Jumeirah (Fire)

The Fire course is advertised as more of a links-like track – long reed grasses bordering many holes, different grasses, sand and surfaces used, more exposed to wind due to its position around the edge of the club – and this certainly rings true.

The key differences for me (and most amateur golfers) is that the course is frankly not as scary as Earth. Not to say that it’s not tough – far from it, but the new handicap course rating puts Fire at 110 (compared to Earth’s 140), meaning an 18 handicap player would typically get 25 shots depending on tees played, compared to 20 or so on Fire.

So why is this? Well, the greens on Fire are more ‘normal’ shall we say. Slower, yes, but not slow by any international standards. They are just a little more manageable. The fairways are easier to strike more consistently from in my opinion – that is to say compared to Earth there appears to be more soil/grass to allow a divot. Earth requires precise ball striking every time and any divot before the ball strike typically digs the club in and results in 50% power loss.

What I am trying to say is that Fire is more of a ‘conventional’ course in my opinion. It plays like you want it to. Visually stunning for sure with fantastic elevation and undulation – a real overall test in terms of depth perception and approach distance.

The back nine offers two or three great birdie opportunities. The par fives are such a joy to play, offering 350-yard drive chances if the ball catches the correct places on the down slopes. If the wind is blowing against you, the par fives can require three strong shots to reach the greens. If the wind’s with you, two shots are quite achievable and us mere mortals have the excitement of putting for eagle.

In summary, the Fire course is now regarded as one of the region’s finest. A true test of golf but also a realistic one – it goes without saying, but stick to the fairways off the tee and Fire will offer you great scoring chances. At the same time, stray from the fairways and it’ll eat you up for breakfast. Risk and reward holes abound, and the wind plus subtle elevation changes always leave the golfer having to think about the shot and club selection.

Perhaps for that reason, I consider Fire the thinking person’s course. One that you need to treat with respect, but also one that will reward good shot/course management. The overriding pleasure for me, as a regular Fire course player, is simply how at peace you feel out there. As the club is rarely busy (and with 15-minute tee intervals) you find yourself on a fantastically manicured and conditioned course without anyone else in sight – hardly ever a wait or queue. For me, the Fire course, along with Abu Dhabi Golf Club and perhaps the Els Club– are the finest courses in the region.