Dan Naudo is the Club Manager at Jumeirah Golf Estates, a leading golf and lifestyle destination in Dubai.
With a strong background in managing world-class golf and leisure venues in both the UK and the Middle East, Dan brings a wealth of operational experience and a passion for creating exceptional member and guest experiences. His previous roles include senior leadership positions at London Golf Club, Fairmont St Andrews, and Sindalah Golf Club in NEOM, Saudi Arabia. Now at the helm of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dan is focused on enhancing its vibrant community spirit, expanding lifestyle offerings, and further building on the reputation of the prestigious venue that hosts the DP World Tour Championship and two award-winning golf courses.
Jumeirah Golf Estates is renowned as one of the world’s top golf lifestyle estates. What makes it such a special destination for visitors and residents alike?
Although I’ve only been at Jumeirah Golf Estates for a short time, one of the first things that really stood out to me is the incredible sense of community. There aren’t many destinations or clubs I’ve come across that have such a thriving and engaged residential base. With around 1,200 homes on the estate, all with Country Club membership and many extending to Golf membership, this isn’t just a club – it’s home for a lot of people.
The country club and golf club sit right at the heart of the estate, surrounded by the residences. We have more than 900 personal buggies on site, and many members tell me they haven’t used their cars in weeks – everything they need is right here. With five restaurants, a spa, physiotherapy, a gym, tennis and padel courts, and swimming pools – plus supermarkets on the estate – it’s truly its own ecosystem.
Despite being part of Dubai, it feels completely separate – peaceful, green, and self-contained. There’s something about it that sets it apart, not just from other clubs in Dubai, but also from many lifestyle destinations across Europe and beyond. It carries a bit of that traditional American country club feel, but in a distinctly Dubai setting.
The Earth Course hosts the prestigious DP World Tour Championship. How does this annual event enhance the experience for visitors, and what opportunities are there for guests to engage with the tournament?
Hosting the DP World Tour Championship – and being the founding venue of the event – is a huge privilege. We’ve been the home of the season finale for 16 years now, and we’re proud to continue for at least another seven years.
The tournament has grown significantly in stature, and it’s become a real highlight not just for golfers, but also for the wider Dubai community. For visitors, there’s something very special about playing a course that’s been walked by some of the best in the world – and knowing the course conditions remain tournament standard all year round really adds to that experience.
But beyond the golf itself, the event has become a major social occasion. Dubai has a very active social scene, and this tournament plays right into that. We’ve seen up to 30,000 spectators on a weekend, including many non-golfers who attend simply for the atmosphere, live entertainment, and hospitality. I remember overhearing two first-time visitors say, “I never thought a golf event would be like this!” – and I think that’s exactly what we need to keep growing the game: making it welcoming, exciting, and accessible to everyone.
For those who haven’t yet visited, what experiences can members and guests enjoy beyond the fairways – from dining to wellness and leisure?
Jumeirah Golf Estates is far more than just two world-class golf courses. We have five restaurants offering a wide range of experiences. Bussola is our evening Italian venue; Bota is our healthy café located in the country club; and Crafty Fox is the lively sports bar and heart of the community – a popular spot for post-round drinks and social events. We host weekly activities there too, from quiz nights to ladies’ nights, Sunday roasts, and evening brunches. We also have Tap & Grill near our tennis and padel courts, and Kasturi – our intimate Indian restaurant on the roof terrace, seating just 35 guests.
On the events side, we’re equipped to host everything from corporate functions to weddings, with indoor spaces like the ballroom (up to 200 guests) and outdoor venues like the Palm Tree Court Terrace, which can accommodate up to 800.
In terms of wellness and sport, we’ve recently opened Bianco Spa, which features separate men’s and women’s areas offering massage, hairdressing, manicures, and more. We also have tennis and padel courts, an outdoor pool, a children’s play area, and of course, the Tommy Fleetwood Academy for top-tier coaching.
It’s all designed to offer something for everyone – whether you live here, are visiting for a golf break, or simply want to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle destination in Dubai.
