Al Zorah Golf Club
A feature from the IAGTO Directory 2016
Al Zorah Golf Club
Al Zorah Golf Club A natural haven for world-class golf in the UAE The United Arab Emirates hadn’t welcomed a new championship golf course for nearly six years, but in December 2015 a truly unique layout spectacularly changed that trend and is now being met with the seal of approval from visiting golfers across the world. Meet the stunning Al Zorah Golf Club, part of Al Zorah, a partnership between Solidere International and the Government of Ajman. Al Zorah is Ajman’s most diverse, mixed-use, lifestyle destination with an emphasis on natural and healthy living. The golf club is managed by Troon Golf and located just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The incredible golf course is not only a world-class facility for golfers, but lends itself to natural and contemporary living, one of Al Zorah’s most unique propositions, for residents, as well as visitors staying at one of its many luxury hotels. To add to this there will be marinas, restaurants, and a wellness centre that visitors will be able to make the most of, making Al Zorah a truly holistic development. A world-class course set amidst a beautiful, naturally-preserved environment of striking mangroves and sheer tranquillity – that’s the special proposition that has been magically created by the famed Nicklaus Design group and which awaits golfers making the short trip from Dubai and other UAE regions to play Ajman’s first ever golf course.
64
Al Zorah Golf Club
The spectacular, par-72 Al Zorah Golf Club offers a truly sensational design with pristinely-manicured fairways and greens; however, it is the way that Al Zorah and the Nicklaus Design team have protected the natural environment while creating the layout that really catches the eye. Those living around the golf course in Al Zorah’s Golf Villas will certainly have spectacular views! The natural landscape of the entire project is unique for its walkable environments, beaches, mangroves, creek and, of course, its golf course. More than 58 species of birds have made Al Zorah their home and this is certain to make the golfing experience truly unique and incredibly peaceful. In total, one million square metres of mangroves characterise the Al Zorah Golf Club and underline that notion of embracing rather than intruding on the natural layout of the land. A plethora of native sandy areas, an abundance of wildlife and 12km of waterfront add to that sense of rich beauty and biodiversity that makes Al Zorah a truly unique destination for those looking for both serenity and luxury. Vast coastal areas with a constantly changing tidal system also present a unique challenge for players, altering the look and feel of the back nine, in particular, on an hourly basis. “Thanks to the incredible work of the Nicklaus Design group, visitors can experience a golfing paradise set in a stunning natural environment,” says Philip Henderson, General Manager of Al Zorah Golf Club. “The facility has been positioned in line with our nearest competitors and below the current rates set in Dubai – so affordable luxury is another main attraction to members and visitors coming from within the UAE and overseas.” And when you consider all of this is located within a stone’s throw of high-class hotels such as the Fairmont Ajman, it’s no surprise that the Middle East’s newest course is already attracting interest from golfers coming in from around the world.
65
Al Zorah Golf Club
“When you get out on the course, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to superb hotels in Ajman and in the hub of Dubai,” adds Henderson. “Dubai International Airport is just 25 minutes from Al Zorah Golf Club, but there’s also Ras Al Khaimah International Airport which is less than an hour’s drive going the other way along the coast.” “Attracting international visitors is of paramount importance for Al Zorah Golf Club and, thanks to our partnership with Troon Golf, we can promise our guests not only a world-class golf course, but also impeccable service and hospitality for the duration of their visit,” adds Henderson. Central to the Al Zorah Golf Club project has been Nicklaus Design’s Senior Design Associate, Dirk Bouts, who has also mastered a number of impressive golfing venues across Europe, Africa and Asia. “The main strategy with the Al Zorah Golf Club project was to work with existing mangroves and the sensational views to facilitate world-class golf – so we kept that respect for the natural landscape, which really does distinguish the course,” says Bouts. “The setup worked very well in that it was easy to locate the golf course along the existing natural reserve without causing any disturbance. The tidal element is another characteristic that distinguishes Al Zorah Golf Club from other courses in the area – it will significantly change the aesthetics during the round and, of course, the playability will change too. “With Al Zorah Golf Club being the first golf course in Ajman, I think it sets the standard for the region, but also right across the UAE, too. Working with Troon Golf has been crucial to setting that high standard.” Visitors to Al Zorah Golf Club can also experience a welcoming and magnificently-structured Pavilion clubhouse, as well as a Shakespeare and Co. restaurant, with plans also in place for more off-course attractions in the coming years. “By 2017, a brand new clubhouse will be in place,” states General Manager Henderson. The Al Zorah Golf Club site has also been designated a Free Hold Zone by the Government of Ajman, meaning the land is not only legal to build on, but also to live on. Constructed in conjunction with real estate developer and property manager Solidere International (SI), there are 42 Al Zorah Golf Villas as part of an initial development. For more information on Al Zorah Golf Club visit www.alzorahgolfclub.ae Copy supplied by Al Zorah Golf Club 66
Cover Photo: Lumine Golf & Beach Club • www.lumine.com • © Kevin Murray Golf Photography
For more info visit www.iagto.com
Concorde House, Grenville Place, London, NW7 3SA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8906 3377 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8906 8181 Email: info@iagto.com Website: www.iagto.com IAGTO Ltd. is registered in England as a professional membership organisation No. 3507678. SIC 9112. VAT 710 1940 78. Directors: P Walton, C Carugati, G Greenwood.