2016 Olympic Games Golf Course Designer for Trump International Golf Club, Dubai
DAMAC Properties Appoints Gil Hanse - Most ‘Sought After Golf Course Designer in the World’ - to Revolutionise Standards of Golf in Middle East
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 23 June 2013: World-renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse has been confirmed as the designer for the golf course at Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, set in the heart of the ‘AKOYA by DAMAC’ master development.
Hanse is one of the most respected names in the industry and has not only been commissioned to design the course for the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil but was also hired last year by Donald J. Trump for the renovation of the famed, ‘Blue Monster’ at Trump National Doral, Miami which is currently home to the World Golf Championships - Cadillac Championship, an official PGA TOUR event.
The 7,205-yard, par 71, 18-hole Championship course is the focal point of ‘AKOYA by DAMAC’, a 28 million square foot master plan development on Umm Sequim Road, just 10 minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road.
Construction is already underway on the project, which will include a 30,000 square foot club house – the largest of its kind in Dubai – and a luxurious Trump Spa & Wellness centre and world-class dining, all of which will be managed to the highest standards by Trump.
The pro-shop will offer high-tech analysis equipment to fit members and guests with the perfect clubs, while the Golf Academy will integrate the most advanced technology from the United States, with qualified professionals to help hone your game and improve your swing. The development also comes complete with four international-standard tennis courts.
Trump International Golf Club, Dubai is collaboration between DAMAC Properties, the region’s largest luxury private developer, and The Trump
Organization, headed by US real estate mogul, Donald J. Trump. Trump International, Dubai is the 15th course Trump will manage, and is the first in the Middle East.
“We have always aspired to design courses around the globe and Dubai is one of the most sought after golfing destinations in the world,” said Hanse. “It is an honour to team up with Mr. Trump again and we are looking forward to bringing forth our expertise to develop a strategic, fun and interesting course, which will fit into its surroundings, while being accessible for all.”
Hanse has been charged with delivering the finest course in the Middle East, with the goal of hosting a professional tour event.
In addition to the course Hanse will also oversee the development of the academy, double-ended driving range, chipping area and putting greens, which will all reflect the same challenges and tests on the course itself.
“Gil is easily one of the most sought after golf course designers in the world today and we have enjoyed working with him and his team on ‘The Blue Monster’ at Trump National Doral, which we will be unveiling early next year,” said Mr. Donald J. Trump, Chairman & President of The Trump Organization. “We are confident that Gil will bring his unique perspective and expertise to what will soon become the greatest golf course in the region.”
The course will be completed by the end of 2013, with the luxury villas and mansions which overlook the course following over the next couple of years.
“There is a huge desire for luxurious living around green, open spaces, and AKOYA at DAMAC taps at the heart of that demand,” said Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties. “By bringing in The Trump Organisation, and now Gil Hanse to design the course, we are making a strong statement as to the quality of the overall development ... simply, we are providing only the most elite, desirable experiences in the project.”
AKOYA by DAMAC will be a fully-integrated community with globally-recognised retail brands, leisure & entertainment offerings, a sports complex and beautifully manicured landscaping throughout.
DAMAC Properties has completed 8,890 units to date spanning 9,070,264 sq. ft. it also has a further 19,136 units at various stages of progress across the Middle East region covering 23,816,070 sq. ft. out of which 5,193 units will be completed in 2013.
In October 2011, DAMAC Properties launched its hospitality division, DAMAC Maison, which will provide bespoke services to residents in 7,957 serviced hotel apartments, across 8,280,507 sq. ft. by the end of 2016, with 2,810 serviced hotel apartments will be completed this year. This will position the company as one of the largest Hotel Apartment operators and developers in the world.