Arabian Ranches Golf Club opened in February 2004, marking Ian Baker-Finch’s first collaboration with Nicklaus Design. The area was previously grazing land for camels and gazelles, but Baker-Finch has transformed it into a reasonable imitation of a links course, tailored to the Gulf’s desert landscape.
Despite challenging topography, the design required minimal earthmoving, with only 80,000 cubic metres shifted. The result is a beautifully crafted course flowing through 247 acres, featuring 66 acres of grass and 55 acres of native desert vegetation. Errant shots often land in the sandy wasteland filled with indigenous shrubs.
Following a five-month renovation in 2019, all greens were replaced with a USGA-standard rootzone and re-planted with Platinum TE paspalum grass. The course offers five sets of tees—Championship, Tournament, Medal, Society, and Ladies/Juniors—making it suitable for golfers of all levels. Facilities include a floodlit driving range, a Par 3 academy course, and three onsite professionals.
Owned by The Emaar Group, the club serves as a focal point for the surrounding Arabian Ranches community. The clubhouse features 11 en-suite guest rooms for those wishing to stay close to the course.
