"Wind off the Gulf and water in play on nearly every hole make club selection the whole game here — the lagoon-side holes are as scenic as they are demanding."

Al Hamra Golf Club opened in 2007-08 as Ras Al Khaimah's championship anchor, designed by Peter Harradine — the same architect behind the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Builders moved a reported five million cubic meters of sand and soil to carve four interconnected lagoons through the desert, and the finished par-72 stretches to 7,325 yards. It has since hosted the European Challenge Tour (2016-18) and, in 2022, back-to-back DP World Tour events — the first Northern Emirates course to do so.

The member who wants a genuine championship test with a view — the par-5 3rd plays against the Waldorf Astoria skyline, and low-handicappers will appreciate five tee options stretching it to 7,325 yards.

The par-5 3rd is the postcard hole, water down both sides with the Waldorf Astoria as backdrop; the closing par-5 18th runs alongside water to a three-bunker green and has decided plenty of club events.

Lagoons flank fairways on both nines, including several tee shots — this course punishes a mis-hit driver. There's forgiving width on a few holes, but the water adds real pressure for a first-timer.

The course sits inside the larger Al Hamra Village development, with its own clubhouse restaurant, The Bay, looking down the closing par-5.

Water in play on nearly every hole means the sim bay's carry-distance readout earns its keep — flat desert lies, few blind shots, but frequent forced water carries off the tee and into greens.

Resort course managed by Troon; cart is typically included in the green fee. Weekdays are noticeably more relaxed than weekends — book ahead and avoid Fridays and Saturdays for a leisurely pace.