The Högbo Golfklubb in Sweden. (Image:Högbo Golfklubb)
Högbo Golfklubb is located in Sandviken, Sweden. The club is known for its welcoming community and its picturesque natural surroundings, which offer a serene backdrop for golfers of all skill levels.
“Risk and Reward” at the Högbo Golfklubb
The club emphasizes the importance of precision over length in its course design. This approach encourages players to strategize carefully and focus on accurate shots, making each round a strategic challenge. The presence of water hazards adds an element of risk and reward, further enhancing the complexity of play.
The friendly atmosphere at Högbo Golfklubb is a notable aspect of the club’s reputation. This welcoming environment makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from beginners to experienced golfers. The beautiful natural settings provide a relaxing and immersive experience, encouraging players to return frequently.
Additionally, Högbo Golfklubb offers various promotional deals and packages which can be found on their official website. These offers are designed to attract new members and retain existing ones by providing value and making the golfing experience more affordable.
In summary, Högbo Golfklubb in Sandviken, Sweden, is distinguished by its focus on precision, strategic play with water hazards, and a friendly, community-driven atmosphere. The natural surroundings and promotional offers further enhance the appeal of this golfing destination. For more details and current offers, visiting the club’s website is recommended.
The Gudhjem Golf Courses in Denmark. (Image: Gudhjem)
Located on the picturesque island of Bornholm in Denmark, Gudhjem is home to two notable golf courses. These courses are renowned not only for their challenging layouts but also for offering some of the best views in Danish golf. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy playing here while taking in the stunning scenery.
” Most Affordable Full Membership in Denmark” – Gudhjem Golf Courses
Gudhjem offers what is described as the most affordable full membership in Denmark. This makes it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy golf without a hefty financial commitment. The accessibility and cost-effectiveness make it an appealing option for enthusiasts.
In addition to its affordability, the Gudhjem golf courses provide a setting that is both serene and captivating. The combination of well-maintained greens and the natural beauty of Bornholm creates a unique golfing experience. This is part of what makes Gudhjem a notable mention in Danish golf circles.
Players at Gudhjem are not just there for the game; they also come to enjoy the surrounding environment. The scenic views add an extra layer of enjoyment to the golfing experience, making each round memorable. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a newcomer, the allure of Gudhjem’s courses is undeniable.
We look forward to seeing you on Bornholm, where Gudhjem offers a compelling blend of affordability, natural beauty, and exceptional golfing opportunities. Whether you’re in it for the sport or the scenery, Gudhjem has something to offer for every golf enthusiast.
The Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club in Scottland. (Image: Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club)
Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club is located in Dunkeld, Scotland, within the Perthshire region. This golf course, known for its strategic layout and playing experience, is situated amidst a scenic landscape that attracts golfers of all levels.
Scottish Scenery at the Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club
Responses gathered from various sources highlight several key aspects of the Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club. One of the prominent features mentioned is the course’s tendency to play longer than it appears. Golfers are advised not to hesitate in hitting the ball firmly to navigate the course effectively and make their shots count. Additionally, the 5th hole is often noted for its impressive view of Loch of the Lowes, providing a visual respite and a unique challenge during the game.
Club members and visitors have also pointed out the accessibility of the course’s tee booking system, which offers a range of deals suitable for different preferences and budgets. The booking system is an essential tool for managing play schedules and ensuring that golfers can maximize their experience at the club. Another notable aspect is the welcoming nature of the club, which strives to foster a friendly environment for all its members and guests. This inclusive atmosphere contributes to the overall appeal and reputation of the Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club.
Overall, the Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club’s distinctive features, such as its challenging length, scenic 5th hole view, user-friendly booking system, and inviting community, make it a notable destination for golfers visiting the Perthshire region in Scotland.
The Norba Club de Golf is located in Caceres, Spain. Situated in close proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage City Cáceres renowned for its rich monumental, cultural, and gastronomical history, the golf course offers a unique appeal to both local and foreign visitors.
Norba Club de Golf: Historic Charm and Stunning Landscape
The Norba Club de Golf is described as a great golf course with natural surroundings that appeal to visitors from different parts of the world. The location not only offers a gameplay experience for golfers of all backgrounds, categories, and levels but is also positioned near Cáceres. This combination of a rich historical location and a well-structured golf course makes it an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts.
