But with the recent regional instability, inbound tourism has undoubtedly been affected, with golf operators across the Gulf experiencing a slowdown in international travel.

Yet rather than stalling momentum, many clubs have used the period to strengthen their local communities and diversify the golfing experience.

Golf Digest Middle East spoke to three leading figures within the regional golf industry to explore how the game has responded to recent challenges — and why many believe the Middle East is entering its most important growth period yet.

Kieren Pratt – EGF Director of Operations, Saif Thabit – Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Akram Skaik – EGF Director General

“At first, we saw next to zero international guests coming to play during March and April, when we would normally expect overseas rounds to be through the roof,” says Kieren Pratt, Director of Operations at the Emirates Golf Federation.

“What we noticed though was a shift toward more community-based events,” he explains. “There was a greater emphasis on inviting local residents and UAE nationals into the clubs, which created a very welcoming environment.”

That shift extended beyond just the desert fairways. Food and beverage outlets became increasingly important social spaces, helping clubs maintain strong engagement despite reduced tourism.

DJ Flanders – Executive Vice President of Troon International

DJ Flanders, Executive Vice President of Troon International, believes the resilience of the resident market surprised many outside the region, looking in.

“There is no question the regional situation impacted inbound tourism and international golf travel,” says Flanders. “What has been really encouraging is how resilient the local golf market has remained, especially in the UAE.”

According to Flanders, golf clubs across the region have evolved into broader lifestyle destinations.

“Golf clubs today are doing a lot more than simply selling tee times,” he says. “They’ve become lifestyle and community hubs where dining, entertainment, family events, wellness, and social activities all play a much bigger role.”

Chris May – CEO Viya

That transformation has become increasingly visible across the UAE’s leading golf destinations. Chris May, CEO Viya, says clubs that invested heavily in membership experience before the recent challenges were better positioned to navigate the downturn in overseas visitors.

“We saw a significant number of overseas golf rounds cancelled initially,” says May. “But the additional tee-time availability became very popular with members during some of the peak golfing months.”

May says clubs across the UAE experienced a renewed sense of camaraderie during the period.

“I’ve seen a great level of community feel in all our clubs,” he says. “Members really valued the fact that clubs remained operational and continued providing a feeling of belonging during uncertain times.”

Rayan Ahmed – Emirates Golf Federation Order of Merit 2025/2026 season

That sense of belonging is shaping a new era of Middle East golf. Pratt even points to the rapid growth of women’s and junior golf as one of the region’s biggest positives.

“There has been a big focus on community, particularly around women’s and junior development, and creating opportunities to bring new golfers into the game,” he says.

Flanders agrees, noting that golf in the Gulf is no longer viewed solely through the lens of tourism.

“Years ago, golf here was viewed much more through major events and tourism,” he says. “Today there is a much stronger local market made up of resident golfers, families, juniors, women’s golf, and year-round participation.”

“We’ve seen significant growth in the number of UAE nationals and women taking up golf,” says May. “Facilities such as Topgolf and indoor golf venues are helping grow participation and introducing more people to the game.”

Topgolf Dubai

Dubai’s Topgolf venue has become one of the busiest in the world, with Topgolf Yas Island Abu Dhabi scheduled to open later this year. The wider GCC region is also entering a new expansion phase. Long recognised as a leading host of professional tournaments, especially across the DP World Tour, the Middle East is now seeing increased investment in golf infrastructure beyond the UAE.

“Outside of America, the UAE and the GCC host one of the highest numbers of professional tournaments in the world,” says Pratt. “The trend already emerging is one of expansion.”

Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, Oman

Countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain are continuing to invest in new facilities, helping position the Gulf as a multi-destination golf market.

“The facilities performing best are the ones creating reasons for people to visit regularly, not just for golf,” says Flanders. “People are looking for flexibility, social connection, good dining, entertainment, and experiences they can enjoy with family and friends.”

