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Viya have been operating in Abu Dhabi for 12 months now at three marvellous golf courses. How has the journey been — personally and for the company — over the past year and how was such a move made possible to further help promote the UAE capital as a global destination for both tourists and sports?

The expansion of our business into Abu Dhabi, under the brand of Viya Golf (a subsidiary of Dubai Golf), was an instrumental move that sets out the future direction of our growth strategy, which is to expand management operations of leading world-class golf and leisure facilities, as well as our proprietary Viya application, to support these operations commercially. It is also the first time we have operated outside of Dubai, within the UAE, and to have the opportunity to partner with Aldar and manage some of the most iconic golf facilities in the region, was a true privilege.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Image supplied

As the capital’s leadership continues to accelerate its Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, our move to Abu Dhabi clearly came at an exciting time. We had an opportunity to not only work alongside key government stakeholders to contribute to their collective goals, but we also played a key role in driving new golfers and tourism into the capital.

For me personally, I am loving life in Abu Dhabi. After spending 25 years in Dubai, it came at a great time in my career and I feel that with my experience and the support of our great team, we can really make a difference to the overall golf proposition. We are grateful that Abu Dhabi had a great base to build on, and our mission over the next few years is to raise the bar in terms of facilities, which takes investment in infrastructure, and in customer service, which is an investment in people.

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There was the major, and exciting, news recently that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will move from its traditional January slot after 17 years to form part of a season-ending playoff with the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. What does this move mean?

This announcement was incredible for Abu Dhabi and for Yas Links, as it means that the best of the best on the DP World Tour will now participate in the penultimate event on the season long Race To Dubai order of merit. This will undoubtedly get more eyeballs on Abu Dhabi and attract greater numbers of tourists to the capital, not only for the event, but also to play the Abu Dhabi courses through the popular winter months. It was also great recognition to our agronomy team, ably led by Corey Finn, who continues to deliver a masterpiece of a Kyle Philips-designed golf course. 

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Image supplied

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And a collective $19 million prize fund for the two-event finale is pretty helpful too!

I know right! They say in life that it’s never too late. I’m really enjoying playing amateur golf again after nearly 30 years as a PGA Professional, however with this kind of money, I may have to think about turning pro again and having a crack at the Seniors Tour! Joking aside, the prize purses of the last two play-off events of the 2024 season will undoubtedly attract the best golfers in the world, which can only be positive for the growth of golf in the UAE.

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So the future is looking bright. Where does Viya go from here to sustain and enhance this success to ensure maintained growth and engagement with golfers of all ages?

For the future sustainability of golf in Abu Dhabi, it’s essential that we grow the number of golfers. This can only come from expatriate residents and UAE nationals. We are working closely with the Emirates Golf Federation and the R&A to initiate exciting programmes that will attract new golfers to this incredible sport, from five-year-olds all the way to retirement age. Golf is a sport for all ages and I’ll highly recommend anyone to give it a try.

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club. Image supplied

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The three clubs in Abu Dhabi, how will they take it from here — both on and off the course — to stay at the top of the game?

The next few years is all about reinvestment into the facilities and our people, to continue to raise the bar on these amazing facilities and to improve the overall customer experience. We want to position Abu Dhabi as a truly inspiring place to come to play and learn golf, and with the support of our partner Aldar, and key government stakeholders, we believe we can achieve amazing things. 

>>>

Do you take personal pride in how far Viya Golf and its partners have taken the game or, like on the course in some places these days, is this a team success?

Viya Golf is a subsidiary of Dubai Golf, and we are essentially one company. Dubai Golf have led the development of golf, leisure and hospitality in the region for decades and I feel incredibly proud to be a part of such a dynamic and diverse team. Since the first Dubai Desert Classic back in 1988, we now proudly host three Rolex Series events and a new DP World Tour event inaugurating at Dubai Creek in 2024. The future looks bright and I’m excited to see where it will lead.

Main image: supplied

The post Treble Tops: Golf Digest Middle East speaks to Viya’s Julian Danby after a successful first year in Abu Dhabi appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Maximilian ‘Max’ Rottluff got the maximum seal of approval for the biggest win of his career as none other than the legendary Gary Player himself took time out to congratulate the German on his maiden Challenge Tour victory.

The 30-year-old teed it up alongside the likes of Road to Mallorca No. 1 Ugo Coussaud, DP World Tour winners Matteo Manassero, Álvaro Quirós and Oliver Fisher plus a host of risings stars last week at the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi.

But, along with the hefty €43,000-plus pay cheque, the biggest pay day of his career, Max was maxed to the hilt by the man who designed the course — and who also picked up nine majors during the course of his prolific career as a player.

Gary Player in action at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Rottluff, making his first start on the Challenge Tour this season, carded a final-round 70 to reach 14-under and finish one stroke clear of Coussaud. He also hit a course-record 63 on Saturday on his way to the top — and was admired by the man whose UAE course he mastered after a memorable triumph.

“I’m thrilled for Maximilian Rottluff and his first victory on the European Challenge Tour,” said Player to Golf Digest Middle East. “The tournament seemed to have everything for him — from a course record at Saadiyat Beach to a final-round comeback even after a bogey on his opening hole. Many congratulations to Maximilian, but remember, the work really starts now!”