The course is designed with the first nine holes being easier, followed by the second nine which present a different challenge. The layout is marked by blind tee shots and varying elevations, leading players to encounter a lake which is best crossed in two shots. The golf course also features areas with endemic flora and fauna, as well as centenary and acorn oaks, making for a variety of interesting gameplay scenarios. These challenging aspects, along with the diverse natural landscape, contribute to the unique character of the course.
Greenfee Deals and a Warm Welcome
Additionally, Norba Club de Golf offers competitive green fee deals, making it a cost-effective choice for golfers. There is also a golf academy on-site where players can book lessons with the club’s head pro. The club extends a warm welcome to all golfers, ensuring that their experience will be enjoyable and worth remembering. This alignment of quality gameplay and attractive pricing, combined with professional training opportunities, serves to enhance the club’s appeal.
Overall, the Norba Club de Golf not only provides a venue for golf but does so in an environment enriched with cultural and historical charm. Its varied course design, combined with natural beauty and professional facilities, makes it a comprehensive golfing destination.
The terrace at the Seve Ballesteros design golf club Alhaurin Golf in Spain. (Image: Alhaurin Golf)
Alhaurín Golf is located in Alhaurín el Grande, a town in the province of Málaga, Spain. The club is easily accessible and offers a distinctive golfing experience. The course, designed by the renowned golfer Severiano Ballesteros, provides players with a combination of challenging gameplay and stunning natural surroundings. With its impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby mountains, Alhaurín Golf attracts enthusiasts seeking something different from their golfing routine.
Precision and Strategy – A Course Design by Seve Ballesteros
Alhaurín Golf’s unique design intends to push players’ skills, offering a variety of holes that demand precision and strategy. The course incorporates the natural landscape to enhance the difficulty and enjoyment of each game. Players visiting Alhaurín Golf often comment on the course’s ability to challenge even seasoned golfers, making it a popular choice for those seeking to test and expand their abilities.
Additionally, Alhaurín Golf provides a range of discounts and special offers throughout the year. These vary depending on the season and are available for both packages and memberships. The club’s approach to making golf accessible and attractive to a broad audience includes promotions designed to appeal to different needs, whether for single rounds or full memberships.
Nature is a significant part of the Alhaurín Golf experience. The club promotes an environment where players can enjoy their sport while being surrounded by scenic views of the Mediterranean and the mountains. This integration of golf and nature adds to the overall appeal of the course, providing a setting that enhances the experience beyond just the game itself. For many, the opportunity to seamlessly blend their love of golf with the beauty of the surrounding landscape makes Alhaurín Golf a notable destination.
The Golf Club Goiburu in Spain. (Image: GC Goiburu)
Club de Golf Goiburu is located in Andoain, Gipuzkoa, Spain. This golf club is known for its location and the unique atmosphere it provides to players of all skill levels. With strategic planning being a key element of playing here, the course offers a suitable challenge without the emphasis on long shots.
Club de Golf Goiburu: Strategic Play in a Friendly Atmosphere
One of the highlighted features of Club de Golf Goiburu is the friendly, family-oriented environment that it promotes. This creates an inviting setting for both casual golfers and more serious players. The club values strategy over sheer power, encouraging players to think about their shots in a more calculated manner. This aspect is particularly evident at Hole 5, which is consistently ranked as the most challenging hole on the course.
Players at Club de Golf Goiburu can benefit from a variety of agreements and discounts offered by the club. These include group discounts and golf packages that come with lunch at the club’s restaurant. The restaurant is noted for its views of the golf course, adding an enjoyable dining experience to a day of golf. Such packages aim to provide a comprehensive golfing experience, merging sport and leisure.
The course’s design and the amenities available make Club de Golf Goiburu a notable destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether players are local or visiting from other areas, the club ensures that the overall experience is both fulfilling and strategically engaging.
Lighting Ceremony in ancient Olympia and arrival of the Olympic flame at Costa Navarino.
(Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Olympia casts a spell over me
I am eagerly awaiting this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, having managed to buy tickets for several events. I am all the more delighted when I receive an invitation to go on a press trip to Greece, which includes getting to know the golfing destination of Costa Navarino and taking part in the official ceremony to light the Olympic flame.
