About Ghala Golf Club
One of the Finest Golfing Destinations in the Middle East
Those who appreciate life’s finest pleasures will embrace this true sporting gem which has been sensationally designed by Ernie Els, former US Open and Open Championship winner. Ernie has a passion for the great links courses of the UK, where he has won two of his 4 major championships, and in creating The Els Club he set about recreating some of these design features in a desert landscape. Thus a ‘desert links’ was born, one that was quickly named ‘best new international course’ by the prestigious US magazine, Links.
Whether you're playing for the first time or are a regular at The Els Club, our immaculate championship course offers golf connoisserus one of the best in desert golf!
Nest Level
Onsite
Club Facilities
Club Valet
Golf Shop
Night Golf
Dining
Lessons
Caddy / Golf Cart
Locker Room
Health Club
Club / Shoe Rentals
Practice Facilities
Accommodation
Spa
All About
The Els Golf Club
If you have an appetite for a first-class golfing experience combined with 5-star service and notable prestige from Dubai’s finest golfing destination, The Els Club is for you. Those who appreciate life’s finest pleasures will embrace this true sporting gem which has been sensationally designed by US Open and the Open Championship winner Ernie Els.
Ernie Els has a passion for the great links courses of the UK, where he has won two of his 4 major championships, and in creating the Els Club Dubai he set about recreating some of these design features in a desert landscape. Thus a ‘desert links’ was born, one that was quickly named ‘best new international course’ by the prestigious US magazine, Links.
Stretching 7,538 yards with four sets of tees, allowing players a selection of differing lengths from which to play, The Els Club sets new benchmarks for golf in Dubai. The course offers players a challenging round, accompanied by all the essential facilities that extend beyond the immaculate fairways and greens.
The course features pleasing undulations and strong elevation changes for visual and strategic interest. Extensive use of sandy waste areas and of native grasses and vegetation between wide fairways, along with a classic style of bunkering, add to the links effect. The perfectly manicured playing surfaces can be enjoyed 365 days of the year.
The holes all constitute characteristics from Els’ favourite courses around the world; bunkers from Royal Melbourne, greens resembling Pinehurst No. 2 and wide, rolling links fairways. Combine this with strategically placed tee-boxes, strong course management, soft sand, hard sand and carefully-developed undulation, and you are presented with a true masterpiece in golf course design. Winning accolades in 2008 as the ‘Best New International Course’ by Links Golf Magazine and ‘Best New Facility of the Year’ by Troon Golf in the same year, with ‘Best Golf Course in Dubai’ by CNBC Arabian Property Awards in 2009, the Els Club has proven its charm to the golfing enthusiasts, and promotes Dubai as one of the world’s leading golfing destinations.
The “Lion’s Den” is our response to the world famous loops of holes such as “Amen Corner”, the “Bear Trap”, the “Snake Pit” and the “Horrible Horseshoe”. You can imagine that Ernie had these firmly in mind when designing holes 9, 10 and 11 here at The Els Club Dubai. This three hole stretch is as tough a stretch of golf holes not just in Dubai, but across the whole of the Middle East. From tee to green, each hole presents a challenge from every element!
Sponsored by one of golf’s most supportive brands globally, Johnnie Walker, Members of The Els Club have a unique chance to win personal gifts from Johnnie Walker if they are good (or lucky!) enough to break par within this stretch.
Not exclusive to Members, we invite all to come and challenge this unique stretch of holes. Can you meet the challenge? Can you break par here? The Els Club is here to welcome you to the challenge.
9th Hole
S.I 2
Black Tee 507 Yards
Blue Tee 466 Yards
Red Tee 374 Yards
10th Hole
S.I 3
Black Tee 467 Yards
Blue Tee 438 Yards
Red Tee 337 Yards
11th Hole
S.I 11
Black Tee 209 Yards
Blue Tee 184 Yards
Red Tee 146 Yards
Our Golf Shop is a multi-award winning, boutique-style retail experience, offering a full assortment of golf equipment and apparel in addition to non-golf leisure, gift and fitness merchandise.
The Golf Shop features today’s leading apparel brands including:
- Ralph Lauren Golf
- Adidas
- Under Armour
- Marbas
- GG Blue
- JoFit
We also stock a unique variety of boutique apparel, accessories and gift items from labels such as:
- NexBelts
- Maui Jim Sunglasses
- Bugatchi Uomo
Being a Troon managed facility means that all purchases count toward the world-wide Troon Rewards program to earn you free golf. Partnered with Dubai Sports City, cash-back SCORE program there is no better deal to be found. Whether you’re in search of a new set of custom-fit clubs, the latest in golf or leisure fashion or a gift voucher, we welcome you to stop by and enjoy our personalized retail experience.
International visitors are entitled to shop TAX FREE and get a VAT refund on purchses above AED 250. *Subject to Customs approval.
The Long Game Area
The Els Club driving range is 450 yards long, with 6 different greens to aim at, each marked by a separate distance flag. The range is fully attended by our range assistants, ensuring you never run out of balls or tees.
Our floodlight driving range is open from 6:30AM until 9:00PM allowing you to practice day or night.
7 days per week the driving range use will strictly be from the Artificial Mat.
The Short Game Area
The Els Club short game facilities offer 2 course standard greens and 3 full size bunkers to allow any golfer to sharpen their scoring clubs.
Use of the practice area is complimentary with your green fee, however, should you wish to come and practice at any other time, there is a daily charge of AED 100 for unlimited balls, payable at reception.
Range passes are also available allowing unlimited usage on a monthly basis.
Indulge Yourself
Dining Experience
The dining experiences at the Els Club Dubai reflect Ernie’s own eclectic tastes and his appreciation of the life enhancing benefits of wonderful food, great company and amazing beverages in a sociable, easy-going environment.
The Big Easy encapsulates all of those qualities. It is the second such restaurant to open, the first is in the heart of South African wine country in the historic town of Stellenbosch, and places the utmost importance on serving classic steakhouse food and top wines from the Ernie Els portfolio, all in a relaxed setting overlooking the golf course.
The Big Easy is an unpretentious bar & grill hailing from the stunning Western Cape region of South Africa – inspired by the lifestyle and spirit of Ernie Els.
If one could describe Big Easy, it would be the Afrikaans word of “Gesellig” – sociable with friends, amicable, convivial and cordial. Fun & relaxed, it is, at the same time, the place to dine with friends and family, a place to take your loved ones as well as a place to host a corporate dinner.It is a culinary experience inspired by the crossroads of South Africa’s fresh off the grill comfort food, combined with spices, herbs and ingredients from the melting pot of the world.
Bar & Restaurant 261 (named after Ernie’s PGA Tour record-breaking 72-hole aggregate in the 2003 Mercedes Championship) is the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf or to watch the sunset over this spectacular Ernie Els-designed signature golf course. With plenty of indoor seating and a shaded outdoor area, this really is the perfect place to watch the world go by.
It has become a favourite hangout spot for the residents of the nearby Victory Heights Villa community and features a wide selection of beers from the tap and an exclusive selection of Ernie Els Wines. The cuisine at 261 varies from the popular pre-round Egg & Bacon Roll, to a wide selection of sandwiches, pastas and burgers for lunch. The menu also features popular British dishes like the Steak & Guinness Pie and Fish & Chips.
261 also offers various theme nights and promotions throughout the year as well as providing numerous televisions to watch sporting and momentous occasions.
“Having a bite to eat with friends – and maybe a drink as well – is integral to a great day’s golf. The Big Easy and 261 are just the kind of places that I like to go. The food is fantastic and you can try some of our wines. I think you’ll love them, too.” – Ernie Els