Technology is also becoming increasingly important in driving engagement.

May highlights the success of Dubai Golf’s VIYA platform, which now connects tens of thousands of users across golf, hospitality, wellness, and leisure experiences. “The growing importance of tech in golf is significant,” says May. “We now have 25,000 active golf users on the platform in the UAE.”

Meanwhile, Pratt points to the continued growth of amateur and professional events as evidence of the region’s confidence. The Emirates Golf Federation is preparing to host the third edition of the UAE Cup in Al Ain this December after attracting players from 38 countries last year.

“We believe this will be the best edition yet,” says Pratt. “I look forward to it becoming an event that is firmly on the world stage.”

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: LA Vie Oman

The post How Middle East golf is building for the future appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

As Executive Vice-President of Troon International, DJ oversees one of the world’s leading golf management companies, Troon. A portfolio that consists of over 900 properties across more than 30 countries— it includes some of the most prestigious courses in the UAE and wider region.

In this exclusive conversation with Golf Digest Middle East, Flanders shares his insights on what makes the Middle East a unique golfing destination, why a new generation of golfers is redefining what it means to be a golf club member today and the untapped potential of golf tourism here in the UAE. This is a deep dive into the business and culture of golf in one of the world’s most exciting markets.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Golf Digest Middle East (@golfdigestme)

Madinaty Golf Club (Image supplied)

DJ, let’s start with a bit of background on Troon. Can you briefly explain what Troon does in golf for those that might not know?

Of course, back in 1990, Dana Garmany, our founder, opened a golf course for a Japanese group in Scottsdale, Arizona. They were more focused on real estate development and didn’t have the experience in the golf course side of things. Dana had the idea of creating a management company that would run all the golf operations so the owners could focus on what they were best at.

He took inspiration from the hotel model—where an asset is owned but operated by a third-party expert. So that’s essentially how Troon was born, and we grew from there.

That model struck a chord, and as the industry evolved, so did we. Today, we support ownership groups in a wide range of ways, always focusing on performance, experience, and long-term value. That commitment has been central to our growth over the past three decades.

Montgomerie Golf Club (Image supplied)

When you look at a golf course and think “we can help improve this,” what are the key things you look for?

It always starts with the golf course. We were founded by golf professionals, so we understand the impact of investing in the course and maintaining it to a high standard—it drives revenue and membership engagement.

We’ve also learned how to run courses more efficiently. We’re the largest buyer of golf stuff, so we can buy fertilizers, chemicals, irrigation parts cheaper than a standalone client could.

Often, we walk into facilities that aren’t operating to their full potential. We believe in the power of sharing goals—daily or monthly revenue targets—so staff feel ownership and can drive results. Once that alignment is in place, a facility can really thrive.

Al Hamra Golf Club (Image supplied)

Troon currently manages 11 courses across the Middle East, including in Egypt, Oman, and the UAE. What makes this region such a great destination for golf?

The ability to play all year round is a huge factor. Sure, the summer months are tough, but we still see solid participation. We’ve got very supportive ownership groups and strong partnerships with local governing bodies like the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which is helping grow the game locally.

Obviously, I’m a big supporter of Troon, but there’s some other very good operators out there that are consistent in our approach of driving quality and consistency. That then makes this destination reliable for golfers to come to.

I have seen where there’s a lot of competition it can become a race to the bottom if you don’t have good operators that are protecting and providing the right experience, it can confuse the market. But I think we do a good job here, working together to drive the golf market in the UAE and I think it’s going to continue to grow.

In your experience, how popular is golf in the Middle East?

It’s big—and growing—but I’d say it’s been done responsibly. Since Emirates Golf Club opened in the late ‘80s, courses have been added steadily rather than all at once. That allowed each club a fair chance to succeed as tourism and domestic participation grew. New courses are coming online now, and the market is ready for it. There’s a real effort to grow both domestic demand and golf tourism. The key is responsible development, and I think the UAE has nailed that approach.