Gripping moments
The atmosphere in the ancient stadium of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, captivates me from the very first moment. The entry of the Greek presidential guard, the raising of the flags, and the impressive voice of the world-famous American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, who performs the Olympic anthem, move me deeply.
March-in by the Greek’s Presidential Guard. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After the official speeches, the Olympic flame is lit in the ruins of the approximately 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera. From there, the flame is transferred by an actress, who takes on the role of the high priestess Hestia, to the torch of the first of more than 550 torchbearers. In doing so, she also hands over the traditional olive branch. Dancers in traditional antique dress accompany this atmospheric process with a performance whose choreography completely thrills me.
Handing over of the Olympic Flame by the High Priestess. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Over the next 11 days, the torch is carried from Olympia through Greece to the ancient Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. From there, it will continue its journey by boat to Marseille in France.
Arrival at Navarino Bay
The following morning, the symbolic flame arrives at the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course at Navarino Hills. This is very close to the town of Pylos, which is a two-hour drive south of Olympia.
It is the first golf course in the Mediterranean to feature the Olympic symbol, and the 18-hole signature golf course symbolizes the link between golf and Olympia. Its name reflects the shared values of the International Olympic Academy, the Greek Olympic Committee, and Costa Navarino – namely sustainability, personal well-being, education, and growth.
Participation in the ceremony on the 11th green in front of the clubhouse is extremely atmospheric and is carried out with the participation of young athletes from the golf academy, with two of them acting as torchbearers.
The Olympic Flame reaches the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Development from golf hotel to Destination Costa Navarino
I first traveled to the five-star hotel The Westin Resort in 2012. At that time, The Dunes Course, designed by Bernhard Langer in 2010, and The Bay Course, developed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened the following year, were only known to a few golfers in Germany. I was immediately fascinated by this beautiful spot, the hotel, and the two golf courses during this trip, and I’ve always been delighted by this destination. The last time I visited prior to this year was in November 2021, and my impressions from that time are attached.
This is the fifth time I’ve been here. The entrance area of The Westin and its lobby are now very familiar to me, so much so that I almost feel at home.
Entrance and lobby of The Westin Resort Costa Navarino. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Once again, I relish my stay in a spacious room with sea views and the sweet treats to welcome me.
Sweet delicacies from local beekeeping in the Deluxe Sea View Room . (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The day couldn’t start better than with a hearty breakfast on the terrace of Moriās Restaurant. The freshly squeezed orange juice and savory omelette contribute to a perfect start to the golf day.
EThe perfect start to a great golfing day. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From the initial two hotels, The Westin and The Romanos, and the two golf courses with The Dunes Clubhouse, Costa Navarino has now developed into a destination with a wide range of sports, wellness, and leisure activities.
With a five-day sports camp for children and teenagers aged between five and 15, the destination aims to bring them closer to the Olympic idea in ten different sports in July and August 2024. Professional coaches, such as those from the FC Bayern Munich Football Academy, will be on hand. In addition, the NBA Basketball School will be returning to Costa Navarino from May to September to share the special NBA experience with young and adult participants.
The three areas of Navarino Dunes, Navarino Bay, and Navarino Hills currently have four signature 18-hole golf courses. Their three exceptional clubhouses not only impress me with their architectural creativity and diversity, but also with their first-class catering offer.
An impressive golf quartet
The four courses are a maximum distance of 13 km apart and no more than 20 minutes by car. Hotel shuttles offer perfectly organized, free transfers to the various courses.
The state of maintenance of the tee boxes, greens, and bunkers on all courses is beyond criticism. Only the fairways of The Dunes Course showed potential for improvement in some places during my visit. However, according to the management, this is being addressed as soon as possible.
The latest jewel: Navarino Hills
A new experience for me this year is the visit to The Hills Clubhouse and a round on The Hills Course. I am delighted with both. The clubhouse sits enthroned on a hill with fascinating 360-degree views from the inviting terrace.
The Hills Clubhouse: straightforward design and fantastic views from the terrace. (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From here, you can see over the course, the bay, the huge practice facilities, and the impressive mountain backdrop in the distance on the opposite side. It serves as the clubhouse for both The Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course.
