New Golf Courses to Play in 2020

BY: NATACHA EL AZAR

2020 brings in a new decade, so how about we up our game? Golf courses are constantly evolving and designers are finding innovative ways to up the visual stimuli while keeping challenging and beautiful architecture at heart, and truly bring golf into the 21st century. Here we unveil the new courses awaiting you, and the designs hitting the scene in 2020.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai

Arabian Ranches, having been originally launched in 2004, recently closed it’s doors for 6 long- awaited months in order to complete their impressive renovations. Originally designed by 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch, the beautiful desert championship course has now been given a new lease of life. The redesigned green complexes make all the difference, inducing a pristine-feel, reminiscent of the courses early days. In addition to spruced up green complexes, the practice putting green has also been renovated, along with an enhanced driving range. The renovations promise a completely new experience and a surprising difference in play.

Payne’s Valley at Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri USA

Payne’s Valley is due to be the first public access course designed by Tiger Woods and his architecture firm, TGR Design. The walkable 19 (yes, 19) hole design pays tribute to the late Payne Stewart, an Ozarks-native and World Golf Hall of Fame member. Payne’s Valley is due to make a statement with its inviting layout, pristine water features, vast fairways and greens, and thrilling 19th hole. With an opening date yet to be announced, the meticulous works of magic are still going on. However if you can’t wait that long, our next listing is sure to please.

Ozarks National at Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri USA

Winner of the Best New Public Golf Course in America by Golf Digest, the design of the Ozarks National course is a striking experience for the senses and a fitting tribute to the beautiful region it sits in. The stunning layout, composed by world-renowned golf course architect team Coore & Crenshaw, tests players with its beautiful yet demanding layout. This is not your average run-of-the-mill experience, with unique features such as a wooden bridge stretching 400 meters, and a 13th hole towering 60 ft above a beautiful flowing creek. Since it’s opening in April 2019, it’s proven not to disappoint.

Vattanac Golf Resort, Cambodia

Vattanac Golf Resort is currently in the midst of it’s development. Both the existing East Course, and the soon to be unveiled West Course, are shrouded in Cambodian culture. The grounds are boldly accented with scale models of famous historical sites. Think grand, beautiful temples with carved faces, all surrounded by lush vegetation. The 7,467-yard, par-72 championship East Course designed by Sir Nick Faldo was uncovered in May 2019. The layout is a balanced combination of water features, elevation changes and bunker complexes. Boasting unique touches such as on-site tea houses to refresh your senses, this is golf with a warm Cambodian welcome.

Dubai Hills Golf Club by Jumeirah, Dubai

Dubai Hills Golf Club by Jumeirah opened its doors to golfers in October 2019, and has gained a strong reputation as one of the best golf courses in Dubai. Just a year later, they have been named the World’s Best New Golf Course at the prestigious 2019 World Golf Awards. Contoured, undulating greens feel as if they follow the flow of the desert dunes surrounding, providing strategic shot options. The magnificent scenery surrounding the golf course offers not only a view of the grand city skyline of Dubai, but also flourishing greenery, valleys, and lakes. The 18- hole par-72 championship course utilizes 21st century technology for a smooth experience and is almost sure to satisfy any level of player.

Hoiana Shores, Vietnam

The newly opened Hoiana Shores Golf Club is located on the sparkling shores of the Eastern Sea, and is just a short drive from Hoi An, an enchanting place known as the ‘City of Lanterns’. From the lively streets steeped in colorful Vietnamese culture, as you head out towards the unspoiled coastline, here is where the course greets you. This is Robert Trent Jones Jr’s first design in Vietnam, meaning masterful precision and opulent artistry. The ethereal shoreline location provides captivating views of the Cham Islands, and with 18 holes spread over 7,004 yards - this par 71 design is a must-visit. With doors having only been open since September, be the first of your peers to experience Hoiana Shores.

Black Rocks Golf Belitung, Indonesia

The name ‘Black Rocks’ isn’t given at random. In this picturesque course located in the enchanting island of Belitung, this new layout is adorned with dominating, naturally formed black rocks. They make a striking statement to the layout and remind players of the unique location in which they are in. Being only 100m from the shore you may even end up looking for your ball in the crystal blue waters of Tanjung Tinggi Beach, where the stunning bold rock formations continue. The 18-hole championship layout is designed by Ronald W. Fream, rolls over a staggering 7,900 yards, and is an exhilarating challenge for golfers of all levels. Having only been open Since June 2019, experience this new Indonesian gem.