Jumeirah Golf Estates, Fire Course

The verdict

Jumeirah Golf Estates is the home of the DP World Tour Championship, the season finale played each November on the Greg Norman designed Earth Course. The Fire is its sister, the second of Norman's two championship layouts on the estate, and while it lives a little in the Earth's shadow it is a serious course that most visitors enjoy at least as much. The clubhouse, practice ground and service are first class, and a round on the Fire is a fixture of many a Dubai golf itinerary.

Where the Earth is tight, tree lined and exacting, the Fire is the bolder, more open canvas. A par 72 of roughly 7,480 yards, it is defined by Norman's signature red bunker sand, generous rolling fairways and water that comes into play across the back nine, with the homes and lakes of the estate framing the holes. It gives the bigger hitter room to open the shoulders while still asking for control into firm, well contoured greens, which makes it a confidence building, thoroughly enjoyable test for the traveling golfer.

The holes worth the trip

The Fire opens with width and invitation, letting you find a rhythm before the course tightens its demands. Greg Norman shaped generous, rolling fairways framed by his trademark flashed red sand, and from the championship tees the length is real, but multiple forward tees make it a fair and playable round for most handicaps. Position off the tee sets up the approach, and the greens, while receptive enough, are contoured cleverly so the wrong section leaves a testing two putt.

Water becomes the story as the round goes on, particularly across the back nine where lakes pinch landing areas and guard greens, asking for nerve and a committed swing. The par 3s are strong and varied, and the par 5s tempt the longer hitter to take on the carry for a chance at the green in two. It is the kind of golf that lets you score when you are playing well and punishes the loose shot just enough to keep you honest.

The closing stretch brings the estate's lakes and homes into the frame and gives the round a fitting finish, with the clubhouse and its excellent terrace waiting. Played alongside the Earth over two days, the Fire completes one of the most polished 36 hole stops in Dubai golf.

Where to stay nearby

Most golfers base in central Dubai, around the Marina, Downtown or the beach hotels, all within easy reach of the estate, with the full range of five star resorts, dining and nightlife that make Dubai such an easy sell for a group. The estate sits inland off the main motorways, so transfers to the first tee are quick from almost anywhere in the city.

The Fire pairs naturally with the rest of Dubai's deep golf roster for a multi course trip, alongside its sister the Earth Course and the city classics at Emirates Golf Club.

Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts in Dubai.