Over the past nine to twelve months, the agronomy team led by Thomas Love at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club have built ten new tee boxes on the desert-style course.

All in an aim to bolster the par 70 track which now measures over 7100 yards, therefore making it possible to compete with the up-and-coming stars of the DP World Tour.

“They basically asked us if we could lengthen the course, as it previously stretched to 6700 yards off the back tees when we first spoke to them,” said Shane Peacock, Director of Golf at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club..

“They (The Challenge Tour) came and had a look, suggested some new tee boxes and asked us if we could go about adding them to the course.”

See below the 10 new tee boxes on holes 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15 and 16.

“Our biggest challenge to date has been the rough. We usually mow it 51mm, the paspalum here in the winter tends to go dormant and doesn’t really grow much during the colder season. The Challenge Tour has advised what their ideal height is and I’m very confident of hitting that.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting this tournament and showcasing all our hard work. It’s going to be great to have such a strong field in Al Ain.”

Over the past 24 hours, the UAE has seen a year’s worth of rain batter the country and it’s surrounding neighbours. All of the team in Al Ain have been working hard to get the course prepared for round one on Thursday morning.

Play gets underway with Pavan Sagoo, Haraldur Magnus and Curtis Knipes at 06:30 local time.

Images: Harry Grimshaw