Al Mouj Golf (Academy Course), Muscat
Being a golfer of many years, there are a few things I have never done related to golf. While some of these may be expected, such as a hole-in-one or an albatross, others are probably less so. Such as the fact that I have never played an academy course or a par 3 course! During my time in Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, I got the chance to play Al Mouj Golf Academy Course and below is my opinion of it.
Note: Apologies for the poor quality on some of the pictures in the article but it started bucketing with rain during my round and due to this some of the pictures didn’t come out as I planned.
Course layout (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)
The layout is obviously a short course but is very good for your short iron practice. With holes ranging from less than 100 yards to about 150 yards you get to use your wedges a lot. Some of the holes are straight forward but a few call for you to be more accurate because of bunkers or water. I enjoyed the layout as all holes were not the same and there was a nice variety of par 3’s.
Course condition (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)
The greens were obviously not as good a quality as the Championship course and were a little patchy in places. But as I see this course more as a way to guide people into the main course with playing more irons I wasn’t concerned about it. I see the Academy course as somewhere you get to practice your iron shots from mid to short distance.
The tees however and the fairways had no problems and even the bunkers were good. Overall I was happy with the condition of the course for an academy course.
Facilities (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆)
The facilities for the Academy Course are the same as for the Championship Course.
Please click here to read about the Championship Course.
Price (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)
The price for the Al Mouj Golf Academy Course is OMR6 in the summer and OMR8 in the winter. As a nice friendly way for a group to finish up their day in Al Mouj Golf after playing the Championship Course or if you are just looking to improve your short iron play under a bit of pressure then I see this as a reasonable price.
Setting & Course location (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆)
The course is located in Al Mouj Golf on 18th November St.; it’s easy to get to from Muscat and is only 5 minutes from the airport. From the centre of Muscat it’s about a 15 minutes journey.
You need to watch for the slip road to the entrance of the course as if you miss it you have a long drive to take a roundabout to come back on yourself. Once checked in at the reception you take the path past the driving range to the first tee of the Academy Course.
For the location on Google Maps please click here.
Conclusion
I actually really enjoyed playing the Academy Course! I found myself chuckling to myself on some tees planning to hit a half shot in, and smiling to myself all the way around the course. It felt like there was no pressure on me as I was out enjoying myself, which is the way golf should be!
Too often I think people (including me) get so expectant of themselves they forget what is one of the fundamental reasons for playing good golf, and that’s to go out and enjoy yourself! Playing the Academy course certainly gave that feeling back to me!
From a golf point of view it really does help your short iron game and I could see it paying off if you play it every week instead of just hitting balls on a range.
OVERALL RATING – (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)
Contact Details for Al Mouj Golf, Muscat
Website: Click here
Telephone: +968 22 00 59 90
Email: golf@almoujgolf.com
Hole-by-Hole
All distances from the white tees which I played from. Indexes are the same for both sets of tees.
Hole 1: Par 3, 123yds, index 2
Your first hole on the course is one of the toughest. The green is slightly above you and you need to carry a lake. Have enough club to get on the green and forget about the water and you’ll be ok.
Hole 2: Par 3, 87yds, index 6
The second is less than a hundred yards but is slightly uphill also. There are banks protecting the sides of the green but stay within these and you should have a safe par.
Hole 3: Par 3, 65yds, index 8
What can catch you on this hole is the short distance and the fact you need to play a less than full shot, and that the hole is slightly downhill. Aim for the centre of the green with a nice easy swing and it’s an easy hole.
Hole 4: Par 3, 151yds, index 3
The longest hole on the course and protected by a bunker short right. Stay to the left side of the green and club enough to get over the bunker.
Hole 5: Par 3, 133yds, index 4
This hole shares a green with the second and is protected by a bunker short left. As in the last hole, give yourself enough club to get over the bunker. Aim to the right hand side of the green to be safe.
Hole 6: Par 3, 89yds, index 9
A short hole but with a bunker situated right in the line going for the middle of the green. This one is very important to not be short on and you may want to aim to the side of the green the pin is on.
Hole 7: Par 3, 87yds, index 7
Another hole less than a hundred yards and surrounded by banks. There are two bunkers short right so to be safe you want to go to the left side of the green to avoid risking these.
Hole 8: Par 3, 143yds, index 5
Quite a tough hole even for players who are used to playing on full length courses. You have water on your left and slightly in front of you. Block this from your mind and take aim at the green which is clear of bunkers or other hazards.
Hole 9: Par 3, 132yds, index 1
The last hole is another nice little tester for you. With water on the left of the green and OOB on the right you need to be accurate with your tee shot. If in doubt play to the right side of the green and the banks may help your ball onto it.
