Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Renowned as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Middle East, The Els Club at Dubai Sports City has joined the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

Described by course designer Ernie Els as a ‘truly timeless, world-class golf experience for players at all levels’, The Els Club’s championship course offers a memorable desert golfing outing.

In creating The Els Club, the South African four-time Major champion set about recreating some design features from the United Kingdom’s finest links courses into a desert landscape. Thus a ‘desert links’ was born, quickly named ‘best new international course’ by US magazine Links.

“I’ve been coming to Dubai for over 20 years. In that time, I’ve developed a special affinity with the Emirate and formed some great friendships. So, opening the first Els Club in Dubai was extremely rewarding, both on a professional level and a personal one,” said Els, President of Ernie Els Design, a Full Business Member of the AGIF.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the course we’ve created. It’s become a favourite among local and international golfers, and set a new benchmark for golf in the region. The crisp, clean playing surfaces have an Augusta-like quality, which is why The Els Club is so popular with European Tour players,” he added.

There’s more than just golf to enjoy at The Els Club, which is managed by Troon Golf, an Executive Member of the AGIF.

Els said: “Our philosophy was to offer the very best of everything. And this really is a five-star experience every step of the way. The facilities are outstanding, and the clubhouse is as good as I’ve seen anywhere in the world – it’s very classy and very comfortable but not overly formal or pretentious. And the welcome is always fantastic.”

With a 450-yard floodlit driving range offering six different greens to aim at, and a short-game area comprising two course-standard greens and three full size bunkers, the practice facilities are among the best in the world. The club is also home to the Claude Harmon Performance Golf Academy Dubai.

After the gradual recovery from the Covid-19 precautionary lockdown, The Els Club Dubai has some exciting additions to look forward to, in particular the new Leisure Club extension. The multi-story expansion is now in its final phase with the five-star facilities comprising an urban-chic gym on two levels with studios for group classes, a stunning restaurant, and two swimming pools accompanied by a pool bar including a kids’ pool.

Although all active Golf Members will have full access to the facilities, The Els Club will offer a new sector of membership – ‘The Social Membership’ – which will be available for non-golfing members to have access to the Leisure Club.

Tom Rourke, General Manager at The Els Club, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Asian Golf Industry Federation. Exciting times are ahead at The Els Club with the opening of our state-of-the-art leisure facility. We have an incredible, world-class facility at The Els Club Dubai and we’re looking forward to welcoming guests again from all around the world.”

Eric Lynge, the AGIF’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re pleased to welcome The Els Club Dubai as a Facility Member of the Federation and look forward to the active participation of its personnel in our various educational events.”