Abu Dhabi Golf Club review: The back story
Middle East specialist Peter Harradine designed Abu Dhabi GC in 2000 and within six years it had hosted its first European Tour event, with Chris DiMarco the winner. Martin Kaymer and Rickie Fowler are among the champions here since then, while in 2012 Robert Rock held off Tiger Woods to win.
It is now in many people’s eyes the season’s unofficial opener, has one of the best fields outside the majors and has just been elevated to Rolex Series status for 2019.
So to play here is to tread in the footsteps of all the game’s current superstars.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club review: The course
ADGC lacks the sea views of Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach but is arguably a better course technically.
It skilfully mixes gentle holes with more exacting ones and, considering the site is relatively flat throughout, the holes are impressively varied.
That’s witnessed in the first five alone: a relatively gentle par-4 opener; a narrow par 5; a fabulous sporty two-shotter; a scenic short hole; and then an SI1-calibre par 4 of 408 yards off even the white tees.
On the back nine, the dog-leg 11th, the strong two-shot 14th and the famous climax towards the falcon-shaped clubhouse stick in the mind.
So, too, does the conditioning, which is exceptional by any standards.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club review: The accommodation
Situated 100 yards from the 1st tee is the five-star Westin Abu Dhabi, a hotel that is opulent even by Middle East standards.
You expect luxurious rooms, dazzling restaurants, alluring pool areas and peerless service – and you duly get them here.
The spa is especially impressive, complete with an amazing Golfer’s Massage, and if you’ve had a better breakfast (including curry dishes that are the epitome of more-ish), let us know where it was.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club review: The area
There’s lots going on in the bars of Yas Island or Corniche downtown plus the plethora of world-class restaurants.
You can kayak among mangroves, chill out on the beach, cycle round Yas F1 circuit or visit breathtaking mosques.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club review: A package to tempt you
Stay one night at the Westin and get free breakfast for two and one green fee at ADGC. Includes free WiFi, a buggy, unlimited practice balls and a bag tag.
Visit the Westin website for more information.
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