A slice of UAE sporting history will be restored thanks to an ambitious plan to restore the old Nad Al Sheba golf course and transform it into a true life-style community facility under the Meydan banner.
Work on the project has commenced and the new nine-hole course is expected to be ready for play on October 15, 2011.
Outlining the strategic plans at an official ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, Meydan Communications Director Mohammad Abdul Nasser Al Khayat said that the development will reflect a traditional renovation of one of Dubai’s most popular golfing locations.
The golf course, which was closed on 1 June 2008 to make way for the Meydan racecourse, will experience a complete renewal at the hands of internationally acclaimed golf architect Peter Harradine.
Harradine, who designed the courses at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club and the Al Hamra Course in Ras Al Khaimah including neighboring Doha Golf Club, said his alterations will allow the course to stay true to its form.
Work has commenced and the general plan is to burn most of the grass and re-sprig a large part of the area with Bermuda grass.
“The project is not expected to involve a great deal of changes as such but we will be focusing on improving the greens and fairways.”
With plans to build housing villas inside the course Harradine said that the landscaping will nevertheless offer golfers uninterrupted view of the iconic Meydan Grandstand and racecourse.
Harradine Golf www.harradine-golf.com