With some of the biggest names in golf appearing every January, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is the European PGA Tour curtain-raiser which is held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Away from the action on the greens there is children’s entertainment, competitions and an array of food and beverage outlets, all of which make it a fantastic family dayout.Those interested in playing golf, rather than watching it, can get in touch with any of the following clubs in Abu Dhabi.
This 9-hole golf course offers a challenging game, with water coming into play at more than half of the holes, and only two Par 3s. Set within the circumference of both grass and sand horseracing tracks, this is an intriguing course of nine holes that offers nightly flood lighting and different tee positions, creating an 18-hole, par 70, 6,395-yard little gem. Water challenges come into play on five of the holes, with testing dog-legs left and right and an enormous par five, 630-yard eighth hole, where skilfully designed water hazards cross the fairway. With Night Golf and tee-times as late as 8.30pm, and the UAE’s first 2-tiered driving range, this golf club is open to everyone: members, guests, beginners and experienced golfers alike.
19th and 24th St, Al Mushrif, +971 2 445 9600, adcitygolf.ae
Abu Dhabi City Golf Academy
Abu Dhabi Golf Club is home to the annual PGA European Tour-backed Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and is managed by Troon Golf, one of the sport’s most foremost luxury brands.The iconic clubhouse is built in the shape of a falcon overlooking sweeping fairways. Just 30 minutes from the centre of Abu Dhabi, the club’s excellent facilities include two par 72 world-class 18-hole courses, a driving range, putting and pitching greens and a golf academy that holds lessons for juniors as well.
Umm Al Nar St, Umm Al Nar
+971 2 558 8990, adgolfclub.com
Al Ghazal Golf Club
This purpose-built 18-hole Par 71, 6,724 yards championship-standard ‘sand’ golf course has a 30 bay driving range, teaching academy, function facilities and licensed clubhouse, and is just two minutes from the capital’s international airport. Famous for its friendly and hospitable ambience, Al Ghazal is home to the World Sand Golf Championship. Anyone can play here, including transit passengers with a just a few hours to spare, however it’s recommended to call ahead and reserve.
Nr. Abu Dhabi International Airport
+971 2 575 8040, golfclub@adhc.adac.ae or alghazalgolf.ae
The magnificent 18-hole masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, is the Arabian Gulf’s first and only ‘ocean’ course with several beach-front holes on the iconic Saadiyat Island. The amphitheatre-style Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club features spectacular views of the glittering, crystal blue Arabian Gulf, with over a third of the course having views of the Saadiyat coastline where dolphins are regularly spotted. The imaginative golf course routing provides a spectacular variety of golf experiences, with every hole having its own unique character. From the creation of an aquatic habitat, to the introduction of salt-water lagoons and restoration of the beach and sand dunes, the course has been designed with strict environmental guidelines and sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment. Operated by Troon Golf, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club - which has the Player-designed course at its heart - incorporates a distinguished practice range, as well as a Golf Academy, which boasts a full-service restaurant, locker rooms, a fully stocked golf shop and diverse meeting facilities. With features for all levels of golfers, the club offers a true ‘Member for the Day’ experience for UAE residents, holiday-makers and guests from surrounding hotels on a pay-and-play basis.
sbgolfclub.ae
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
This is the region’s first true links golf course on the west shores of Yas Island. Designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading course architects, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course is in line with the traditional form of links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland. The Andalucía style Yas Links Golf Club has opened to rave acclaim, featuring glamorous open terraces with sea views, sports lounge and Barranca fine-dining restaurant which has access to two outdoor terraces and a private dining room.. The green lawned terraces can cater up to 300 people overlooking natural mangroves, with a pontoon that can accommodate 20-seater vessels and is ideal for corporate events. Hickory’s all-day dining sports lounge also has a private function room with access to an outdoor terrace. Additional clubhouse features include a swimming pool, steam room with rain showers and a pro-shop. The Yas Links Golf Course is open to members and ‘pay & play’ guests.
yaslinks.com