The Lifestyle

Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Designed by Ian Baker-Finch & Nicklaus Design, the Arabian Ranches Golf Club has something for everyone

Words by Fatima Rao in The Lifestyle · Oct 25th, 2017

As with everything in Dubai, this golf course is nicely maintained, the grass is always freshly mowed. I recommend coming here early in the morning to get that fresh air and escape the hot sun and of course, catch the beautiful sunrise.

- Jill, resident of Arabian Ranches.

Located in the heart of Arabian Ranches, a peaceful community where families reside in their private-gated polo homes, lies the beautiful Arabian Ranches Golf Club (ARGC). Built in 2004, the golf club is just a stone's throw away from Dubai's iconic landmarks and world-famous attractions. Promoting a true sandy golf course, with indigenous shrubs and bushes, the course spans over 247-acres; of which 120-acres are irrigated; while the rest show wonderful desert landscapes. With a bespoke swimming pool and a GPS yardage service on every golf cart, the golf course links an impressive 18-hole course with a signature par 72, playing up to 7,658-yards. Natural flow of holes through the sand dunes create the perfect opportunity to play championship golf. Situated right in-between Autodrome Dubai and Global Village, the golf course remains partners with Dodge, Troon Golf, Dubai Duty Free, Emirates, and more, while maintaining sponsorship from Emirates Golf Federation, Mont Blanc, Rivoli Group, etc. It is home to the Golf Academy, Spanish Colonial Clubhouse, Maison Mathis, Ranches Restaurant and Terrace, Birdies Sports Lounge, a floodlit Driving Range, and the Pro Shop, all conveniently established near the inhabitants of the family-centric rented homes within the vicinity.

Conditions Of Play

1. Dress Code: Tailored trousers, golf shorts, polo shirts (with collar), sports blouses are all considered appropriate attire. Additionally, golf shoes (with soft spikes) or flat-soled training shoes are allowed in. ARGC reserves the right to deny anyone entry if they are considered inappropriately dressed. This dress code applies not only to the golf course, but to all areas within ARGC.

2. Tee Times: All golfers are pegged into groups of three to four while tee time intervals are based around 10-minutes. All golfers must check-in at least half an hour prior to their tee time, and shotguns are usually run twice; mornings and afternoons.

3. For safety apprehension, non-golfers (any non-playing guests) are not allowed to accompany players onto the golf course.

4. Recommended time of play is 4:17 minutes, and all players are to keep up with the pace of play consistently.

5. Players must hit their shot in under 45-seconds.

6. ARGC caters to handicaps who possess a handicap card.

Tournaments And Events

Tournaments

1. Arabian Ranches Golf Club tournament

2. Rivoli Monthly Medal

3. Ladies Day tournament

4. Corporate Golf tournament; where teams can choose from an array of tailored golfing packages, professional instructions and extensive practice facilities. At the end of the day a prize-giving ceremony is held on the terrace with complimentary drinks and snacks while highlights from the golfing match are displayed on a giant plasma screen TV. 

Events

1. Celebrations and weddings are held at the water's edge because of its sensational location and rustic appeal in an outdoor venue. The picturesque, spacious setting exudes beauty while providing fine service, cuisines and backdrops.

2. ARGC offers themed birthday packages that caters to a maximum of 20 children; fairytale, masterchef, pro-golf and fashionista packages.

3. Bachelor parties are held as golfing tournaments followed by a large variety of drinks offered in a bachelor pad-type lounge; the Birdies Sports Lounge. 

4. For lovers of football and golf (all ages included), "footgolf" revolution has been created within ARGC. The game promotes fun, exercise and precision across a par 3 course. It is an ideal game to be played as a family or with friends as it accounts for team building.

5. A round of twilight golf helps unwind the day when you can watch the sunset over the sparkling lake of ARGC.

Memberships And Rates

Midweek rates are pretty reasonable (from Sunday to Wednesday), where a golf cart and unlimited range balls prior to your game come at the expense of AED325. 

Dubai is full of glitz and glamour; if you want a good place to go for a quiet meal or to play some above average golf, then you can't go wrong with the Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

- M. Baker, resident of Dubai.

