One of the more recent delights in travelling to the Middle East for rounds of the DP World Tour has been visiting the UAE emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah and tackling the wonderful Al Hamra course.

Al Hamra is very easy 90-minute or so drive north of Dubai through the Emirate of Sharjah and onto Ras Al-Khaimah, and with the golf course and surrounding hotels among the first items of interest in visiting a very laid back emirate than compared with Dubai.

Among those ‘items’ is the stunning Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah hotel that stands guard over the opening handful of holes.

There was an absence of three years from 2019 to 2021 in hosting an event, and part due to the Coronavirus before the club returned to the men’s professional limelight with the hosting of the inaugural 2022 Ras Al-Khaimah Championship when Dane Nicolai Hojgaard won.

Earlier this year, Spaniard Alejandro del Rey was successful in capturing the fourth hosting of the event.

It was December 2021 when I first formally shared my delight in being afforded the opportunity to play Al Hama and thanks to Al Hamra’s Craeg Derry.

Pleae read:  https://www.golfbytourmiss.com/2021/12/al-hamra-golf-club-well-worth-the-visit-now-for-the-golf-world-to-admire/

Having enjoyed so much travelling to Ras Al-Khaimah to not only be afforded the opportunity to lay the course and then attend the event, it was welcome news in learning via good friend Roddy Williams at The Azalea Group that the championship course has undergone a comprehensive renovation project designed to elevate the playing experience while preserving the course’s distinct character.

The 90-day project that was wrapped-up just recently was initiated by Al Hamra Golf Club and oversaw the design changes with the original course architect Peter Harradine and his team at Harradine Golf, included 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,” said Benoy Kurien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Hamra.

“This project reflects our ongoing investment in creating world-class experiences that enhance the Al Hamra community, where exceptional golf, hospitality and residential living come together. 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 renovations start on the sixth, 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 15^th 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 16^th hole sees the addition of a new tournament tee, extending the hole to 492 yards, complemented by a brand-new, multi-tiered green complex stretching over 40 yards wide, accommodating a variety of pin positions.

Finally, the 17^th 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,” said Paul Booth, General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club.

“Working once again with Peter Harradine and his team allows us to both honour 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.

Clinton Southorn, Director of Construction & Agronomy of Troon International, said: “This renovation further demonstrates Al Hamra’s commitment to providing world-class golf experiences.

“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, allowing members and guests to continue to play a full round. 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.

This renovation ensures the golf course takes centre stage in Ras Al Khaimah, and within the Al Hamra Community that features residential, shopping and hotels, blending modern living with nature-inspired design. Strategically positioned opposite the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort development that is set to open in 2027, Al Hamra Golf Club continues to focus on delivering memorable member and guest experiences.

The enhancements set the stage for a vibrant 2025–26 season, highlighted by the return of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, multiple WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) tournaments, the U.S. Kids International Final, and a series of winter training camps for international squads.

Many thanks to long-time good friend Roddy Williams, Head of Content & Media at Azalea.  Phone: +44 (0)7899 940029 & Email:  roddy@theazaleagroup.com