Following a career that included 159 professional wins — including those nine majors — Mr Fitness, who is still hitting it better than most at the age of 87, turned his hand to golf-course design, and Player prides Saadiyat Beach GC among his finest, along with many of his South African home’s best course such as Gary Player Country Club and Leopard Creek, plus illustrious overseas venues like Wentworth in England. He has been involved with more than 400 design projects.

 

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A post shared by Gary Player Design (@garyplayerdesign)

That is heady respect indeed for Max to take after a 63 and the Abu Dhabi crown.

For a bit of review of this past week in Abu Dhabi, despite his Saturday heroics, Rottluff started his final round two shots back from overnight leader Manuel Elvira. But, even after bogeying his opening hole, he showed nerves of steel to turn it on after the turn, whacking in five birdies in a seven-hole stretch on his way to victory.

Max is up to 14th in the Race to Mallorca standings and has already secured his spot on the Challenge Tour next season. But if he continues this form he may get a money-spinning spot on the DP World Tour next term.

As Player says: “The work really starts now!”

The post Gary Player hails Challenge Tour winner Max Rottluff on Saadiyat Beach triumph appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Saadiyat Beach GC is Gary Player’s ever-challenging coastal gem in Abu Dhabi, with the monster 16th giving players fond memories — or nightmares.

The 16th hole at Saadiyat Beach

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the famed home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and it has its memorable challenges, too, including the signature 15th, which is the start of one of the toughest stretches of finishing holes in the Middle East, invariably playing straight into the prevailing wind that sweeps across Yas Island.

The 15th hole at Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Yas Acres is the newest arrival on the UAE golfing scene and has quickly gained popularity with its fully-floodlit course offering a challenging test for golfers of all standards day or night.

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

With an early-bird offer, customers are able to sign-up before May 15 to receive:

• 2 x 18-hole midweek vouchers valid at the home club until December 31.
• Viya Golf Rates at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi & Yas Acres Golf & Country Club between May 15 and 31.
• Membership Benefits:
• Seven days’ access to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course and practice facilities from the start of June to the end of September.
• Discounted golf rates at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
• Summer Golf Pass holders’ guests receive member-guest golf rates at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.
• All Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Summer Golf Pass holders will avail complimentary access at Yas Links Abu Dhabi during the dates of golf course maintenance.
• 20 per cent discount across Viya Golf & Dubai Golf restaurants including Hawksbill at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Hickory’s Restaurant at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Roots Bar & Kitchen, Acres Grill House and The Black Room at Yas Acres.
• Earn 5 per cent back in Viya Rewards Points on every spend.
• 10 per cent discount on hardware and 15 per cent discount on soft goods at Viya Golf Proshops.
• Access to club golf tournaments for official EGF Handicap holders.
• Member Profile on Viya App with up to 10 per cent back in spendable points to use across over 100 locations across the UAE.
• Special full memberships offer for all Summer Golf Pass Holders.

Where: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi

Sign up: www.viyagolf.com/saadiyat/membership/summerpass

The post Summer-time is here with Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Pass appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Maximilian Rottluff held his nerve to secure a maiden European Challenge Tour victory at the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

The German, making his first start on the Challenge Tour this season, carded a round of 70 to reach 14-under and finish one shot clear of Road to Mallorca No. 1 Ugo Coussaud.

The story of a dramatic final day at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club ?#UAEChallenge pic.twitter.com/xo1QoNfhDg

— Challenge Tour (@Challenge_Tour) May 7, 2023

The 30-year-old, who climbed the leaderboard on moving day with a course-record 63, was delighted to claim a memorable win in Abu Dhabi.

“It means everything,” he said. “I’m speechless really. There were times this winter where I wasn’t sure whether or not I would keep playing or not, but here I am.

“I saw the leaderboard on the 17th for the first time and figured it was going to be a close call.

“I had some good targets which is one of the things you need on this golf course as it always plays hard. There’s not an easy golf shot out here, but I felt confident. It’s stressful to win a golf tournament though, especially on a golf course like this.

“There’s a lot of work and a lot of people that help me behind the scenes and I’m extremely grateful for those people.”

Rottluff started his final round two shots back from overnight leader Manuel Elvira, and after bogeying his opening hole and the par four eighth, he looked to be out of contention, however his round changed as he reached the turn.

Rottluff birdied five of his next seven holes from the ninth to join Coussaud at the top of the leaderboard, only for the Frenchman to bogey the 17th, giving Rottluff the outright lead.

Rottluff catapults to 14th on the Road to Mallorca Rankings and ensures his playing rights on the Challenge Tour for the remainder of the season.

“It changes everything for me,” he said. “The last two weeks I was checking if I was in the tournament or not probably five times a day and now I know I can play in every tournament I want on the Challenge Tour.

“Now I can plan and maybe I’ll rent a bigger van for the rest of the season, so it’s phenomenal for me.

“I’m excited to get home, to see my little one and my friends.”

