JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort
An iconic Dubai course has had a makeover to accommodate a new hotel...and just in time for the arrival of a global superstar
A first look at the makeover of the iconic UAE 9-holer. BY KENT GRAY
Harradine Golf had just two and a half months to transform JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort to make way for a new hotel being constructed in the north-east corner of the iconic Dubai resort. The timeline was fast and furious and the results fantastic with a new par 4,4,3 configuration replacing the old par 4,3,4 layout. Pictured here is the green of the new 2nd hole, a 331-yard par-4 which doglegs slightly over some of the 740 new trees, shrubs and 1600 tall grasses planted during the re-design to retain the original character of the course which turned 20 late last month. “The 2nd is a theoretical ‘driveable’ par-4,” architect Peter Harradine says. “However, landing on the green with the drive is not for the faint-hearted as it is defended by a bunker on the front right corner and a new lake on the left-hand side.” The re-design includes new tees and the lengthening of the driving range to a total of 388 yards, making it possible to be played from both ends. Also new is the Middle East’s first David Leadbetter Academy, set to open at Jebel Ali Golf Resort on November 12. Check out the December issue of Golf Digest Middle East for full coverage of Jebel Ali’s makeover and the visit of Leadbetter to open his 37th academy worldwide.