22 million reasons why Topgolf Dubai is driving golf's major shift in the UAE
According to Chris May, CEO of Dubai Golf, the entertainment-led venue at Emirates Golf Club saw more than 650,000 guests in the past year, hitting an eye-popping 22.6 million balls. That's an average of over 60,000 golf balls struck daily, many by first-timers.
'It's been phenomenal,' says May. 'A lot of people pick up a club for the first time there, and many have gone on to join local golf clubs. It's fun, engaging, and packed every night of the year.'
Topgolf Dubai's numbers are a powerful sign of how the sport is evolving in the UAE, moving beyond traditional country club boundaries and finding new fans through innovation and accessibility.
Dubai Golf, which operates flagship venues like Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates, is now overseeing expansion projects to meet soaring demand. 'We've reached a stage where the existing infrastructure, world-class as it is, is operating at near capacity, especially during peak season,' May notes.
Presently, the UAE boasts 26 golf courses, with Dubai leading the charge with 13. Several new courses are set to open this year, including a third layout at Jumeirah Golf Estates and a high-profile course at Dubai South, part of an Emaar mega-development.
'We had limited growth over the past 10 years,' says May. 'But now, the level of demand, both locally and internationally, has hit a tipping point.'
The rise of Topgolf adds a new layer to this boom. While the UAE hosts elite tournaments like the DP World Tour Championship and Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Topgolf introduces golf in a laid-back, social setting, expanding the sport's reach across ages and skill levels.
May's vision goes beyond luxury. 'I'd love to see more mid-range and affordable options, courses that are accessible and encourage new players to pick up the game,' he says.
As the UAE grows its global golfing footprint, it's venues like Topgolf that are driving the next wave of players from casual fans to future champions.
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