Golf vacation: Al Hamra Golf Club - desert golf in Ras Al Khaimah

For many golf travelers, Ras Al Khaimah has so far led a shadowy existence compared to its "big brother" Dubai. However, those who find their way to the emirate, which is particularly suitable for family vacations, are likely to be pleasantly surprised by Al Hamra Golf Club. The course has been part of Troon Golf's international portfolio since the end of 2017 and has since raised its profile considerably - not least because the club attracted international attention as the venue for the final tournament of the Challenge Tour in 2018.

The Par 72 course stretches from around 5,300 to almost 6,700 meters in length and offers a fair tee choice for all skill levels thanks to five tees per hole. Those who shy away from the summer heat can simply play in the evening: Nine holes are floodlit, allowing you to play golf in the mystical atmosphere of the illuminated course.

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Front Nine: Precision between water and waste areas

The opening on the front nine sets the tone: Waste areas and water dominate the scene right from the start. The short Par-4 on hole 1 requires precision over the right side; hole 2 - a slight dogleg right - repeats the pattern. The first highlight awaits on the third hole, a 526-meter-long Par-5 that bends twice and has water on the entire right side. If you look back from the green after the Putt, you will see one of the most atmospheric images of the entire round: Al Hamra Village reflected in the water.

Hole 4, a short Par 3, is supposedly the easiest hole - as long as you avoid the water on the left and the green bunker on the right. Holes 5 to 9 continuously increase the challenge. A mighty fairway bunker awaits on the 6th directly in the driveland zone, and the front nine ends with a crisp Par-4 over 437 meters, which becomes a real test, especially in headwinds.

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Back nine: a challenge for strategists

The second half of the round opens with the most difficult hole on the course: a Par-4 of up to 416 meters, where water lurks just before the green and, together with green bunkers, seals it off almost hermetically. The following hole is in the same vein - a Par-3 that almost feels like an island green, as the path to it leads exclusively over water.

This is immediately followed by the third most difficult hole, hole 12: 444 meters Par-4, where no straight shot from the tee is possible. Water threatens the ideal line and a large waste area awaits anyone on the left who does not control the ball precisely. Holes 13 to 17 vary cleverly in length and character. The crowning glory is hole 18, a Par-5 with a view of the large lake. The fairway tapers towards the green and is excellently defended by three elongated bunkers on either side of the green. Anyone who records another Par here has truly earned their after-round drink at the clubhouse bar.

Conclusion: Strategic depth in Ras Al Khaimah

The Al Hamra Golf Club requires precise shots and clever course management. If you are looking for challenge, beauty and strategic depth - and are not daunted by water and sand - Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most interesting golf addresses in the entire region.