I like its clear lines, its open design, and the use of stone materials from the region. The transparent, discreetly integrated glass lift fits in with the concept of simple elegance. The 2,500 m² clubhouse was built with the aim of achieving energy efficiency class A+. It has photovoltaic panels.
Our group enjoys a meal at Piqantro, which is a restaurant, café, and bar all in one. It offers contemporary Iberian/Western Mediterranean cuisine, drawing on traditional recipes but also incorporating modern influences. There is a wide selection of dishes on offer. I enjoy the pasta with cherry tomatoes and prawns.
Leading by example
I am particularly interested in a screen that I discover both here and in the pro shop at The Bay Clubhouse. Among other things, I can use it to determine my course handicap by entering my personal HCP. The annoying search for this value in hard-to-read tables, which is often necessary on other courses, has come to an end here.
The system also offers a lot more information, such as the current speed on the greens, the pin positions, the grass used, the weather forecast, and the hotel shuttle schedule. What a step forward.
Equipment and service at its best
The buggies equipped with state-of-the-art GPS impressed me just as much as the quality of the rental clubs. Ball pyramids are available free of charge on the generously designed driving ranges. Not only here, but in all areas of the destination, I encounter attentive, friendly, and competent service staff who enjoy their work.
The golf cloverleaf in a cutshell
Navarino Dunes: The Dunes Course
Designed by German golf legend Bernhard Langer in collaboration with European Golf Design, it was the first signature golf course in Greece. Opened in 2010, this 6,018-meter championship course from the back tees leads through a varied natural landscape, past the two hotels The Romanos and The Westin. With spectacular views of the Ionian Sea, it features links-style elements along the waterfront fairways. The fairways, which run through the hinterland past olive groves and orchards, are more reminiscent of a parkland course.
Since my last visit in 2021, exclusive villas have been built along the first nine holes, although they are a long way from the fairways and do not come into play. Construction work continues on individual holes.
Early morning on the #18 . (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Navarino Bay: The Bay Course
Most of the tees on the par-71 The Bay Course offer a marvelous view of the sea. Some holes run directly along the historic Bay of Navarino. The course measures 5,536 meters from the back tees. The holes lead through extremely hilly terrain with considerable differences in altitude in places. Not only are its five par-three holes fun, but they are also challenging at the same time.
The Bay Course offeringImpressive views across the course to Navarino Bay. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Navarino Hills: The International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills Course
The two newest 18-hole golf courses, designed by two-time Masters champion and Ryder Cup legend José Marίa Olazábal, are located above the coastline. Officially opened in 2022, they offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, the Bay of Navarino, and the Ionian Sea.
Stop playing and simply enjoy the views. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The International Olympic Academy Golf Course has a length of 6,366 meters. Details can be found in my report mentioned above.
The Hills Course is a par 72 with a length of 6,280 meters. It is also situated in complete tranquility, surrounded by mature trees and leads through rural Messinia with beautiful views of the rugged mountains and small villages. Its fairways are generously designed and offer sufficient landing area for placing drives. The bunkers are numerous but not very deep. I enjoy the round on this new course, which makes for relaxed golfing.
Each of the courses has its own character, which for me makes the quartet a four-leaf clover that gives me feelings of happiness. To single out one as the best course would not do justice to the others.
A pictSurrounded by unspoiled nature. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Destination Costa Navarino is world champion
With such variety and high quality, it comes as no surprise to me that Destination Costa Navarino was recognized as the ‘World’s Best Golf Venue 2023’ at the tenth World Golf Awards.
David Achington, previously director at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Portugal and Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort near Girona in Spain, took over as director of golf at Costa Navarino last year. He and his team were delighted to take the coveted award with them to the Peloponnese.
Quality has its price
The green fee is standard on all courses. In the most favorable of four periods, it is €193 for hotel guests and €233 per 18 holes in the high season.
Always a great pleasure
Visiting Destination Costa Navarino is always a special experience for me. The constantly expanding, exclusive offers and the top quality found in all areas are unrivaled.
The Connemara Golf Links in Ireland. (Image: Connemara Golf Links)
Connemara Golf Links, located in Galway, Ireland, within the region of Connaught, is a site renowned for its pristine condition and year-round playability. The golf course offers extensive facilities, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Its location, surrounded by scenic views and rugged landscapes, adds to the allure of this golf destination.
