The Education City course has wider fairways, but unleashing your driver off the tee isn’t always the best idea. There are a lot more bunkers, and nine of the 12 lakes are part of the Championship course.

However, the key to doing well is a strong short game. Known for his immaculate skills on and around the greens, Olazabal has demanded a similar prowess from those playing on his creation.

Michael Braidwood, general manager of the Education City Golf Club, says: “That’s the Ollie touch to the golf course. The greens are slightly elevated, there are many subtle slopes and runoff areas. To score well, you’ve got to be on song with your short game.”

The course is a par-72 for members, but the par-5 18th is converted to a par-4 during the Qatar Masters. The most difficult hole on the course is the par-3 ninth, playing over 230 yards from the back tees with a carry over water.

Speaking on the state of the game in Qatar, Braidwood said he wouldn’t be surprised if several golf courses come up over the next few years.

“The whole focus right now is on football because of the FIFA World Cup next year. But given the success we’ve had, as has the Doha Golf Club, I won’t be surprised if we have a few more joining us soon,” remarks Braidwood.

“Ever since the pandemic lockdown was lifted, both the clubs have done very good business. Even in the summer time, we’re doing 20% more business compared to previous years. And it’s worth keeping in mind that with the travel restrictions, all this traffic is because of the domestic golfers. You can imagine the situation when we start getting back the tourists.

“At our academy and the Centre of Excellence, we now have nearly 300 kids in our junior programmes, and more families are trying out our 6-hole and the par-3 courses. It’s getting difficult to keep up with the demand.”