Al Hamra Golf Club, recognized as one of the Middle East’s leading championship golf courses and a venue for multiple DP World Tour events, will fully reopen all 18 holes on Saturday, November 8. This follows a comprehensive renovation project aimed at enhancing the playing experience while maintaining the course's unique character.
The 90-day project, managed by Al Hamra Golf Club in collaboration with original course architect Peter Harradine and his team at Harradine Golf, involved a complete redesign of holes 15, 16, and 17, along with modifications to the sixth and eighth holes.
Benoy Kurien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Hamra, stated, “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. 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.”
The renovation begins at the sixth hole, where the fairway landing area has been shifted slightly to the right, accompanied by a reconfigured bunker that refines shot strategy while preserving the hole’s original feel. The eighth hole now features a new tee complex on the left, offering a refreshed angle that aligns better with the redesigned 16th hole.
On the back nine, the 15th hole has been modified to include a larger green and surrounding area, allowing for a more forgiving approach for long iron or hybrid shots, while keeping the signature bunkering intact. The 16th hole has a new tournament tee that extends the hole to 492 yards, along with a newly designed multi-tiered green complex over 40 yards wide to accommodate various pin positions.
The 17th hole has seen a slight increase in length for tournament play, with new bunkering along the left side of the fairway leading to the green. The enlarged green now features a slope from right to left, providing both challenges and opportunities, particularly for Sunday pin placements.
Paul Booth, General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club, emphasized, “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. Working again with Peter Harradine and his team allows us to honor the original design philosophy while incorporating fresh elements that will excite golfers of all levels.”
The renovation has been supported by Troon International, the global division of Troon, the largest golf hospitality management company. Clinton Southorn, Director of Construction & Agronomy at Troon International, noted, “This renovation further demonstrates Al Hamra’s commitment to providing world-class golf experiences. The collaboration with Peter Harradine ensures that the original design integrity is preserved and strengthened for future generations of golfers.”
Throughout the renovation, Al Hamra Golf Club maintained an operational 18-hole rotation, sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF) and The R&A, allowing members and guests to continue playing. The agronomy team, led by Golf Course Superintendent Dindy Macatlang, ensured that 12 active holes remained open, providing a full round experience as preparations for the new season continued.
This renovation positions Al Hamra Golf Club at the center of Ras Al Khaimah's Al Hamra Community, which integrates residential, shopping, and hotel amenities, blending modern living with nature-inspired design. The club is strategically located opposite the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort development set to open in 2027.
Looking ahead, the enhancements set the stage for an exciting 2025–26 season, featuring the return of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, various WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) tournaments, the U.S. Kids International Final, and a series of winter training camps for international teams.