Irish Links Golf: Connemara Golf Links
The course caters to all levels of golfers, providing a fair challenge for low handicap players while remaining accessible to high handicappers. This inclusive approach makes it a popular choice for families, groups, couples, and individual players. The welcoming nature of the club enhances the overall experience, contributing to its reputation as a friendly and accommodating golfing venue.
When navigating Connemara Golf Links, players are advised to allow extra consideration for their approach shots on the back nine holes. The course’s signature hole, the 13th Par 3, is particularly notable. This hole requires a 200-yard carry from the White markers and is surrounded by rocky outcrops, making it a unique and demanding part of the course. The combination of these features makes playing at Connemara both a challenging and memorable experience.
Connemara Golf Links hosts an Open Competition every Friday, with the exception of July and August. This regular event provides an opportunity for golfers to test their skills in a competitive environment. For those interested in long-term engagement with the club, membership options are available. Inquiries can be directed to the pro shop via email at [email protected].
The Kapalua Golf Course on Maui. Erik Anders Lang visited the island shortly after the devastating forest fires as part of the Adventures in Golf series. (Source Youtube, Adventures in Golf, Skratch)
On the picturesque island of Maui, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, lies the small town of Lahaina. Amidst this backdrop is a golf course that is not only a dream location for golf lovers, but also a symbol of a community’s strength and determination in the face of tragedy. In the new season of Adventures in Golf, Erik Anders Lang tells the story of Kapalua – a golf course in the place that was the scene of the deadliest wildfire disaster in America in the century.
Maui devastated by forest fire
In August 2023, images of the devastating forest fires on Maui, which almost completely destroyed some places on the island, went around the world. Lang, who usually visits the golf courses directly on his travels, first meets Archie, a local leader and water activist who was one of the first to take a stand against the fire. “The reason for this fire was a lack of water,” he explains. Kapalua and the surrounding communities were threatened by the dry heat of the fire. Now Archie and his fellow campaigners are working to reclaim the water they so desperately needed. Steve Sims, a former Air Force veteran and lover of Hawaiian culture, whom Lang meets next, has also joined the fight. Together they are now working to restore the island’s water sources and bring the vital rivers and streams back to life.
Adventures in Golf: The history of golf in Kapalua
One of the most fascinating personalities in Kapalua’s history is golf legend Arnold Palmer. Palmer played a crucial role in the development of the Kapalua Golf Course in its early days. His dedication and passion for the game was instrumental in making Kapalua the renowned golf destination it is today. Mark Raling, a legend in the golf commentary circuit, has also been instrumental in shaping the history of golf on Maui. Among other things, Raling was the tournament director of the first international tournament on the golf course, the Kapalua International. Since the early days of the event, which began in the 1980s, the golf course has had a long tradition of top-class competitions. One of the most famous tournaments is the annual Tournament of Champions, formerly known as The Plantation Course Championship. This event marks the official start of the PGA Tour season and attracts the best golfers in the world. In the video, Raling recalls the humble beginnings of Kapalua Golf Course in the 1970s. “We basically started from nothing and built this little community,” he says.
The Kapalua Golf Course on Maui. (Source Youtube, Adventures in Golf, Skratch)
The importance of Kapalua extends far beyond golf. After the devastating fire, the resort opened its doors to those who had lost everything. Harrison Delgado, Director of Room Operations at the Ritz Carlton, right on the golf course, remembers the emotional time after the fire. “The tables were covered with blankets and pillows, and it was a free space for anyone who needed help,” he says. “It was about supporting each other in a time of need and being a community.” Despite the tragedy and loss, Kapalua has shown amazing resilience. Tanata, principal of a local school, proudly recounts how the school reopened just three weeks after the fire, providing a stable environment for the children. “Our school is more than just an educational institution,” she says, “it’s a place of hope and cohesion that helps the children get through the difficult times.”
Golf Travel to Ras Al Khaimah: Longest golf course and highest peak of the VAE. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Al Hamra Golf Club is hosting a DP World Tour tournament for the third time. After the first two tournaments in Dubai, the European Tour is making a stop in the northernmost of the seven Emirates as part of the International Swing, which is being organised for the first time this year. We make our way there and land in Dubai in less than six hours, and from there, we continue northwards by car in just under an hour.
