Inspired by the likes of ’Amen Corner’ and ‘The Bear Trap’, The Els Club, Dubai has unveiled ‘The Lion’s Den’. Taking place over holes 9, 10 and 11, these 3 holes are as tough a stretch of consecutive golf holes, not just in Dubai, but within the Middle East. For many years, great scores have unraveled here and over time, this loop has come to build its very own identity.
Karl Whitehead, General Manager of The Els Club, Dubai says: ‘we were very keen to brand this stretch of holes to create an official identity for it - as has been done successfully across some leading courses in the United States. Ernie’s team were of great assistance in us arriving to the name: ‘The Lion’s Den’, with the South African and Ernie connection, it made great sense’.
Karl leads on to state: ‘we were excited to create this concept as there is so much fun that can be had with it, for all of our valued Members and guests. For the international guest, visit The Els to take on this unique challenge’.
In terms of the holes themselves, they each present an intense variety of challenges. Justin Parsons, Director of Instruction of The Butch Harmon School of Golf located within The Els Club, provides some expert insight. ‘Hole 9 and the start of the Lion’s Den is a cracker of a par four. True risk reward from the tee, longer hitters can challenge the bunkers leaving a shorter approach from the left side of the fairway, play to right of the bunkers and the length of the second shot makes things very difficult. A green angled at forty five degrees to the line of play and sloping from front to back challenges even the most accurate iron play.
Justin goes on to add: ‘Hole 10 is a dog-leg left to right par four with bunkers guarding the near right and far side of the fairway. Longer hitters may be able to turn the corner off the tee, but the second shot is where the hole claims its prisoners. The best approach is to carry the front bunker from where the ball will collect into the center of the green’
The closing hole of the Lion’s Den is the par 3, 11th: ‘The green is subtly angled making a faded mid to long iron shot preferable. A large green, sloped from back to front and guarded by two bunkers either side, with the green running fast from back left to front right- a two putt par will be most welcome to finish the Lion’s Den’.
The Els Club, Dubai, like many of the world’s most prestigious golf courses, is managed by Troon Golf. Located within the world’s only purpose built sports city, Dubai Sports City is a 50-million square foot lifestyle destination that comprises villa and apartment living, a number of retail outlets and the very best sporting facilities in the Middle East.
ENDS