Abu Dhabi (National)

It would be so easy to think of Abu Dhabi Golf Club as an after-thought in your plans on a trip to the capital of the UAE given the coastal thrills you will know lie await at Yas and Saadiyat. But as its Middle East ranking suggests, that would be a mistake.

And don't just include ADGC in your plans because you want to follow in the footsteps of the world's leading players who compete here each year in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship - although that patently also has appeal too.

Just ink ADGC on your itinerary because it's a very, very strong course in its own right.

Unlike the other two, it is close to the city centre and an even shorter drive from the airport. And rather than sea views, the backdrop to the holes are more akin to the skylines seen in Dubai.

It was designed by Peter Harradine around seven salt water hazards punctuated by palm trees, shrubs, 90 bunkers and drystone walls.

The charismatic Harradine routed it notably astutely around the water hazards on a square site with both nine’s returning to the eye-popping falcon clubhouse, which is one of the most distinctive in the world.

What ADGC also does especially successfully is offering a mix of exacting holes and ones that give you a chance. The conditioning, too, is absolutely immaculate.

In this golfer's view it is one of the most technically proficient courses in the Middle East.

There is also a separate nine holes of good quality as well as a luxury Westin hotel on site. Chris Bertram