The DP World Tour’s calendar year opener couldn’t want for a more picturesque, or challenging, canvas

By Kent Gray
Amateurs lucky enough to call the UAE home and international visitors in the know have been smitten for years. Now the rest of the golf world will be let in on the joys of Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Of all the 2022 Desert Swing events, the switch of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship from Abu Dhabi Golf Club after 16 editions is easily the most mouth-watering prospect. Kyle Phillips’s desert-links gem, ranked 48th in Golf Digest’s global Top 100 courses, has returned to its former glory after a challenging two-year dip in conditioning due to water challenges. Here’s hoping the famous Arabian Gulf breezes waft in over the mangroves to give Collin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy and co. a taste of the challenge presented by the undulating layout, particularly so on the stunningly difficult three-hole closing stretch which has been the scene of many amateur hour meltdowns.

BE AT 1 SERIES:
Tame ‘Sea View’, stroke index 1 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at The Els Club Dubai
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Tower Links Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Tame the 7th, stroke index 1, at Dubai Hills Golf Club
Tame the 12th, stroke index 1, at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club
Tame the 13th, stroke index 1, at Al Zorah Golf Club
Tame the 10th, stroke index 1, at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Arabian Ranches Golf Club

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The post QUICKSHOT: Yas Links Abu Dhabi appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 15th hole at Yas Links is the start of one of the toughest stretches of finishing holes in the Middle East. Not only is it deservedly the stroke index 1 hole, it doubles down by invariably playing straight into the prevailing wind that sweeps across Yas Island.

Par or better is no cinch because even if you safely negotiate the fairway bunker and run-off areas designed to gobble up drives that stray too far left, the approach into the large, double-tier green shared with our 12th hole calls for a crisply struck shot.

The putting surface is then protected with a large bunker to the left, a hidden run-off area to the right and a fairway bunker short right, catching miss-hit or miss-judged approach shots which are common-place hitting into this challenging green. But fret not. Here’s my blueprint to walk away with a Stableford point or three. — with Kent Gray

Tee shot: There’s not much reward here if you’re tempted to take on the bunker on the left-hand side of the fairway. It sits about 276 yards out and because of its depth, you’re looking at bogey at best if your drive ends up in the trap. So for even the big hitter, right is your best chance of avoiding early punishment. There’s a large area that opens up to the right side of the fairway which you cannot see from the tee.  The left side, meanwhile, is cambered, leading to a runoff area which Is laced with thick rough, a magnet for anything that bounces left.

So aim for the right side and leave yourself a nice angle into the green from somewhere between the fairway bunkers.

Approach: Your number one task here is to simply hit the middle of the green. Manage this and it sets you up for a good start for the final three holes. The deep greenside bunker left and a fairway bunker 30 to 40 yards out is just waiting to catch those poor shots previously mentioned. Miss the green right and the nasty run off area will leave you with a shot from a tight lie over a steep bank guarding the green. So, to reiterate, take a short game blowout out of the equation by aiming for the middle of the green.

Closing out: The large two-tier putting surfaces sees its share of three (or more) putts on any given day. My advice is to accept a two-putt even if you are chasing a score. Don’t get greedy because the undulating green can easily leave you second-guessing with the flat stick, not something you want as you move onto the final stretch.

BE AT 1 SERIES:
Tame ‘Sea View’, stroke index 1 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at The Els Club Dubai
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Tower Links Golf Club
Tame the 7th, stroke index 1, at Dubai Hills Golf Club
Tame the 12th, stroke index 1, at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club
Tame the 13th, stroke index 1, at Al Zorah Golf Club
Tame the 10th, stroke index 1, at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Tame the 5th, stroke index 1, at Abu Dhabi Golf Club

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
The Middle East’s 18 favourite holes
The Middle East’s best par 3s
Top 10 Golf Courses in the Middle East: The Class of 2020

The post BE AT 1: Tame the 15th, stroke index 1, at Yas Links Abu Dhabi appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

A former home of the Earls of Clarendon that was previously used by Queen Victoria as her country retreat, five-star service promises a first-class experience, and that’s even before you arrive at the first tee of the 7,152 yard layout.