Impressive architecture in a style typical of the country
Everything here is more tranquil than in the neighbouring Emirate of Dubai. No skyscrapers dominate the skyline, instead more normal sized buildings. One of the few exceptions is the five-star luxury hotel Waldorf Astoria, built in 2013 in the shape of an Arabian palace, which can be seen from afar.
An architectural masterpiece. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
An extensive renovation of the hotel, part of the Hilton Group, was completed just in time for the tournament. Several areas, including some new ones, now shine in new splendour. Its tastefully furnished 203 rooms and suites offer plenty of space and views of the sea or the golf course.
Imposing reception area and impressive lobby. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Our welcome at the hotel is extremely warm. As soon as we enter the lobby, we are overwhelmed by the magnificence and opulence of the palace and the hospitality of the staff. In the centre of the lobby sits a remarkable giant clock, a trademark apparently of every Waldorf Astoria hotel.
Our room is decorated in subtle colours whilst the bathroom, on the other hand, is a different story altogether with its black marble and golden mosaics. From the box seats on the terrace of our extensive room on the 7th floor, we enjoy a panoramic view of the second and third holes of the Al Hamra golf championship course.
King Premier Golf Course View Room. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Tournament with strong German participants
As accredited representatives of the press, we are up close and personal for the two final rounds of the tournament. Although admission is free, the reasonable number of spectators allows us to experience the golf professionals up close. The winner of the tournament is the Dane Thorbjørn Olesen, who prevails over his compatriot Rasmus Højgaard with a sensational 27 under par and is the proud recipient of the winner’s trophy. We follow these two and Frenchman Frederic Lacroix in the last flight on the final day from the start and are repeatedly impressed by the incredible length of their shots.
Olesen goes into the final round with a four-shot lead over Højgaard. He halved this lead on the second hole with an unexpected double bogey. At the eighth hole, both are level on 22 under par when the preliminary decision of the tournament is made. Højgaard misses his tee shot and makes an unexpected bogey on the par 5. Olesen, on the other hand, bangs his second shot next to the flag and holes out for an eagle. Out of the blue, he is three up again. Højgaard never recovers from this and finishes the tournament six shots behind his direct rival.
Beaming winner and enthusiastic volunteers. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Five of the German professionals make the cut. Max Kieffer and Yannik Paul played outstanding final rounds of six and four under par respectively and shared a fantastic fourth place with three other players on 17 under par. Marcel Siem manages an eagle on the final hole, which catapults him up to tied 37th place, where Freddy Schott also finishes. Max Rottluff is tied 59th.
Golf Travel: A sporting challenge for all HCP classes
We play the par 72 course, designed by the internationally recognised golf course architect Peter Harradine, on the days following the tournament and can now see for ourselves what a great achievement the professionals have accomplished. Whilst they had 7,400 yards (the longest course in the UAE) to cover, we have 6,703 from the white tees and 5,815 from the red tees. Indeed five different tees offer a suitable challenge for every skill level.
The mostly flat course, which was established in 2007, continues to be in sensational condition during our rounds and everything is top-notch and well maintained. This makes golfing fun. The course is run by Troon Golf, a company that stands for top quality. We encounter wide fairways, huge bunkers and large, firm and fast greens.
Unsurprisingly, there is plenty of sand on a course surrounded by desert. A total of five million cubic metres were moved to build the course. The fine powder in the bunkers, next to the fairways and in the numerous waste areas makes playing from these a real challenge. The neighbouring development with mostly two-storey buildings in the typical local style is discreet and at a sufficient distance from the fairways.
Sand to the max. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The routing runs through four interconnected lagoons in the Arabian Gulf, which often come into play. This is the case for the first time on the third hole. On the right-hand dogleg par 5, the tee shot has to be played over the damp water, as does the shot into the green. For us, this hole is one of the most beautiful, also because it offers a great view of the Waldorf Astoria.
A rocky road to the green of hole 3. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The other holes are mostly dead straight and allow for a good score.We also like the tenth, where we have to place our shots into the green perfectly over a frontal water hazard and a bunker behind it.
