Sofitel The Palm turns sea into golf driving range

Sofitel The Palm Dubai has launched a new golf experience for guests, which uses the water surrounding the property instead of a conventional grass field.

The property will use Ecobio golf balls that are biodegradable and certified by Applus+ as a non-polluting product that is safe to any plant and marine life.

The Ecobio balls are the only golf balls in the world that dissolve into fish food – as soon as the balls are submerged in water, the internal core that comprises of fish food gets released.

Sofitel The Palm recreation manager Eugene Swart explained: "The ocean is the perfect expanse in which to drive golf balls, and supports our living values of environmental sustainability through Ecobioballs. So while you’re enjoying a challenging game of golf, you are also providing food for our local marine life. Even if you’re not a golfer or the next US Masters champion, you can still enjoy a fun game of golf by the beach.”

Prices for the golf experience range from AED 60 ($16) for three balls to AED 650 ($177) for every 100 balls.