29 January 2007 - Ernie Els, perennially ranked as one of the top golfers in the world, made his final tour of the construction of The Dunes golf course at Dubai Sports City before the course is officially open for play in November this year.

Along with members of his design team, Els walked all 18 holes of the course, surveying the progress to date and adding his final input to the design.

Speaking to his team as he inspected the course, Els was enthusiastic and excited about the development to date: “It’s great being back in Dubai and I am almost blown away by the progress of the course. I firmly believe that The Dunes at Dubai Sports City will be one of the best golf courses in Dubai when it is completed. I always enjoy spending time here and now I have even more reason to keep coming back. I look forward to my first proper game at The Dunes.

The Dunes is Ernie Els Design’s first golf course in the Middle East and combines a links golf course with traditional ‘classical era’ design. At 7,563 yards from the back tees and with over 80 bunkers, The Dunes will be a showpiece course and will be the backdrop for the Victory Heights community of over 900 spacious and elegant villas.

U Balasubramaniam, CEO of Dubai Sports City, said : “ Ernie Els has demonstrated 100% commitment to the development of The Dunes and has been involved in its construction every step of the way. We know that this will be a fantastic course, set to rival any in the world, and we could not have asked for a better partner than Ernie to make this happen. “