Greg Norman’s Fire layout finally set to step out of Earth’s shadow

By Kent Gray
A desire to showcase the Fire course at Jumeriah Golf Estates to a global audience by transitioning the European Tour’s Race to Dubai decider across from the club’s more famed sister course never advanced beyond the now historical planning stage. But Fire is finally set to move out of Earth’s shadow with the 32nd Eisenhower Trophy (men) and 31st Espirito Santo Trophy (women) to be staged on the desert links in 2023. After an unsuccessful bid in 2008, the Emirates Golf Federation, in concert with Dubai Golf and Falcon and Associates, won hosting rights at the International Golf Federation’s biennial meeting in Lausanne last month, edging the Singapore Golf Association in a close vote. It will be the first time the World Amateur Teams Championships will be held in the Middle East.

“We are very proud to welcome the best amateurs from around the world to the UAE to play on the Greg Norman-designed Fire course at JGE,” said Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf which manages JGE, Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. “The EGF should be commended for their commitment to the sport. This gives all young aspiring golfers from the UAE and the GCC region something to focus on and work towards. It’s an amazing opportunity to help take amateur golf to the next level in this region.”