Al Zorah Golf Club, the first new 18-hole course in the UAE in six years, officially opened on Wednesday with its sights set on potentially hosting a European Tour event in the future.

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Ajman’s first golf club, also the first Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the UAE, was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and Supreme Council Member, at a marquee event in the northern emirate.

A spot among the 2016 MENA Tour venues appears a likely first step but Mark Chapleski, Senior Vice President of Troon Golf Middle East – the company behind Al Zorah – believes the course is capable of hosting even bigger events.

“I think the MENA Tour may be here next year,” Chapleski said. “Mohamed Buamaim [vice chairman and CEO of Golf In Dubai] has done an amazing thing for the region. Every year it’s getting bigger and bigger, and we definitely want to support that.

“The normal progress would then be a Challenge Tour event first before stepping up to the next level. Depending on sponsorship and desire, of course it’s possible to get a European Tour event out here.”

But with stiff competition from existing events including the Dubai Desert Classic, DP World Championship and Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Chapelski admitted a Tour event is not currently the main priority for Al Zorah.

“Because of other events in the UAE, it might be difficult to host one here,” he said. “Yes having a Tour event adds prestige but it is not a must. The most important thing is that you have a great golf course to come and play – we know we have that here.”

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Looking for a tee time at #AlZorah Golf Club? Look no further than #Golfscape! Book now at https://t.co/GifcriMnyw #PlayTroon

— Al Zorah Golf Club (@AlZorahGolfClub) December 5, 2015

European 2016 Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke is among the high-profile golfers to have already played the course, with the Northern Irishman reportedly impressed by what he saw.

More important for Al Zorah, though, will be its ability to attract local members. Competitive pricing and picturesque surroundings – with the course set among two million square metres of mangroves – will be key to the club’s success, according to Chapleski.

“It certainly offers something different to the other courses here,” he said. “You’ve got the peaceful serenity of the surroundings which people appreciate. “The price point is going to be a little kinder than what we see in Dubai and that should attract people. Once you come out here you realise it’s not far from Dubai at all. You’re only 30 minutes from the airport.”

Al Zorah’s opening comes nearly six years after the UAE’s last 18-hole course was inaugurated, with Chapleski claiming the difference between Ajman’s newest course and other projects is a clear focus on golf.

“We’ve had golf courses come and go over the last six years,” he said. “Sometimes developers take the golf course for granted trying to sell the real estate but here the course is at the heart of the Al Zorah resort. That’s what we’re proud of.”