The Faldo course was originally opened in 1996 with the name of “Wadi” which is Arabic for valley. In 2005 the course was redesigned by six time major champion and golf legend Nick Faldo, it was renamed “The Faldo” when it re-opened in 2006.
The course provides a visually stunning design together with the challenge of any championship course, which provides visitors with a unique and enjoyable round of golf.
Faldo, along with his ability on the course has developed a name for himself as a designer and “The Faldo” bears many of his trademarks, which are most notable in the design of the tees and bunkers.
The natural “wadi” that runs the length of the course comes into play, without being classed as a hazard only adding to the challenge and beauty of the golf course.
Faldo has managed to create a unique golfing experience combining the natural rugged terrain with his trademark design features.
The quality and attention to detail in the design of the course can be seen as soon as you step onto the first tee. A par four that presents a tricky start to the round. A driver is not the club for everyone and you should favor the right hand side of the fairway to give a clear view of the raised green.
But in Faldo style, if you miss too far to the right then you will find your approach to the green hindered by the rocks that protect the green. Anything left will find the “wadi” and leave a shot played from the waste area.
The par four 6th, aesthetically pleasing does not offer such an easy ride to the golfer as it does on the eye. A pinpoint accurate tee shot is required to avoid the multitude of trouble that awaits. If you get your tee shot away the approach to the green requires good distance control and club selection.
Faldo has created a course that meanders through the natural landscape, providing a test and a visually stunning treat to any golfer that makes this a stop on their Dubai golfing holiday.
But as with many of the courses in the Dubai region, the most impressive hole has to be the finishing hole. A tough par four that requires a long but extremely accurate tee shot to avoid the “wadi” that cuts in on the right. A fairway wood is the most likely choice for your second, which you need to guide carefully between the cluster of bunkers on the left and the water to the right. You may think that by reaching the green that your work is done, but beware the green has some very tricky undulations that make par a truly great finish to a wonderfully designed and remodelled golf course.
Perhaps the most interesting feature to this Faldo masterpiece is the opportunity to play it at night, yes you read that right. You can play the stunning course at night, under floodlights, which create an even more spectacular visual impact.