Course upgrades, firmer greens and a tougher test await players for the Dubai Invitational
It’s been a busy couple of years since the last Dubai Invitational. We’ve seen significant investment across the property and, from a golf course perspective, we’ve installed a brand-new irrigation system. It’s the latest technology on the market and has drastically improved turf conditions throughout.
We’ve also built a new short-game practice facility, which now puts us right up there with the best in the country. We’ve even had time to build 18 new villas on the old par-three course, which now features a brand-new Himalaya-style putting course in the middle and has just been completed. It’s been a big investment to uplift the property over the last few years, but it’s really exciting to be part of.
Tommy Fleetwood hitting his approach into the 18th hole at Dubai Creek during the thrid round of the Dubai Invitational – Getty Images
We learned a few bits from the 2024 Dubai Invitational, on areas that we can improve on, but nothing major. For example, we’re growing the rough earlier before the weather cools down, which allows it to get thicker and juicier. Being a European Tour Destination, we’re obviously a very busy golf course throughout the year, so we have to manage wear carefully to ensure it doesn’t affect tournament week too much. We’ve also adjusted a couple of grass lines around the greens to make them juicier, adding a bit more of a test if players miss the putting surfaces. Other than that, not too much has changed.
Our main defences at Dubai Creek are the rough and the firmness of the greens. We’re a full Bermuda golf course, with ultra-dwarf TifEagle on the greens and Tifway 419 Bermuda on tees, fairways, roughs and approaches. The greens are quite small, so we can get them firm and bouncy, which makes it difficult to keep the ball on the surface. If it runs off into the rough, it can be thick and tough to play from. That’s the balance we’re aiming for again this year to make the course more defensible.
There are some very special holes at Dubai Creek. Holes five and six are particularly memorable. The par-three fifth looks out over the city with the Burj Khalifa in the background, while the par-four sixth features the iconic floating tee box.
Personally, I think the standout stretch is the closing run of 16, 17 and 18. They’re three very demanding holes, especially the 18th. With the wind coming in off the Creek, it becomes a long par four over water, with danger on both sides. You can either win it or lose it on that hole.
The finishing stretch really is something special, especially with the iconic sail clubhouse overlooking the course.
Dubai Creek Resort
With golf being so popular and courses seeing heavy traffic throughout the year here, we have to stay on top of maintaining it. We deliver the best possible playing experience for our members and guests, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for the Dubai Invitational this month.
Harry Wells is the Golf Course Superintendent Dubai Creek Resort
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