Al Hamra GC reopens after renovation

Al Hamra Golf Club, which has hosted multiple DP World Tour events, reopened all 18 holes on November 8 following a comprehensive renovation project designed to elevate the playing experience while preserving the course’s distinct character.

The 90-day project featured design changes with original course architect Peter Harradine and his team at Harradine Golf, including the complete redesign of holes 15, 16 and 17, as well as modifications to the sixth and eighth holes.

“The renovation of Al Hamra Golf Club marks another important milestone in our vision to position Ras Al Khaimah as one of the region’s leading lifestyle and leisure destinations,” Al Hamra group CEO Benoy Kurien said. “This project reflects our ongoing investment in creating world-class experiences that enhance the Al Hamra community. By working alongside Troon International and Peter Harradine, we have ensured the course not only preserves its unique charm but evolves to meet the expectations of today’s golfers and tomorrow’s visitors.”

The course offers views of the Arabian Gulf and the Hajar Mountains, blending desert and coastal landscapes. Its renovations start on the sixth hole, where the fairway landing area has moved slightly to the right with a reconfigured bunker that refines shot strategy while maintaining the hole’s original feel.

The eighth hole features a new tee complex to the left of the current tees, offering a refreshed playing angle from the tee and alignment with the redesigned 16th hole.

The changes on the back nine start on the 15th hole with a larger green and surrounding area, creating a more forgiving approach for the long iron or hybrid shot while retaining the hole’s signature bunkering on either side of the green.

The challenging 16th hole sees the addition of a new tournament tee, extending the hole to 492 yards, complemented by a new multi-tiered green complex stretching over 40 yards wide, accommodating a variety of pin positions.

Finally, the 17th hole has a slight increase in length for tournament play but the strategy of this hole will shift with new bunkering along the left side of the fairway leading up to the green. The enlarged green now features a slope from right to left, adding both challenge and opportunity, especially for Sunday pin positions.

“Our primary goal has been to preserve the character and charm of Al Hamra Golf Club while introducing new design features that improve strategy, aesthetics and playability,” club GM Paul Booth said. “Working once again with Peter Harradine and his team allows us to both honor the original design philosophy and introduce fresh elements that will excite golfers of all levels. This project underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining Al Hamra’s position as one of the UAE’s most enjoyable and scenic golf courses.”

The project has been supported throughout by Troon International, the international division of Troon, the world’s largest golf hospitality management company.

“This renovation further demonstrates Al Hamra’s commitment to providing world-class golf experiences,” Troon International construction and agronomy director Clinton Southorn said. “The collaboration with Peter Harradine ensures the original design integrity is not only preserved but strengthened for the next generation of golfers. We’re incredibly proud of the team’s effort and thank the ownership for their vision behind this project — it’s a perfect example of Troon’s focus on quality, consistency and innovation across our global portfolio.”

Throughout the project, Al Hamra Golf Club maintained a fully operational, official 18-hole rotation, rated and sloped in cooperation with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and The R&A. The course’s agronomy team, led by golf course superintendent Dindy Macatlang, ensured 12 active holes remained open so members and guests could play one of the six-hole loops twice, from different tees, as preparations continue for the new season and the full course reopening.