Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: Al Hamra Golf Club, one of the Middle East’s premier championship golf courses and venue of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) victories in the Bonallack Trophy and Patsy Hankins Trophy in January, has fully reopened all 18 holes following a comprehensive renovation project designed to elevate the playing experience while preserving the course’s distinct character.
The three-month project, which was carried out by the course’s original architect, Peter Harradine and his team at Harradine Golf, included the complete redesign of holes 15, 16 and 17, as well as modifications to holes six and eight.
“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,” said Benoy Kurien, Group Chief Executive Officer of Al Hamra.
“This project reflects our on-going investment in creating world-class experiences that enhance the Al Hamra community, where exceptional golf, hospitality and residential living come together. By working alongside Troon International and Peter Harradine, we have ensured the course not only preserves its unique charm but evolves to meet the expectations of today’s golfers and tomorrow’s visitors.”
Host venue to the DP World Tour on multiple occasions, Al Hamra was the scene of a famous APGC ‘double’ at the start of the year with the men defeating their European Golf Association opponents in the Ryder Cup-style team match play event and the region’s women proving too strong for their female counterparts from Europe in the Patsy Hankins Trophy.
The renovations at Al Hamra start on the sixth, where the fairway landing area has moved slightly to the right with a reconfigured bunker that refines shot strategy while maintaining the hole’s original feel. The eighth hole features a new tee complex to the left of the current tees, offering a refreshed playing angle from the tee and alignment with the redesigned 16th hole.
The changes on the back nine start on the 15th hole with a larger green and surrounding area, creating a more forgiving approach for the long iron or hybrid shot while retaining the hole’s signature bunkering on either side of the green.
The challenging 16th hole sees the addition of a new tournament tee, extending the hole to 492 yards, complemented by a brand-new, multi-tiered green complex stretching over 40 yards wide, accommodating a variety of pin positions.
Finally, the 17th hole has a slight increase in length for tournament play but the strategy of this hole will shift with new bunkering along the left side of the fairway leading up to the green. The enlarged green now features a slope from right to left, adding both challenge and opportunity, especially for Sunday pin positions.
“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,” said Paul Booth, General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club.
“Working once again with Peter Harradine and his team allows us to both honour the original design philosophy and introduce fresh elements that will excite golfers of all levels. This project underscores our commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining Al Hamra’s position as one of the UAE’s most enjoyable and scenic golf courses,” he added.
The project has been supported throughout by Troon International, the international division of Troon, the world’s largest golf hospitality management company.
Clinton Southorn, Director of Construction & Agronomy of Troon International, said: “This renovation further demonstrates Al Hamra’s commitment to providing world-class golf experiences. The collaboration with Peter Harradine ensures the original design integrity is not only preserved but strengthened for the next generation of golfers.
“We’re incredibly proud of the team’s effort and thank the ownership for their vision behind this project – it’s a perfect example of Troon’s focus on quality, consistency and innovation across our global portfolio.”
Throughout the project, Al Hamra Golf Club maintained a fully operational, official 18-hole rotation, rated and sloped in co-operation with the Emirates Golf Federation and The R&A, allowing members and guests to continue to play a full round.
The course’s agronomy team, led by Golf Course Superintendent Dindy Macatlang, ensured 12 active holes remained open so members and guests could play one of the six-hole loops twice, from different tees, as preparations continue for the new season and the full course reopening.
This renovation ensures the golf course takes centre stage in Ras Al Khaimah, and within the Al Hamra Community that features residential, shopping and hotels, blending modern living with nature-inspired design. Strategically positioned opposite the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort development that is set to open in 2027, Al Hamra Golf Club continues to focus on delivering memorable member and guest experiences.
The enhancements set the stage for a vibrant 2025-26 season, highlighted by the return of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, multiple WAGR tournaments, the US Kids International Final, and a series of winter training camps for international squads.