Attention at hole 10. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The 18th hole is the crowning glory of the round. The 576-yard, par 5 is accompanied by the bright blue waters of the lagoon over the entire right-hand side. The opposite side is lined with trees that reach right up to the huge bunker in front of the green. The slightly elevated green, which rises towards the back, allows an aggressive attack that can be rewarded with a birdie or at least a par.
Full concentration at the final hole. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Afterwards, we enjoy a refreshing beer on the terrace of the clubhouse. The building’s normality is impressive and it doesn’t stand out due to its size or unusual architecture.
Our evening round under floodlights is an interesting experience, even if it is not easy for us to get used to the unfamiliar circumstances at first.
Nightgolf – a special experience. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Al Hamra Golf Club attaches great importance to sustainability. It is the first golf club in the Middle East to be run completely plastic-free. It sets a new standard in this respect and thus contributes to the global environmental protection initiative.
Records by the dozen
After our laps, we enjoy the hotel’s own stretch of beach and the adults-only Sunset Beach Lounge with infinity pool. A promenade is being built between the beach and the hotel complex, connecting the neighbouring hotels and inviting walkers and joggers. From here, it will be even easier to watch an absolute highlight along the coast. Stretching for more than 4.5 kilometres, Ras Al Khaimah’s famous New Year’s Eve Fireworks displays have achieved several Guiness World Record titles for five consecutive years.
Like everything else in the hotel, there is plenty of space in the two pool areas and on the beach. The sun loungers and parasols are generously placed apart from each other and offer plenty of privacy. Everything here is also extremely well maintained and of a top standard.
Top culinary delights too
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel has eight restaurants, bars and lounges. The elegant Lexington Grill & Bar offers the finest Wagyu dry-aged steaks and seafood, the UMI serves Japanese delicacies, the brand new Azure serves Mediterranean dishes and the Beach Club Lounge has a little bit of everything. Everywhere we go, we encounter high quality, although this comes at a price, higher than what we are used to in Germany.
The attentiveness , friendliness and politeness of the entire staff is striking. We quickly become accustomed used to their constant smiles and the reserved, warm demeanour, which we would not want to miss.
Plenty of adrenaline on a ride into the depths
Another world record is held by the Jais Flight zipline on the nearby Jebel Jais in the Hajar Mountains. From the start at a height of just under 1,680 meters, you can plunge headfirst into the depths for almost three minutes at a top speed of up to 160 km per hour. With a length of more than 2.8 kilometres, it is the longest of its kind in the world.
Not for the faint-hearted. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
To get in the mood for this adrenaline rush, the toboggan run located on the way up is ideal for reaching a maximum speed of 40 km/h downhill.
Who brakes is a coward. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After these experiences, we stop at the highest restaurant in the United Arab Emirates, which is named ‚1848 by Puro‘ after its height above sea level. The view from here of the Hajar Mountains stretching out before us is sensational.
However, a stay in the mountains offers much more. Various trekking tours and survival training courses lasting from several hours to a full day are offered here. You spend the night in tents in appropriate camps. The annual Highlander adventure attracts a large number of enthusiastic nature lovers who push themselves to the limit in the rugged mountain landscape.
Ras Al Khaimah holds another unique experience, as it was here that pearls were dived for several thousand years ago. Today, the pearls are cultivated in a lagoon. We take a traditional boat from the harbour to the floating information centre of the Suwaidi Pearls Farm, where we learn all about pearl diving and cultivation. Suddenly, a huge flock of flamingos flies past us. The pearls obtained from the oysters here have a maximum size of 13 mm. We are lucky because in the one we are allowed to harvest, we find a small specimen that we can buy.
Unique in colour, shine, size and shape. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Haste is the order of the day
Our stay in RAK was a complete success. In addition to the golfing highlights, we got to know parts of the Emirate that we hadn’t expected, but we were absolutely thrilled by them. The unaccustomed tranquility and deceleration we encountered were a pleasure.
This may change in the future, as the construction boom has also started here. Tourism currently accounts for 5% of the gross national product. There are currently around 8,000 hotel rooms, but the aim is to increase this share to 30 % by 2030 and double the number of rooms. So let’s head to Ras Al Khaimah before things get too developed there and perhaps one day become just as hectic as in the neighbouring Emirate of Dubai.
Juergen Linnenbuerger, Cologne/Germany, February 2024