Al Zorah Golf Club (Image supplied)

Can you give us an idea of the mix between resident golfers and international visitors in the region?

Sure. I’d say around 10% of our rounds come from international guests. I know many of the people that read Golf Digest Middle East think it’s a lot more than that, but during the summer months, there’s not a lot of international play here, it’s more domestic play.

The EGF now has over 21,000 registered golfers—triple what it was 10 years ago. And The R&A estimates around 40,000 domestic golfers in total.

Still, 10% being international guests is a relatively low number. You look at Scotland’s at 55%, and I don’t know if we’ll ever be at that number, but I think it’d be great if we could get up to 15 or 20%. The more inventory of golf courses that come on is great, because we’re then taking pressure off bringing those international golfers in while still having availability for the local golfers.

We have to take care of our members and our domestic golfers as we still grow our golf tourism.

Dubai Hills Golf Club (Image supplied)

Was there a recent spike in participation?

Yes—after COVID, we saw a big surge. We have seen a bit of a softening but it’s been a gentle fall, which we were happy about. We thought it might be a bit more dramatic but I think that’s a compliment to our operators in the region. Golf was one of the few sports you could play safely during COVID, and that created long-term “stickiness.”

We’ve now got four generations playing—Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—and they all want different things. COVID threw them all together, and now we’re working to cater to everyone.

You’ve got Topgolf, which is “nontraditional golf”, and that has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Those golfers are entering the game in a completely different fashion, they’re learning the game with hats on backwards and music playing, then they’re going to “traditional” golf clubs where they have to tuck their shirt, wear their hat forward and have high socks on. Millennials and Gen Zs are actually the biggest spenders, but they prefer a more informal, social atmosphere.

So that creates a little bit of a conflict, but as operators, we need to manage that gap between those generations and make it relevant for all and make them all understand that different generations are using our golf courses differently, but they’re equally as important.

It’s about managing those expectations while respecting traditional golf values.

Get your FREE 2025 June edition of Golf Digest Middle East here!

The Els Club Dubai (Image supplied)

If the UAE wants to attract more golfers from North America or Asia, who should it target?

The UAE isn’t a budget destination—and that’s okay. Golf tourists tend to be high-net-worth individuals.

We’re starting to see traction from North America, especially with more direct flights with Emirates for example. But I think Asia—particularly Korea—is a huge opportunity. Seoul has around 6 million golfers who can’t play much golf in winter.

To attract them, we need to adapt: more caddie programs, some language support, and food offerings that meet their expectations. We already have a strong Korean community here, so we have a good base to build on.

What would appeal to a high-net-worth American visiting the UAE for golf?

It has to be more than just golf—it’s the full experience. We’ve got great courses, but also incredible hotels, restaurants, and adventures. Boomers might explore the culture, while Gen Zs want skydiving. Dubai offers something for everyone—and that’s the story we need to tell internationally and just get the word out.

What role does golf play in business tourism here?

A big one. It often extends the length of stay. Someone might come for a conference, then stay an extra day or two to play golf. That adds hotel nights, food and beverage spend, and more.

We’re also improving at integrating golf events with conferences. That synergy is growing, and it’s a real opportunity.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club (Image supplied)

Is Troon relying mostly on members and casual guests, or is there a big corporate golf presence as well?

The most successful courses are diversified. Not everyone golfs—but everyone eats.

So yes, we run corporate golf days, but we also focus on events that attract non-golfers. Concerts, putting contests, and social events are great ways to bring people to the club.

Globally, about 80% of people who live on golf courses don’t actually play golf. They live there for the view and the lifestyle. If we make clubs a social hub—an extension of their home—we engage them in a different but equally valuable way.

There’s a strong link between golf and luxury residential communities in the UAE. Is that a focus for Troon?

It is—and that relationship has evolved.

Previously, clubs were more about pure golf. Now, Millennials and Gen Zs want family-friendly, time-efficient experiences.

