Golfing around... Ras Al Khaimah
Originally published on www.businesstravellerme.com 05/06/2011 - Filed under: Home » Golf »
AL HAMRA GOLF CLUB
The Peter Harradine-designed Al Hamra Golf Club has become one of the best-conditioned UAE courses
Where is it? Head straight out of Dubai on the Emirates Road highway, and turn left at the main roundabout as you approach Ras Al Khaimah. The Al Hamra complex (village, mall and golf club) is on the right. Alternatively pull off at exit 119 on the highway and take the back road through the industrial estate, turn right at the main road and the club is on the left.
What's it like? As regular visitors will testify, there is no better time in its four-year history to play a round of golf at Al Hamra Golf Resort. While UAE courses using the favoured Bermuda grass go through their summer transition, the Paspallum playing surfaces of Ras Al Khaimah’s Banyan Tree managed resort stretch out like a velvet carpet in multiple shades of green.
It has been quite a transformation for a club that used to be known for its hard, fast, and often slightly bare conditions. And this year, Peter Harradine’s engaging layout has truly come into its own.
“I think it’s just a case of the course maturing, and the fact that we’ve only recently had access to enough water,” explains club manager, Simon Mees. “Last summer we really focused on getting the fairways as good as possible, almost with that effect you get in places like Arizona, where the rough becomes very scratchy. And that’s paid dividends this year. The playing surfaces are as good as they’ve ever been and we’re getting a lot of positive feedback.”
Originally marketed as a ‘taste of links golf’, Mees explains how that slogan has been abandoned in favour of a lusher, more manicured layout in keeping with Harradine’s original design. “The only similarity that we have with a links course is that we’re near the sea. As far as the layout goes, that’s not what we’re trying to be.”
That being said, Al Hamra is no pushover. The first six holes are a fairly gentle introduction to the round, but from the eighth onwards, a stretch of tough holes present a stern test for top players from the back tees. “We’ve got a good mix of challenges here that appeals to every standard. When we hold Opens the scores are always fairly high. I think perhaps people underestimate the course. Certainly with the last few holes playing into a prevailing wind, it’s a demanding finish.”
With improving service levels under the helm of Banyan Tree, the club appears set to continue to go from strength to strength.
Address: PO Box 6617, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Contact details: Reception and general enquiries tel: (971) 72447474, email: enquiries@alhamragolf.com
Club hours: 7am-10pm
Facilities: Three restaurants (Zahara's, Lagoons Sports Bar, Dunes Cafe), games room and gym in Academy Clubhouse.
Price: Nine holes cost AED125 in the week and AED150 at weekends this summer, rising to AED210 and AED250 respectively for 18 holes.
Minimum handicap: Not necessary, although players should be beyond beginner level.
Can I hire some clubs? Yes, AED80 for nine holes, AED140 for 18 holes and AED75 for shoe hire.
After the golf: More hotels continue to come on stream. Closest to the club is the Al Hamra Fort Hotel & Beach Resort and other options include The Palace Ras Al Khaimah, Acacia Hotel, Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Khatt Springs.
For more information, visit alhamragolf.com
This article originally appeared in Golf Digest Middle East
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