As the sun dips below the iconic skyline of Dubai, casting golden hues across the lush fairways of the Emirates Golf Club, an exciting transformation in the world of golf is quietly taking place. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), known for its towering ambitions and luxurious lifestyle, is rapidly establishing itself as a premier golf destination on the global stage.
Leadership Driving Change
At the helm of this remarkable shift is Chris May, the CEO of Dubai Golf, which manages several of the UAE’s most renowned golf clubs and leisure venues. With over 20 years of experience in the region and a professional journey that began in the UK, May has been instrumental in not merely maintaining the existing golf culture but actively enhancing it. His career trajectory, beginning with the management of Woodbury Park Golf and Country Club in Devon, has set the stage for his significant contributions to the sport in the Middle East.
“The demand for golf has surged in recent years, necessitating the development of additional courses in Dubai and the UAE,” May explains. “Our current infrastructure, while exceptional, is nearing its capacity, especially during peak season.” This burgeoning interest is not limited to seasoned golfers; it also encompasses newcomers, tourists, and residents eager to partake in the game.
Unprecedented Growth
The pace of golf course development in the UAE is nothing short of extraordinary. By 2025, the country is expected to boast 26 golf courses spread across all seven emirates. Dubai leads with 13 courses, closely followed by Abu Dhabi with nine, showcasing a commitment to expanding the golfing landscape.
Beyond the major urban centers, golf is gaining traction in less prominent areas as well. Ras Al Khaimah features Al Hamra Golf Club and Tower Links Golf Club, while Ajman is home to Al Zorah Golf Club, a stunning Nicklaus Design course nestled within a protected mangrove reserve. Fujairah is also making strides with the picturesque Al Badia Golf Club.
May acknowledges that this expansion is a relatively recent development, stating, “We witnessed limited growth over the past decade, but the current demand has reached a tipping point that is driving progress.”
New Developments on the Horizon
The momentum of golf in the UAE is already resulting in new projects. “We have several new courses opening later this year, including Discovery Dunes and Dubai South, part of an Emaar development,” May shares. “Recently, we also launched a third course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. This new 18-hole layout aims to be both enjoyable and accessible for golfers of all experience levels. Additionally, this project will include a fully integrated Mandarin Oriental hotel, an equestrian centre, and a tennis stadium, enhancing the overall lifestyle experience for golf enthusiasts.”
Elevating Golf Tourism
The rise of golf tourism in the UAE parallels its emergence as a luxury travel hotspot. Championship-quality courses, framed by desert landscapes or stunning coastal views, are just a part of the appeal. This is complemented by top-tier hospitality and exclusive events across the emirates, making it a highly attractive destination for golf lovers.
May expresses a broader vision, “One of our key objectives for golf in Dubai is to diversify the range of experiences available. While we have many high-end courses, I envision more mid-range and affordable options that will draw in new players to the game.”
Accessibility and Sustainability
While May recognizes that golf will never be inexpensive due to high water and maintenance costs, he advocates for the creation of more cost-effective courses to foster growth at the grassroots level. “Making golf accessible benefits everyone, and it’s crucial for the sport’s future,” he emphasizes.
Under May’s leadership, Dubai Golf has prioritized sustainability and inclusivity. “We have been committed to sustainable practices for over 15 years. Even our Majlis Course was designed with minimal turf to conserve water,” he notes. Today, all courses utilize recycled water for irrigation, and initiatives to eliminate plastic bottles and implement refillable water systems are underway.
Education and Professional Development
Education remains a core focus, as May aims to foster professional growth within the industry. Collaborating with the Club Managers Association of Europe, Dubai Golf is hosting several educational programs, an effort aimed at nurturing talent and expertise in the region. The diverse team at Dubai Golf, comprising professionals from various countries, reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the UAE and enhances the overall service experience.
Redefining Golf Experiences
Innovations such as Topgolf Dubai have revolutionized how people engage with golf. “Last year, we welcomed over 650,000 guests to Topgolf, with an astonishing 22.6 million balls hit,” May reveals. “This has been a phenomenal success, introducing many individuals to the game and encouraging them to join local clubs.”
As the UAE continues to host prestigious Rolex Series tournaments and the highly anticipated Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, which offers the winner an opportunity to compete in the Masters and The Open, there is a palpable excitement in the air.
Nurturing Local Talent
May expresses pride in the progress of local talent, highlighting the Emirates Golf Federation’s efforts to create pathways from grassroots to elite levels. “The consistency of our amateur team, winning nine of the last ten Dubai Golf trophies, demonstrates how far our Emirati players have advanced.”
As Dubai prepares to welcome renowned golfer Rory McIlroy, who previously claimed his first professional victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, there is a sense of fulfillment. However, May remains focused on the future, stating, “While we have created something truly special, the next five to ten years promise to be even more exhilarating.”
In a nation known for its ambition and achievements, golf stands as a testament to the UAE’s determination to excel. With May’s strategic vision and leadership, Dubai Golf is not merely influencing the local golfing scene; it is actively reshaping its future.