They want to bring the kids or have family areas while they play.

We’re seeing clubhouses become more like community hubs. The Els Club Dubai is a perfect example. It originally opened as a core golf experience and over time it’s really become a core community experience. It’s been very successful with doing that.

You’ll start to see more clubs come online going down that community hub type to attract just as many non-golfers as golfers to the golf club.

LA Vie Oman (Image supplied)

Have UAE hotels been able to capitalise on golf’s popularity?

Some have, and there’s room for improvement.

Hotels have done well in their own right, but golf tourism hasn’t always been a focus. As more hotels open, I think we’ll see them turn to golf as a way to drive longer stays and higher spend.

It always helps when the hotel GM is a golfer—they “get it” and are more likely to partner with us on great golf packages.

Golf in the UAE is surprisingly accessible. Can you talk about that?

Absolutely—we’re a bit spoiled! Almost everything is within 30 minutes, traffic willing!

We also get a lot of last-minute players. Business travellers with a long layover or late flight often find themselves with extra time—and they head to one of our courses.

We’ll provide rental clubs, and they’ll be playing under the lights at Al Hamra or The Track at Meydan before hopping on a plane. That’s a pretty unique experience!

The Allegria Golf Club (Image supplied)

What does the future of golf in the region look like? And can we expect Troon to expand?

Yes, if I do my job right!

There are some exciting new projects coming, and the region is ready for it. Growth is happening from both ends—domestically and through tourism—and it’s being done responsibly.

As long as we maintain that balance, new clubs will succeed, and the region will continue to thrive as a global golf destination.

Finally, how would you describe the Troon Golf experience?

We want every guest to feel like a member for a day. Dana Garmany’s vision back in 1990 was a private-club-level experience for everyone. We bring that to life by personalising the experience—putting your name on your cart and locker, using your name throughout your visit, and delivering consistent quality from the course to the food and beverage. Our team is fanatical about standards and service. With 940+ properties worldwide, no one wants to be the weak link. That commitment is what defines the Troon experience.

Follow Golf Digest Middle East on social media

Instagram

X

Facebook

YouTube

Main Image: DJ Flanders (Harry Grimshaw)

This article was featured in the June 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

The post Troon International’s Middle East Rise appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Under the deal, Aldar will also serve as an Official Marketing Partner and will support four tournaments on the DP World Tour schedule this season: the Porsche Singapore Classic, the Volvo China Open, the BMW PGA Championship, and the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Aldar’s portfolio includes residential and commercial developments across the UAE and internationally, along with assets in golf courses such as Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The company has previously been involved with the Tour through its sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi Championship, the first event in the season-ending Play-offs – at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

Paul Waring – 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion at Yas Links Abu Dhabi – Getty Images

Speaking about the new agreement Jonathan Emery, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Development, said: “We see golf as more than just a sporting activity – it’s a lifestyle that brings people and communities together. Our partnership with the DP World Tour allows us to connect with a global audience, while also promoting the game within local communities in the UAE. As we continue to expand at home and abroad, we look forward to showcasing our world-class destinations and creating exceptional experiences both on and off the course”.

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, added: “Aldar joins an illustrious list of UAE headquartered companies who are utilising the DP World Tour as a platform to grow their business internationally. As an Official Real Estate Partner of Golf’s Global Tour, Aldar can now strengthen its role in the international sports and lifestyle sector and showcase its rapidly growing property portfolio in priority markets across the globe.

“Our partnership platform remains highly attractive to globally minded brands, with annual partnership revenues increasing by 90% in just five years, and we have started 2025 with excellent momentum. Golf’s popularity continues to grow and we will be working closely with Aldar to make sure that they can capitalise on this trend.”

