Ernie Els, the former world No. 2 and twice winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, yesterday revealed final design plans for his first 18-hole signature golf course in Dubai - The Dunes.
The 7,452-yard course is situated in Victory Heights, a unique residential golf community located within the integrated and purpose-built Dubai Sports City.
The Dunes will be a combination of Els' favourite links-style golf course with the traditional 'classical era' design.
Featuring more than 60 bunkers, and a large strategically placed lake, it will be a showpiece that can be transformed from a friendly everyday player course to one that offers a challenge to even the world's best golfers.
Speaking at The Dunes, yesterday Els said: "Dubai Sports City is one of the most exciting projects I have been involved in and I truly believe there is nothing else like it in the world at the moment.
"I am very excited and honoured to have been invited to design the golf course at Victory Heights.
"It will be a world-class facility aimed at families and individuals, and will stand out as something quite special in this market."
Broad open fairways and exquisitely maintained playing surfaces will attract the aggressive players while powerful 'Mackenzie' bunkering, subtle and veiled undulation and strong defensive greens will punish incorrect stroke-making.
"This is a perfect spot for golf. The land is very exciting and to have so much sand is a blessing in many ways," said Els whose design company is involved in courses in the US, Bahamas, China, South Africa and Mauritius.
"We've got some very nice par 3s and some playable par 4s."
The Dunes will be managed by Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing. It will also feature a Butch Harmon School of Golf, to be operated by Troon Golf.
Khalid Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City, said: "Victory Heights is about enhancing lives and enabling people to live life to the full within an active community setting.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Ernie Els Design on this project and it is our intention to create a golf course which will be considered one of the best of it's kind."
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