Designed by the world renowned Kyle Phillips of Yas Links fame, The Grove consistently features in the most influential Top 100 rankings and tests, much like his Abu Dhabi masterpiece, every club in your bag.

Phillips takes up the story of the parkland gem, which is acclaimed for its year-round playing conditions.

“This was a classic English parkland site. When you look across the landscape here with the longer horizon lines and you walk through the holes, you start to recognise some interesting landforms, some more dramatic than others. These begin to affect how you think about strategy on a particular hole,” said the American architect.

“So, at a macro scale, the course looks rather sympathetic, but at a micro scale, it really takes on an interesting personality. And part of creating this was remaining responsive to the integrity of the historic landscape that was around it and, at the same time, achieving a great golf experience.” Mission accomplished.

The Grove first came to prominence in 2006 when, just three years after opening, it was selected to host the 2006 American Express Championship. It speaks volumes that it remains the only English venue to host a World Golf Championship event.

You’ll be able to channel your inner Tiger Woods during a visit, although you mightn’t quite be able to match the former world No.1’s winning 23 under par effort for an eight stroke win.

On his way to victory, Tiger famously scored three eagles and a birdie on the 567-yard, par 5 18th (now the 9th). Three plaques, all within 20 feet of each other, commemorate the feat by marking the spots where his three drives came to rest. Good luck trying to emulate even one of his stunning approach shots!

Another former world No.1, Luke Donald, chose The Grove 10 years later as the venue for the 2016 British Masters. It was won by the Swede, Alex Noren, who triumphed with an 18 under par total.

Ernie Els was part of the field and had this to say: “I loved The Grove. Let me tell you, it is very, very impressive. I would say it’s the best-conditioned golf course in Europe, certainly in my experience. Everything was perfect; the course is great, the tees, fairways and greens were incredibly manicured and practice facilities were amazing.”

The Groves’ official Golf Ambassador David Howell, well known to UAE golf as former winner of the Dubai Desert Classic, is another fan. “There are very few five-star pay and play golf venues in the UK that create a premium experience that is delivered in a relaxed, friendly way, but The Grove has been at the top of its game, delivering this day-in, day-out since opening in 2003.”

Stay & Play
Alongside the championship course, The Grove offers the blend of character and style you’d expect of a country estate – and a ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ property.

With 215 luxurious guest rooms, including 26 suites within the historic 18th Century mansion, guests are welcomed into an environment that weaves 21st Century living with the original period architecture.

There are three restaurants – each with its own bar – including the sophisticated fine-dining restaurant Colette’s, which is under the watchful eye of head chef Russell Batemen, the 2015 National Chef of the Year. Guests can also relax in one of the many lounges within the mansion with its beguiling mix of contemporary design and relaxed, friendly service.

After you round, keeping in mind you probably pushed a little to keep up with Tiger, why not enjoy the award-winning Sequoia Spa, where professional therapists revive golfers and their non-playing partners using Natura Bissé and ESPA products.

There’s also an indoor swimming pool at the spa designed to make you feel like you’re taking a secret midnight swim, while the sauna, steam room and vitality pool are the perfect place to relax after a personal training session in the gym.

We suspect, though, that you’ll want to spend most of your escape outdoors, either on Phillips’ memorable layout or exploring the estate’s network of trails by foot or bike. You’ll stumble upon The Grove’s famed ‘Walled Garden’,  home to a 22m outdoor heated pool, tennis courts croquet lawn, and even a private beach.

Green fees vary from £165 (Sunday–Tuesday) to £189 (Wednesday–Saturday) but what never changes is the quality of the golf or the surrounding experience. With more than 30 flights a day from the Middle East landing at Heathrow, a 30-minute drive away, ‘London’s Country Estate’ is an even more alluring option for golfers looking to escape the mid-summer mercury.

www.thegrove.co.uk

The post Travel Guide 2018: The Grove appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.