Golf is an obsession in Dubai. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities on the green, try the courses designed by Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els. Better yet, head to the city's most famous course, the Emirates Golf Club, which hosts the annual Dubai Desert Classic (total prize money is a cool $2.5 million). It's a stunning course, whose 18th hole has one of the finest approaches in the world. Almost as impressive is the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, which boasts a challenging par-72 course along with a fun "pitch 'n' putt" course, plus an impressive clubhouse whose architecture echoes that of the Sydney Opera House. Tee times go quickly, so you'd be wise to book in advance, especially if you want to be among the first to take a swing at Tiger's tees: the first holes designed by Woods — the Tiger Woods Dubai, a private golf community and resort — are due to open in September 2009.

• 1. The Montgomerie Dubai
  Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-390-5600 themontgomerie.com
• 2. The Els Club
  Emirates Road, Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-425-1010 elsclubdubai.com
• 3. Emirates Golf Club
  Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-380-2222 dubaigolf.com/egc
• 4. Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
  Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-295-6000 dubaigolf.com/dcgyc
• 5. Tiger Woods Dubai
  Dubai, U.A.E.; 971-(0)4-366-2064 tigerwoodsdubai.com