Dubai Hills – the most recent course created by European Golf Design – has been named the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the prestigious World Golf Awards.
Dubai Hills – the most recent course created by European Golf Design – has been named the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the prestigious World Golf Awards.
Chosen ahead of seven other nominees from around the world, architect Gary Johnston laid out Dubai Hills which opened at the end of 2018 and has already made a significant impact in the Emirate’s golf scene.
Other contenders included Jack Nicklaus’s Michlifen in Morocco, Hoiana Shores in Vietnam and JCB Golf and Country Club in England – the JCB course was also created by European Golf design, which is the design company of the European Tour and IMG.
Dubai Hills enjoys views of the famous skyline of downtown Dubai, most notably on the par five fifth hole, which Johnston has routed so that it plays directly towards the iconic Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.
The course, whose paspalum grasses ensure it is in immaculate condition all year round, incorporates three phases.
The front nine plays through a series of deep valleys whereas there is a more open, desert feel to the back nine. Both nines end with challenging holes dominated by large lakes.
“To have Dubai Hills recognised as the World’s Best New Course, given what it is up against both regionally and internationally, is hugely satisfying,” said EGD Managing Director Jeremy Slessor.
Three of EGD’s other Middle East designs were also winners at the awards. Dubai Creek was named Best Course in the Middle East, Royal GC the Best Course in Bahrain, and Royal Greens, host venue of the Saudi International powered by SBIA, the Best Course in Saudi Arabia.
