The Creek Championship Course, Dubai

The par 71 course at Dubai Creek that measures 6,967 yards is a memorable journey from the first tee to the 18th green. The superbly manicured fairways are undulating, demarcated by mounds, date and palm trees, and most other times by water. Apart from the Creek, which comes into play on at least four holes, several artificial lakes add to the beauty and difficulty of various other holes.

The presence of multiple tees ensures that golfers of all calibres enjoy their day out at the course. While length of the tee helps, the premium is certainly on accuracy, especially with the approach shots as most of the greens are multi-tiered with subtle borrows.

The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club course sets up for a thrilling finale to a round with its two par 4 closing holes. The 17th and 18th have the Creek guarding the entire left side of the fairway. While the 17th can still be conquered with some smart play, the 18th requires mandatory cerebral involvement on every shot. There is water on the left and a long bunker on the right, beyond which is water again. A good drive will still leave you with a long iron into the tiered and sloping green, which is guarded at the front and right by a body of water.

Dubai Karl Litten