Out With the Old ...

Alex Jenkins takes a look at the most breathtaking new courses to have opened in Asia-Pacific over the past two years

Al Zorah is the latest championship test to have opened in the United Arab Emirates

Al Zorah Golf Club

The United Arab Emirates boasts a number of first-rate courses – the Majlis at Emirates Golf Club, host of the long-running Dubai Desert Classic, being a particular favourite. But the tiny emirate of Ajman, a short drive north of the glitz and at times gaudiness of Dubai has until now been bereft of golf. Enter Al Zorah, a championship-strength layout that is also Nicklaus Design's first solo project in the Middle East.

A captivating par-72 layout set amongst a naturally preserved environment of native sandy areas, lakes and one million square metres of mangroves, Al Zorah, which is situated in close proximity to Ajman's collection of luxury hotels and resorts, has been routed alongside 12km of waterfront and hopes to make a name for itself in the region thanks to its stellar conditioning, thoughtful design and environmentally-friendly maintenance practices. Another boon: the club is operated by leading golf course management company Troon Golf.

www.alzorahgolfclub.ae

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Written by Alex Jenkins

Click here to see the published article.

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