Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course

Jumeirah Earth Course opened in 2009 and is one of two designs in the Gulf by the irascible golf legend, Greg Norman. It was purpose-built to host the DP World Tour Championship and was allowed to mature for two years before opening to visitors. Earth is one of the most aesthetically impressive courses in Dubai and is a firm favourite for golfers on holiday in Dubai.

The Jumeirah Golf Estate is located in the heart of new Dubai,  just 15 minutes from the Dubai Marina and a short drive from the airport. It is a thriving residential estate but for the visitor the impressive clubhouse boasts luxurious facilities including dining and entertainment options, a swimming pool and changing rooms as well as a lounge and retail store.

Out on the Earth Course, it’s distinctive design and extensive use of bunkering in the middle of some fairways, initially bemused some of the professionals, but having grown accustomed to the course, they are now unanimous in their praise.

The generous fairways are flanked by swathes of wood chip which makes errant balls easy to find, but not so easy to hit out from. There is added danger on the fairways with some spectacular bunkering which will wreck any chance of making the green in regulation. The pristine looking white sand in the bunkers was imported from North Carolina. (As if there wasn’t enough of the stuff close by!) Once you have run the gauntlet of the bunkers you will find large sloping greens. It is imperative to judge the best place to leave your approach shot otherwise you can find yourself with long and difficult putts.

The entire layout is packed full of variety and testing holes, but it is the final three holes of the Earth Course that it is best known for. The tough 16th has ended the title hopes of many seasoned professionals, while the iconic island par 3 17th hole calls for your best iron shot of the day. The 18th hole is an uphill 651 yard Par 5 where a meandering stream bisects the centre of the fairway. For once  a perfect drive down the centre of the fairway is the last thing you want.

For more information about Dubai golfing holidays and playing at the Jumeirah Estates Earth Course, contact us here or call +44 208 249 5919 to speak to our golf holidays team.