THE COURSE:
Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates. 7,675yrds par 72.
Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE.
The Earth Course was officially opened in 2009 for the inaugural Dubai World Championship. Work on the course was completed in 2007 but was left for two full seasons to mature. Designed by Greg Norman it is a parkland style course with Sandbelt style bunkers and large undulating greens.
The 18th hole is a 620yrd par5 that plays uphill. Only the very longest of players can find the putting surface in two. A falaj splits the fairway in two for its entire length allowing two different approach shots for those laying up. The 18th is a hole that requires good strategy and is a fitting climax to the Earth Course and the Race to Dubai.