The United Arab Emirates is the promised land of golf. It may sound weird, particularly with regard to the current summer heat during which the sun burns everything to a cinder, let alone in the Emirates, where the temperature climbs much higher. But believe me – it is so.

Certainly, the time when you set out for the Emirates is also important. The best conditions for local golfers prevail in winter with a pleasant temperature about 30 degrees and a clear sky. If you add to this the local, perfectly prepared golf resorts, you have a recipe that will allow you a top preparation for a new season. No wonder that this peaceful Arab country was chosen by David Carter for his training camps.

Dubai, transit station

A dynamically growing metropolis of Dubai is mostly associated with the Emirates. However, in the case of Carter’s camps, Dubai is only a transit station – after landing you get in a taxi with your golf bag and carry on for about a hundred kilometres further north. Right there, in the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, the English golf professional set up his base.

Ras al-Khaimah is a member of the seven local emirates. Sheikhs, who govern it, describe it as “the rising emirate.” And really – a continuous process of constructions is literally claiming land from the sea. For instance, the luxury private resort, Al Hamra Village, where the participants of Carter’s golf camps were accommodated, was built on this reclaimed land.

A large part of the private residential area, which is located just a short walk from the sea beach, is occupied by foreign workers who build their career in vibrant Dubai during the day. But when the sun goes down, they leave the global metropolis that never sleeps and drive via huge illuminated motorways to seek tranquillity right here. The road from Dubai takes a little over an hour.

Excellent base of Al Hamra

Al Hamra Village is an excellent base from which it is only a stone’s throw to the clubhouse of the Al Hamra Golf Club. But honestly, for the golfers who would like to discover new courses and play on a new one every day, Ras al-Khaimah is just not the right place. Indeed, there are only two golf courses, apart from Al Hamra there is also Tower Links, but it does not reach that standard. However, as far as training is concerned, Ras al-Khaimah is absolutely perfect.

The training camps offer excellent facilities and a quality eighteen-hole course lined with water. Its participants have a great opportunity to try a variety of game situations and strikes under the supervision of David Carter. Those who want to focus more on a short game can take advantage of the Par 3 Academy, which is also well maintained and greatly prepared.

Prices are, compared with Dubai, more than tempting. “The fee in Al Hamra costs the equivalent of around 120 Euros, however the club offers weekly packages with discounts. This package includes unlimited golf, as well as an unlimited supply of golf balls on the driving range. And that’s a really fantastic offer,” smiles David Carter, who is well known in the club. Almost everyone wants to shake his hand here.

No drill, rather a lot of games

David Carter has probably a sense for quality courses that are on the rise. Interest in the Al Hamra course has been rapidly growing – just in January, before the arrival of Carter’s team, golfers played about five thousand rounds here. The course was absolutely packed also during the camp in mid-February, and it was clear that the resort would be able to do well with another 9 or maybe even 18-hole golf course. And that is pretty possible, since a lot of constructions are going on around the course. Despite this, all the players enjoyed their game on the well-tended course.

The atmosphere in the camp was totally relaxed. Practice rounds were livened by internal bets, and there was a lot of joking going on at the driving range too. No drill, rather a lot of games. Improvements under the supervision of David Carter, who himself does not spoil any fun, were significant. “It’s an amazing experience for me; I’m very much enjoying it,” said the talented Vlasta Miller and his teammates nodded approvingly.

During a one-week camp, David Carter took care of eight players, to each of whom he devoted a large portion of time at both the driving range and practice rounds on the course. In addition, he also spent hours and hours giving interviews, sharing his experiences and insights. This is a complete package of golf mentoring, which is difficult to exceed. “It’s priceless,” evaluated the camp participants.

If you are planning to leave for Dubai with David Carter this winter, please do not hesitate to contact us on e-mail michaela@cartersgolfclub.cz. There are only a limited number of seats and a huge interest in training under the supervision of the European Tour winner.