Main Image: Getty Images

The post Aldar becomes the Official Real Estate Partner of the DP World Tour appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The agreement creates a framework for cooperation, enabling the top-ranked players from the PGA Colombia National Ranking in 2024 to compete at the first stop of the Clutch Tour, a development circuit within the HotelPlanner Tour (formerly the Challenge Tour), which will take place in Al Ain from March 18 to 21.

Colombian players Diego Vanegas and Omar Beltran will represent their country in the UAE in just a few weeks’ time, paving the way for Colombia’s top players to gain international experience.

Likewise, the memorandum stipulates that the highest-ranked players from the United Arab Emirates in 2025 will earn a place to compete in the National Professional Championship organised by the PGA Colombia, as part of a bilateral agreement that further positions Colombia as a premier destination for professional golf.

At the conclusion of each Clutch Pro Tour season, the top three players earn full access to the HotelPlanner Tour, a stepping stone to the DP World Tour. Since April last year, the Clutch Pro Tour has been included in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), awarding valuable points that offer significant benefits.

The 2025 Clutch Pro Tour season includes 19 official competitions between March and October, with tournaments in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Morocco, and several locations in the United Kingdom, with average prize funds of €36,000.

This partnership marks an important step in expanding professional development, knowledge-sharing, and playing opportunities between the Middle East and South America.

Both organisations are committed to enhancing the game of golf by facilitating exchange programmes, coaching initiatives, and tournament access for members.

By working together, the EPGA and Colombian PGA will create new pathways for professionals to gain global experience, supporting a shared vision of growing the game and developing their members on an international stage.

Both parties are looking forward to building this relationship and unlocking new opportunities for players, coaches, and industry professionals in both regions.

Main Image: Emirates PGA

The post Emirates PGA and Colombian PGA forge groundbreaking partnership appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Kent Gray
Ahmad Skaik joked last week that his best chance of overhauling his good pal for the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) Order of Merit (OOM) title would be if Dan Byrne sat out the final two events of the season.

“I am 20 points behind Dan with two events to play and I always joke with him, tell him not to play the last two because he played two events more than me this season,” the 23-year-old Emirati international said in an interview featured in the September edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

“Dan is a solid golfer so I would say that the only way to do is for me to get two wins in the last two events because I don’t see him finishing outside the top 5. Dan is a very good friend of mine and I will be very happy for him if he wins it but I will try and take it away from him.”

As it turns out, Byrne won’t play the last two events scheduled for Yas Links and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, nor will +3 handicapper Skaik get a chance at last gasp glory. Indeed, no one will tee it up with the EGF announcing it has been forced to end the 2019-20 season prematurely due to the uncertainties created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ahmad Skaik. (Photo courtesy EGF)

The national body has also cancelled the end of season Order of Merit Championship, a double blow as the 54-hole (36 for juniors) event carried precious World Amateur Golf Ranking points.

“It’s always a tough decision to end a season early or cancel events but with the current environment and restrictions around the UAE we feel that this is the right and safe decision for the golfers,” said EGF Secretary-General, Khalid Mubarak al Shamsi.

DOWNLOAD OR DELIVERED FREE: Get the Sept. 2020 edition of Golf Digest Middle East TODAY! 

For the record, Byrne won what turned out to be a 12×36 hole-event season with 220.6 points. The Els Club youngster racked up six top-5 finishes in his 11 starts. Skaik, who won the Monty and Trump Dubai Opens, was second on 199.5 points with Dubai Hills Golf Club member Barry Pavic third on 147 points.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Hyeonji Kang won both the women’s gross and net season titles with three wins in her tally of 179 points from a possible 8, 18-hole events.

Trump Dubai’s Natalii Gupta also won three times to finish runner-up in the gross division with 159 points. Chantal El Chaib (Abu Dhabi Golf Club) was third with 135 points. For all the season OOM results, click here.

The EGF said in a media statement that it hoped to start the 2020-21 season next month.

“With the 2019 – 2020 UAE golf season officially over, the EGF will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation and the closure of boarders in the country. The 2020 – 2021 season is expected to start in early October.”

