Abu Dhabi GC

By Neville Leck Last updated: 14th January 2013

A beautiful oasis of tranquility that carves its way through the desert, the course at the Abu Dhabi GC, host of this week's Abu Dhabi Championship, offers one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East.

Troon Golf, the world-renowned luxury-brand golf management, development and marketing company, has positioned the club as one of its 'facilities of excellence'.

Opened with the course in October, 2000, and overlooking it like some giant guarding raptor, is the Abu Dhabi clubhouse which was built in the shape of a falcon with its wings outstretched.

Inside and out, this striking building with its three floors of restaurants, a fully equipped executive meeting room, and an extensive sports and fitness club, creates an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

And all this is just 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 15 minutes from the city centre.

As recently as December, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club announced that it had been named 'Best Course in the Middle East' by the Asia Pacific Golf Summit.

"Winning Best Course in the Middle East is a fantastic achievement against such strong competition and is testament to the team's commitment to maintain Abu Dhabi Golf Club's reputation as one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East."

The club was also voted 2nd runner up for Best Championship Course in Asia Pacific, its latest accolades coming on the back of two other impressive recent awards; The Middle East Golfer's 'Best Improved Facility 2011' and the Golf Journal's Travel Award of'Newcomer Destination of the Year 2011'.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Abu Dhabi Golf Club's facilities were significantly enhanced last year by the opening of the luxurious Westin Abu Dhabi Golf & Spa Resort.

The hotel, which sits alongside the club's famed Falcon Clubhouse, offers guests the experience of being able to walk straight out of it on to the first tee and the club's quality practise facilities.

In addition, club reports that its latest stay-and-play packages have also significantly boosted its numbers of inbound travellers as has the addition of nearby, associate, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club which boasts a Gary Player designed championship course offering outstanding scenery, matchless hospitality and exceptional facilities.

THE COURSE

Abu Dhabi championship course weaves through undulating terrain that features pockets of palms, ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as seven spectacular saltwater lakes.

The par-72, 18-hole, 7,334-yard layout which, from the beginning has been the permanent home of the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, provides a tough-but-fair challenge with 18 holes of lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers and generous greens.

With the first plantings having been started way back in 1992, Abu Dhabi's established surfaces are plush and pristine with Seashore Paspalm and Bermuda 419 being the grasses used for its tees and fairways. Tifdwarf Bermuda is the grass of choice for its greens..

Seashore Paspalum and Bermuda 419 are also used for its rough in winter, but in summer this part of the copurse is over-seeded with Pereniaz Ryegrass.

CARD OF THE COURSE:

(See under Hole No; Length in yards; par)

1 405 4 --- 10 582 5
2 600 5 --- 11 417 4
3 439 4 --- 12 186 3
4 174 3 --- 13 414 4
5 469 4 --- 14 490 4
6 469 5 --- 15 177 3
7 200 3 --- 16 475 4
8 597 5 --- 17 483 4
9 456 4 --- 18 557 5
1st nine: 3,809 yds, par 36
2nd nine: 3,781 yds, par 36
Total: 7590 yds, par 72

ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP

The inaugural tournament was played in January 2006, with Chris DiMarco taking the honors.

In 2009 record crowds saw English Ryder Cup star Paul Casey, lift the trophy while for the last two year's the crown has been sitting firmly on the head of German star Martin Kaymer, the 2010 US PGA Champion..

PRACTICE FACILITIES:

The club boasts that it provides the 'very best practice facilities in the region'.

It includes a 17-acre floodlit driving range with a picturesque outlook and a tree-lined cut as well as practice putting and chipping greens.

The facility includes a Golf Institute run by Troon Golf that offers the highest standard of golf instruction and training facilities in the Middle East. It's instructors, the club claims on its website are committed to incorporating the latest instruction techniques, equipment and technology such as the V1 pro swing analysis system. All the while a fun and relaxed atmosphere enhances learning. The very latest V1 pro-swing analysis training system, as well as a state-of-the-art fitting system and an Explanar training aid are available on site

AIR-CONDITIONED GOLF CARTS

Abu Dhabi is not a cool place so the club provides the very latest technology golf carts with air-conditioning units providing a comfortable, cooling, golf experience.

Sensors are triggered when a passenger sits down, prompting the two mounted units on each cart to blow cool air on to the back of a passenger's neck. Sensors turn the units off when a player exits the cart to take a shot.

PRO SHOP

The club's well-stocked pro-shop carries all the leading brands including TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Nike, Cobra and Greg Norman and caters to all a golfing needs, from clubs, balls, golf bags and the very latest fashion designs for all ages, to Abu Dhabi Championship merchandise.

OTHER FACILITIES:

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club's leisure facilities are second to none, they include:

- a state-of-the-art fitness centre with a gymnasium, a relaxing room with a plunge pool and an outdoor free-form swimming pool. 'Quick Fix', 'Pre & Post Natal' and 'Fore Fitness' for golfers are among the programs offered by its team of qualified instructors..A spa with sauna, a steam room and a Jacuzzi are among other facilities on offer at the fitness centre

- Squash: Racquet sports enthusiasts can play squash in two professional, glass-backed squash courts with stadium seating (including a bar area for light snacks and beverages).

WINING AND DINING

From casual meals to unparalleled fine dining, Abu Dhabi Golf Club offers them all.

You'll find offerings of light cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere at its poolside cafe or in its spike bar which has magnificent views overlooking the 9th and 18th Greens from its outdoor terrace.

But then if you like dressing for dinner and a fine dining experience with the taste of gourmet Italian cooking, that is available too - as is a suchi restaurant where talented chefs turn out dishes of exquisite Japanese delicacies such as sushi, sashimi and tempura.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership options include

- Golf & Country Club Membership

- Country Club Membership

- And these on an Individual, Family or Corporate member basis.

FEES: You will need to check the club website for up to date green fee rates and charges for other facilities

CONTACT DETAILS

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, P.O.Box 51234, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971 2 558 8990

Fax: +971 2 558 5005

URL: www.adgolfclub.com

Neville Leck