Trump Dubai

Trump Dubai by Gil Hanse is located 20 minutes drive into the desert, part of a huge residential development.

And even though there are swish residences wherever you look, this is a course you need to play. It offers something very different to the staple Dubai fare of trees and water. Here, there is one water hazard and so few small trees that you barely notice them.

It is classic Hanse, full of wide playing areas, clever angles and trademark short grass.

There is no rough, and tees run seamlessly into fairways, which in run uninterrupted into greens.

Sandy waste areas and beautiful fairway shaping define Trump Dubai instead.  It frequently looks epic, in the manner of Pinehurst.

Of more relevance to the playing experience is its presentation. Short grass is its trademark; there is no rough, and tees run seamlessly into fairways, which in turn flow uninterrupted into greens.

The width off the tee offers tremendous forgiveness to all levels but as at Hanse’s Scottish masterpiece Castle Stuart, there is great advantage to be gained by positioning your drives to help you find the slick, contoured greens.

Part of Trump Dubai's appeal is that it offers something very different to anything in Dubai, which is populated by stereotypical desert resort courses. It has no trees and only one water hazard – which affects the 9th and 18th – for a start.

Yas, by Kyle Phillips, is different, offering sea views and a seaside feel if not playing like a true links. While Hanse's creation has no coastal views – it is 20 minutes' drive inland and surrounded by residences – it plays a little more like a links. Chris Bertram