The post Byrne, Kang crowned champions as EGF season cut short appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The cost of a membership is prohibitive to some, especially those new to the game or busy executives who can’t reconcile the expense versus time available for recreation equation. Thankfully, Al Hamra Golf Club has come up with a novel solution to a long term problem in the UAE.

The Troon International-managed club in Ras Al Khaimah is offering the region’s first flexible membership which offers busy golfers and new players a flexible and affordable membership option.

For just AED 12,000 annually, the membership affords players up to six rounds per month – made up of four full and two twilight rounds – along with all the usual benefits of being a member at the leading course in the Northern Emirates. You’re not limited to just six rounds with the applicable member guest rate to be applied for any other rounds you manage to squeeze in during any given month.

The new Flexi Membership at Al Hamra G.C. – which can be paid in monthly instalments – comes with other benefits in addition to the par-72 18-hole championship course, including a 10 percent discount in the Golf Shop and on food and beverage purchases.

Al Hamra Golf Club is part of Troon’s portfolio of daily-fee, resort and semi-private properties that deliver superior guest services, the finest playing surfaces, and outstanding amenities. With clubs located across the globe, Troon Golf facilities are synonymous with quality and consistency, with uncompromising attention to detail, and a pursuit for perfection in overall guest satisfaction.

For more details about Al Hamra Golf Club’s new Flexi Membership, please email golfdesk@alhamragolf.com, call +971 7244 7474 or visit alhamragolf.com

The post Al Hamra Golf Club launches the region’s first flexible golf membership appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

SPONSORED CONTENT – You’ll have seen perplexing patches of dead grass around areas of otherwise pristine green and have probably smelt the stench that lingers in some ponds that are dotted around most courses of the UAE.

Bryozoans are invertebrate that invade irrigation networks and block filters and nozzles leading to unsightly and seemingly unrepairable patches of dead grass. It’s a relatively new problem in Dubai with the first case seen in 2012.

Alpha Environmental Solutions is fighting back on behalf of several Dubai golf clubs already and hopes to raise awareness of a problem that is regularly misidentified by golf agronomy teams.

Bryozoans with masses of cells that are called Statoblasts which remain dormant and survive adverse conditions.

The blockages inside irrigation pipes appear like thick sand and are usually dismissed as sludge. It can look like algae but Bryozoans are filter-feeding organisms that flourish in freshwater reservoirs including those that are used for the temporary storage of irrigation water used to supply golf courses and other landscaped areas.

Bryozoans often grow attached to the inner surfaces of irrigation pipes and tubes. When they grow to high population densities they can significantly reduce flow through irrigation pipes and restrict the delivery of water to landscaped areas resulting in the death of grass and other vegetation. This is particularly a problem on golf courses which require high volumes of water, especially in arid regions such as the UAE.

Bryozoans and other filter-feeding organisms also flourish in lakes, particularly around the shallow margins where they can attach to rocks and other areas with a free-flowing source of organic matter and particulate food source.

“Physical cleaning does not solve the problem because the bryozoans live inside the pipes,” said Yasar Khalili, Managing Director of Alpha Environmental Solutions. “Also, treatment with normal disinfectants does not work because bryozoans have protective tubes that are resistant to normal disinfectants.”

Before and after treatment by Alpha Environmental Solutions.

Alpha Environmental Solutions specialises in treating these infestations with specialised chemical treatments. The chemicals are safe on plants but require special government license for application, for which Alpha Environmental Solutions is certified.

Depending on the length of the irrigation network and the volume of the irrigation reservoir, one-time treatment costs range between AED 8,000 to AED 30,000.

Visit alphasolutions.ae for more information. Alternatively, call 04 338 6660 or email info@alphasolutions.ae to arrange a site visit by the Alpha Environmental Solutions team.

The post Alpha Environmental Solutions fight back against an unseen UAE golf menace appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.