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The course is located a fair way (not fairway) out from the glitzy skyscrapers and hotels and resorts of Dubai, amid the expatriate encalve of Arabian Ranches. A taxi from Jumeirah Beach will take around 45mins; travelling from the Deira (the city centre) will take at least an hour.

Arabian Ranches (formerly known as the Desert Course) has something of a reputation among Dubai's golfing populous. Why? Well, it's unquestionably the toughest course in the emirate and high handicappers (in fact anyone who can't keep it straight) are advised to stay away.

The course is routed through unforgiving wild desert scrub and its rippling fairways, which can be hard to make out from the tee because of the flatness of the land and the encroaching scrub, are relatively narrow compared with Emirates GC and Dubai Creek G&YC. When the wind whips off the desert - as it usually does throughout the year - it wreaks havoc on anyone who isn't in control of their game.

Although this isn't a really long course from the blue tees (from the tips it's an absolute monster at over 7,600 yards) the premium is on accuracy off the tee. Miss the fairway and it'll definitely cost a shot at least (if you're lucky enough to even find your ball). The desert scrub is in play on every hole and the greens feature some frightening slopes. Interestingly, there isn't a defined bunker or water hazard on the course. The sand that you see is where the designers have allowed the desert to remain; these are treated as 'waste areas' which means you're allowed to ground your club if you end up in them. On the flip side, however, these are seldom raked which makes them true hazards for even the best sand players.

Play movie.....

Given the difficulty in actually seeing the landing areas from the tee - they're not hidden exactly but the flatness of the land certainly affects depth percecption - this could be the most befuddling course to play for first timers. Fortunately, all the carts feature GPS technology which gives a pretty good idea where you should be aiming. It's not perfect, but it's certainly a help. If this was a walking course (with no GPS) I think we'd still be out there playing.

Like the other courses in Dubai: exceptional. The faiways run hard and fast while the greens are cut low - meaning, of course, super slick putting surfaces. Also like the other courses in Dubai, Arabian Ranches uses millions of gallons of water a day keeping the grass green. This makes green fees higher than in most other countries but it's worth the extra cash if you get to play superbly conditioned courses the whole time. (Take note Chinese course owners!).

There are no caddies at Arabian Ranches. Although it's unlikely that a caddie service will be implemented, a well-trained caddie would certainly help here.

The Golf007 rating panel are a little at odds with each other on this one. We all agree that the clubhouse and accompanying facilities are first class, the maintenance superb, and the experience traumatic, but we're divided on the quality of golf here. This English reviewer thinks the course, although an incredibly demanding test for sure, could, in time, become one of the best in this part of the world - although the surrounding real estate, which catches the eye on a number of holes, is pretty grotesque - and low handicappers should definitely pay it a visit. Actually, that should read visits because it becomes a lot more enjoyable (and easier to play) once you get your bearings. Higher handicappers should stick to the easier tracks at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and the Montgomerie Dubai.

Ace 12/06