Subscribe by 
Ranking joy for Abu Dhabi
Yas Links leads with Abu Dhabi GC and Saadiyat Beach close behind
On the eve of the Race to Dubai final on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, it was Dubai’s United Arab Emirates sister, Abu Dhabi, which had the most to shout about.
Abu Dhabi’s three championship courses dominated the 2011 Golf Digest Middle East rankings, with Yas Links Golf Club voted number-one by the editorial panel. Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club also made the list’s top four.
Yas links is found on Yas Island, which is also the site of a number of world class attractions that include a Formula 1 Grand Prix racing track, the Ferrari World theme park and, of course, the golf course, which opened in 2010.
The golf facility extends to an 18-hole layout, a nine-hole academy course and floodlit practice area, and it was the first project that renowned architect Kyle Phillips has worked on in the Middle East.
He was involved right from the outset when it was decided to shape nearly two miles of coastline (during the construction phase of an access route to the marina) and use almost two million cubic metres of dredged sand to cap the golf course.
Extending to 7,450 yards with five tee positions at every hole, Yas Links was over three years in construction and with eight of the holes located right on the coastline.
The youngest of the trio, the Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is one of the world’s most uniquely captivating golf projects.
Another of the emirate’s gems is Abu Dhabi Golf Club, host of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, won back-to-back by Martin Kaymer in 2010/2011.
Located a short drive from the high-rise skyline of Abu Dhabi, the 1998 Peter Hardline design is generally regarded as tough but fair by the pros. However, amateurs may somewhat disagree when trying to knock their ball around the 7,334 yard layout.
A sense of tranquility, provided by the salt lakes, ornamental trees and palms manages to compliment the brute force needed to score well, but beware, as bold, strategic bunkers are waiting to catch you out.
The youngest of the trio, the Gary Player designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is one of the world’s most uniquely captivating golf projects.
As the Gulf’s first ocean course, Saadiyat features several beach-front holes in a course that weaves in and out of nine five-star hotels lining the beach, and as you would expect, everything about it oozes quality.
The imaginative golf course routing provides a spectacular variety of experiences with every hole having its own unique character. It stretches from 5,290 yards, to a 7,806, with one third of the course commanding spectacular views of the Gulf’s glittering, crystal blue waters, fringed by pristine white sands.
If you were thinking of planning a trip to the Middle East and had Dubai as your first option, perhaps it's time you thought again.
More Course News
- West Lancs joins cast of Open hosts
- Cottrell offering more than just top golf
- Halifax club defies recession
- Ely City chalks up half century
- Burhill is a shaft-fitting mecca
- Abu Dhabi dominates Middle East rankings
- New work keeps Rother Valley in great nick
- Britain's best 100 courses under £80
- Top 100 under £80: No. 100-91
- Top 100 under £80: No. 90-81
- Top 100 under £80: No. 80-71
- Top 100 under £80: No. 70-61
- Top 100 under £80: No. 60-51
- Top 100 under £80: No. 50-41
- Top 100 under £80: No. 40-31
- Top 100 under £80: No. 30-21
- Top 100 under £80: No. 20-11
- Top 100 under £80: No. 10-4
- Top 100 under £80: No. 3
- Top 100 under £80: No. 2
Search
Comments
Leave a comment