The Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront creation has been a Middle East favourite since its opening in 2010. There is the obvious magnetism of your surrounds: the glistening Arabian Gulf, the impossibly white sand that finds its way from the beach to the bunkers, and the free-roaming mountain gazelles that make you forget you are in the middle of a desert. We’re also huge fans of the clubhouse, which mightn’t be as ostentatious as others around the region but manages to mix just the right amount of contemporary charm with all the old-school – and actual golf – memorabilia on the walls.

But the natural beauty is only part of the allure. Gary Player’s design is indeed one of the world’s “most captivating golfing projects”, a man-made roller-coaster ride of rumpled fairways, strategic bunkering and rolling greens that manages to perfectly harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat Island.

That the course has been designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment and in compliance with strict environmental guidelines is another tick, along with the  ‘Member for a Day’ experience visitors can expect from the friendly staff, from personalised lockers and bag tags to small touches out on the course. Unlike the marketing talk you get at other clubs, that little – but oh so important stuff – actually happens at Saadiyat.

At 7,806 yards off the tips, it’s the longest course in the Middle East but Player is as passionate as anyone about encouraging newcomers to the game so there are ample tee ground options for players of all abilities.

The nine-time major champion Gary Player returns most years for his annual foundation fundraiser and is always generous with his time, a trait obviously transferred to the custodians of his not-so-wee gem and a credit to the Troon Golf training.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is also now home to the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, which has brought more deserved international attention on the course. Although only two years old, the FBMLO is already established as one of the classiest events of the Ladies European Tour schedule and means UAE locals get to reap the benefits of a course virtually always in immaculate condition. The Island Life is dreamy indeed.

www.sbgolfclub.ae

The post Travel Guide 2018: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Ashok was a popular winner of the $550,000 event which drew repeated praise throughout the week as one of the Ladies European Tour’s favourite stops of the year courtesy of the Troon club’s family-friendly organisation and the condition of Gary Player’s beautiful beachfront creation.

 While the Indian teen and her colleagues have departed for the business end of the LET campaign, the championship course remains in pristine shape for UAE visitors as the weather cools and Middle East golf season heats up.

The 19-year-old laid down a serious marker for amateurs – male and female – looking to test their games, her winning 18-under-par total made up of four sub 70 circuits that illuminated her undoubted talent but also the presentation of the 7806 yard, par 72 layout.

There was an inexplicable four-putt on the penultimate hole which nearly cost Ashok her third LET title but even she admitted that scary blip had nothing to do with the greens which are putting as pure as anything in the region. Indeed, the scoring was exceptional all week – thanks in no small measure to Saadiyat Bech Golf Club’s agronomy team. First South African Lee-Anne Pace opened with a 66 before the 23-year-old Spaniard eclipsed the previous course record of 64 with a eight-under 62 in the second round.

While other courses in the region ramp up their preparations for upcoming European Tour events, there has never been a better time to experience the “Island Life”. Saadiyat Beach has never been in better condition. 

Book online today at www.sbgolfclub.ae to experience the pristine condition and for the best daily rates to play ‘the home of the FBMLO”. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club also welcome membership enquiries – enquire via email at membership@sbgolfclub.ae. As Ashok will attest, the Abu Dhabi gem is a welcoming oasis in the desert all year round.

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