlis Course to host the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland for the Major of the Middle East.
When it comes to preparing the Majlis Course for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, attention to detail is everything. As a team, we take our regular maintenance efforts to an entirely new level for this prestigious tournament. What makes the preparation so special is the way we bring everyone together—staff from different courses across the region—all with a single goal in mind: to make the Majlis Course tournament-ready.
While the week leading up to the event after we close it to members allows us a bit of time to rest the course, the intensity picks up at the start of tournament week. We start rolling greens, increasing cutting frequency, and fine-tuning grass heights to achieve the pristine conditions the tournament demands. Overseeding the rough, tees, and approaches begins in early January, paired with extra fertilisers and strategic adjustments to grass heights, ensuring the course delivers exceptional playability.
Preparation
Preparation for the Desert Classic doesn’t begin a few weeks before the tournament—it starts the moment the previous year’s event concludes. We analyze every aspect of the course, identifying opportunities for improvement. This could mean extending certain holes or tightening other areas to challenge the world’s best players. These changes are typically implemented during the summer months, giving us ample time to refine them before the tournament.
As we approach January, our focus shifts to the greens, aiming for tournament-ready speeds. Last year, we achieved an average of 13.3 on the Stimpmeter, which is no small feat and speaks to the dedication of the team.
Biggest Challenge
One of the biggest challenges we face is the weather. After overseeding, cooler temperatures help the seeds germinate, but excessive rainfall can be a double-edged sword. While light rain is beneficial, too much can soften the fairways and greens, compromising their firmness. We prepare for every eventuality to ensure the course meets the high standards expected of the Desert Classic.
Thankfully, I have an experienced team around me, many of whom have decades of experience. Our preparation routines for January are so deeply ingrained that the shift into a tournament-focused mindset feels seamless.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another pillar of our approach. We are continually mindful of our resource use, employing techniques like moisture probing to minimise water consumption without compromising course quality. The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the first and only GEO-certified golf tournament in the Middle East and our collaboration with Falcon and Associates, the event organiser, ensures eco-friendly practices remain at the heart of what we do, from wildlife preservation to reducing our environmental footprint. I’m particularly proud that these efforts were recognised with a sustainability award at the recent DP World Tour Championship.
As tournament week arrives, our team grows significantly. We have 82 core staff members, joined by staff from Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah Golf Estates, bringing the total workforce to 105. With early tee times starting at 7:05 AM, much of the work is done in the dark—hand-mowing greens, fine-tuning bunkers, and handling other meticulous tasks to ensure perfection. Each person knows their role, and together, we bring the course to life.
Challenging Layout
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is unlike any other event. As the first European Tour tournament to be played outside Europe, it has a unique place in golf history. The Majlis Course, with its iconic bunkers and challenging layout, is a big part of what makes this event so special.
Preparing the course is no small task, but the feedback we receive from players and spectators makes every late night and early morning worthwhile. Seeing the Majlis Course showcased on TV, receiving messages of appreciation, and hearing players praise its condition fills our team with pride.
With a stellar field of players this year, there’s so much to look forward to. For me, and for the entire Emirates Golf Club team, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of golf at its finest.
By Matthew Perry, Course Superintendent, Emirates Golf Club