1. Spanish Colonial Clubhouse

2. Maison Mathis

3. Ranches Restaurant and Terrace

4. Birdies Sports Lounge

5. Floodlit Driving Range

6. Golf Academy

7. The Pro Shop

8. Baker-Finch Room

Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Arabian Ranches - Dubai.

Contact: +971 4 366 4700

[email protected]

Open 24 hours.

1. Spanish Colonial Clubhouse

A total of 11 luxurious guest rooms within the clubhouse offer spectacular views and ensuite facilities. With rates starting from 300++, the bookings for rooms can be made online via email. An array of in-room amenities include air conditioning, a 55" LCD television set (with cable/satellite channels), free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking station (with an in-built alarm clock and radio), mini bar, safety deposit box, hair dryer, tea and coffee facilities, room service, laundry/dry cleaning services and an iron with an ironing board.

Contact: +971 4 423 8877

2. Maison Mathis

Open from 7 am to 2 am, Maison Mathis is an extraordinary restaurant that offers Belgian cuisine at its best (mainly influenced by the French cuisine and promoting culinary roots from the whole of Europe). The restaurant promotes a motherly, home-made feel by bringing "lesser known recipes from the past back to life." They offer an incredible menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with an exclusive area for brunch. Their available full bar comes with happy hours everyday, while still maintaining a kid-friendly atmosphere. Outdoor seating can be enjoyed to the fullest in better weather because of the scenic views of the golf course.

For home delivery or to reserve a booking, contact: +971 4 450 1313

Absolutely loved the ambience! The restaurant was so well-lit thanks to the glass windows and the amazing view of the golf course!

- R. Khandelwal, resident of Dubai.

3. Ranches Restaurant And Terrace

Boasting a spectacular view over the 9th and 18th hole greens, Ranches Restaurant offers perfect setting any time of the day during the hours of 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. Exquisite International, European and Asian cuisines are offered in a buffet, alongside a full bar and an open terrace seating. Home-made style meals are upheld within a refreshing setting. Theme nights are the restaurant's main attraction; Tuesday quiz night, Wednesday BBQ night and live entertainment on weekends. 

Contact: +971 4 360 7935

4. Birdies Sports Lounge

Located conveniently within The Academy building, the Birdies Sports Lounge caters to sports fanatics in a relaxing, comfortable lounge setting. With a sports-themed menu and a happy hour from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. An eccentric nightlife amongst large screens set up for sports enthusiasts, while the licensed bar closes at midnight. 

Contact: +971 4 360 7935

5. Floodlit Driving Range

Practice facilities are available on the floodlit driving range all day until 8:30 pm. Adjacent to the Golf Academy building. Practice can be carried out on a Par 3, 9-hole course with unlimited range balls (cost can be acquired from the concierge.) If you don't own any golf equipment/have forgotten your equipment, it can be rented at an additional price.

6. Golf Academy

Right next to the driving range lies the Golf Academy. Qualified PGA professionals train beginners and assist in improving the varied skills of the game for experienced golfers. The academy has individual practice areas for putting, short game and swing techniques. A Par 3 academy course is featured to further enhance skills, with 9 holes and the latest golf equipment. The academy offers qualified golf professionals who have created a selection of coaching programs designed to meet your golfing needs. An indoor academy within the building is equipped with technology to assist golfers develop all-around skills with the impressive TruGolf E6 course simulator.

Contact: +971 4 366 4704

7. The Pro Shop

Located within the clubhouse, The Pro Shop holds the latest apparel and hardware and remains the answer to all your golfing needs. The shop also offers personalised Arabian Ranches Golf Course merchandise and hardware.

Contact: +971 4 362 9663

Image Credit: Dubai Golf

8. Baker Finch Room

The Baker-Finch room is a professional and preferred meeting and events venue. Hosting three indoor function rooms and an outside terrace, the Baker-Finch room is an exceptional venue for events. Accommodates separately and collectively a range of 30 to 300 guests with exceptional service. The venue features gorgeous views of the golf course and is illuminated by ample lighting. Ideal for corporate or social functions, while also being suitable for team building exercises. 

Contact: +9714 366 4700