Trump International Golf Club Dubai was officially opened yesterday with Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, sons of US President Donald Trump, present at the function as guests of honour.
The Gil Hanse-designed lay-out, which forms the heart of the 42-million square foot DAMAC Hills master development, becomes the 12th golf course in Dubai. The championship-size 18-hole course measures 7,205 yards from the back tees and plays to par-71.
Hussain Sajwani, chairman of DAMAC Properties, said: “It is an honour to stand here today with Eric and Donald Trump Jr., as well as dignitaries and prominent members of the business community, to celebrate yet another outstanding milestone for our city Dubai.
“The Trump International Golf Club Dubai is an international golf course that just joined the league of the most premium golf courses in the world. It certainly transforms the golfing scene in Dubai and across the region, reaffirming the emirate’s position as a global destination for world-class developments.”
Trump International Dubai is the latest addition to the company’s impressive portfolio, which includes Turnberry and Aberdeen in Scotland, Doonbeg in Ireland and 12 other courses across the United States.
It is the Trump Organisation’s first foray into the Middle East market and at the gala launch, punctuated by a spectacular fireworks display, executive vice president Eric Trump outlined his expectation that Dubai’s newest course will be the jewel in the region’s golfing crown.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this momentous occasion in Dubai and to witness the opening of this latest offering in our portfolio of Trump golf courses – the first in the Middle East,” he said at the inauguration, attended by the region’s golfing glitterati.
Congratulations to our team at @TrumpGolfDubai on an amazing opening! We are proud of all of you! @TrumpGolf pic.twitter.com/mQLsH22QdZ
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) February 18, 2017
“We are very proud of our collaboration with DAMAC Properties and look forward to bringing a new level of challenge and luxury to Dubai at this truly spectacular property.
“Everyone’s put in so much blood, sweat and tears into making this happen and we’ve achieved something that is tremendous. We’ve truly built one of the great golf courses anywhere in the world and truly, probably the best golf course anywhere in the Middle East and beyond.
“You walk through the clubhouse, you see the marble, you see the quality, you see the attention to detail. You look at the grass, you see the condition of the grass, of the greens and the tees and the bunkers – it is truly second to none anywhere. This course is going to be a proud symbol of Dubai and of this country for many years to come.”
Trump paid tribute to those behind the scenes and insisted that Trump International Dubai is merely the company’s first step, with the Tiger Woods-designed Trump World Golf Club set to be the next venture in the city.
Fireworks over the 18th hole at @TrumpGolfDubai! After years of hard work, we are officially open! @TrumpGolf pic.twitter.com/i8A21exPwm
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) February 18, 2017
“Our team have done an incredible job, a quick thanks to Gil Hanse too, who did a phenomenal job. We are so proud to be here tonight. On behalf of the entire family, on behalf of the entire Trump organisation, on behalf of the entire team at Trump International Dubai it’s a tremendous honour to stand before you. Thanks for your love, your friendship. We’re going to have a lot of fun years together and this is just the beginning.”
Donald Trump Jr echoed his brother’s sentiments, adding: “It’s been a privilege to do this, to be a part of this project and to work on it. What you have in front of you is a truly world class facility. Not just for Dubai but anywhere.
“It is a unique, incredibly well-designed golf course that will give many of years of enjoyment to its members, visitors, guests passing through the country and I think it’s a great example of what can be built here and what will continue to be built for years to come.”
