World-class champion Colin Montgomerie endorses

The former Dubai Desert Classic champion toured the course during his visit to Dubai to participate in the 2004 edition of the Classic, which was claimed by American Mark O' Meara at the Emirates Golf Club.

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties and Chairman of the UAE Golf Association accompanied Montgomerie - designer of the course- on the tour of the 18-hole par 72 Championship Golf Course adjacent to Emaar's flagship Emirates Hills development.

Raimund Legnar, Director, Sales & Marketing, Golf Operations, Emaar said: "With Dubai emerging as a popular golfing destination, it is imperative that we develop golf courses which match international standards in both quality and amenities. That is why we teamed up with Colin Montgomerie, who with his vision and expertise, has helped us create one of the region's best golf courses."

Emaar's contribution towards the development of golf in Dubai and the region was further strengthened with the launch of The Desert Course last month. An 18-hole championship course which forms the centrepiece of the company's golf and equestrian themed Arabian Ranches development, it is the region's first true desert course.

"Both the championship golf courses, with their strategic location in the heart of new Dubai, and state-of-the-art design and amenities, reinstate the company's commitment to providing world-class facilities. The Montgomerie Dubai is already reckoned as one of the finest golf courses in the region and we are confident that The Desert Course will also become a major attraction for residents of Arabian Ranches, golf enthusiasts, and visitors to Dubai from all over the globe," continued Legnar.

Said Ken McIntyre, General Manager, The Montgomerie Dubai: "It is exciting when two great people like Colin and Chairman Alabbar come together to work on a project such as this. Both have tremendous vision and have experience from all over the globe. With Colin's knowledge of golf course design and Chairman Alabbar's commitment to have the finest amenities, I'm sure that any changes we implement will only serve to enhance what is the region's foremost golf and residential community."

The Montgomerie design improvements, scheduled for completion by 2005, will make the course even more enjoyable and offer greater value to the members of The Montgomerie Citizenship programme. In addition, it will add to the beauty of the landscape thereby enhancing the picturesque views for residents of Emirates Hills and adjoining Emaar developments.

"Emaar is committed to providing the best to its homeowners be it in the quality of developments or the amenities on offer at each of its diverse residential communities. We continuously strive to enhance our lifestyle products by offering more facilities designed to provide our homeowners optimum security, comfort and enjoyment, " concluded Legnar.

Managed by Troon Golf, The Montgomerie Dubai covers over two hundred acres of landscaped setting, featuring 79 bunkers, water features and some exclusive characteristics including the world's largest green.

Construction is underway for a state-of-the-art Clubhouse, offering boutique style accommodation through deluxe rooms and luxurious villas and a range of golfing amenities. Another added attraction is The Montgomerie Academy, which offers world-class practise facilities and innovative coaching programmes.