Coussaud finished in second place on 13-under par, one shot ahead of Scotland’s Craig Howie and Dutchman Lars van Meijel who shared third.

Spaniard Ivan Cantero Gutirrez finished tied fifth alongside James Allan from England on 11-under, with Italian Matteo Manassero one shot further back in sixth.

Coussaud extends his lead at the top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings with 909 points, South African JJ Senekal remains in second on 446 points and Adam Blomme from Sweden stays third on 424 points.

The post Rottluff holds nerve to secure maiden Challenge Tour victory at UAE Challenge appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Ivan Cantero Gutierrez carded two eagles on his way to a five-under opening round of 67 to take a one shot lead after day one of the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

The Spaniard had to contend with blustery conditions on the Arabian Gulf, but a birdie on the ninth — his final hole — will see him take a one-stroke lead into day two ahead of Ireland’s Conor Purcell and South African Brandon Stone, who share second place.

The 27-year-old has registered two top 20 finishes in his last two appearances on the Road to Mallorca, and after finishing tied second at the Abu Dhabi Challenge last week, he’s playing with confidence.

“I’ve worked really hard in the last few weeks at home,” he said. “I’m more confident with my game. My driving is pretty good and my putting has been great. When you have confidence, scoring is easier.

“I’m feeling great. I played really solid golf in conditions that are really tough. I hit a lot of drivers and my second shots were six or five irons.

“The course is in amazing condition. I’m really happy with my game, and hopefully it’s the same tomorrow.”

Cantero Gutierrez started his round on the 10th hole and was four-under at the turn thanks to two eagles, one of which came on his opening hole. With the wind set to drop tomorrow, he’s hoping for more scoring opportunities on day two.

“It felt really good to start with an eagle on the first hole,” he said. “I hit my driver to three metres, so it made it easier as I started well.

“I think tomorrow the course is going to be a bit easier. I think it’ll be easier to have a good score tomorrow morning, but this is golf. I’ll just try to have a good score.”

Ten players share fourth place at three-under par, including Road to Mallorca No. 1 Ugo Coussaud, Duncan Taylor Black Bull Challenge winner Om Prakash Chouhan and Scotland’s Daniel Young, who still has one hole left of his opening round as play was suspended due to darkness.

The back-to-back events in Abu Dhabi have been made possible due to the long-term partnership between the European Tour group and the Emirates Golf Federation.

The post Ivan Cantero Gutierrez rises to the Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

But way back in the noughties, the golf world was abuzz with talk of another hot new talent that had burst on to the scene and smashed a host of records on the way.

A fresh-faced Italian by the name of Matteo Manassero, at the age of 16, became the youngest-ever winner of the British Amateur Championship in 2009, before winning the Open Championship Silver Medal with a T13 finish.

He went on to become youngest player ever to make the cut at the Masters, and he still holds the mark as the youngest golfer to win on the DP World Tour thanks to his triumph in the Castelló Masters in Valencia, Spain.

Everything was set for a glorious career, the Italian looking to following the footsteps of Constantino Rocca and the Molinari brothers as one of Italy’s finest golfing exports. By 2013, Manassero had five wins on what was then the European Tour, entered the top 30 in the world rankings and has the world at his feet.

Matteo Manassero won the BMW PGA Championship in 2013

However, that was when things started to go wrong for the still-teenaged Italian.

After collecting a fourth-place at the 2014 Scottish Open — as is often the case with young golfers — Manassero’s form deserted him, making only six cuts in 22 competitive outings in 2015, leading to a downward spiral that saw him lose his European Tour card and forced him back to the drawing board and on to the lower-tier Challenge Tour.

“Simply put, I didn’t perform well,” Manassero told Golf Digest Middle East. “Golf is hard and sometimes it goes like that. Your technique goes the wrong way and then that creeps into the mental side and it can be a vicious circle, which is difficult to get out of.

“If your form goes — there are only 110 or so guys who keep their DPWT card and they are all really good — then it is so hard to stay at the top.”

Thankfully, at 29, Manassero still has time on his side to get back to golf’s top table — an opportunity he is ready to grab with both hands, starting with the upcoming Challenge Tour double-header in the UAE capital: the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (April 27-30), and the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (May 4-7).

With a revamped game and a thirst for more success, Manassero is firing on all cylinders once again and he has his sights set on regaining his DP World Tour card in the Challenge Tour’s Race To Mallorca season-long rankings race.

Matteo Manassero has resdicovered his form on the Challenge Tour

“I started to think I could get back after Covid — well during Covid, actually,” he said. “I did a lot of mental work with professional help as we could not do much more out on the course, so I worked on how I spoke to myself, working closely with my mental coach, and then I got to work on my technique.

“After Covid, I got back into playing properly, and I had a lot of dust to shake of around 2021. I knew I could play better now and it began to show, both on the course and how I regarded things from outside the ropes.

“I was enjoying it again. I went very close in 2021 to getting my card back and this year … the Challenge Tour can be quite funny in that, if you have one great week and win, that can set you up for the season and keep you right up there in the Race standings. So, say, if I win in Abu Dhabi — just one good week — that should have me in a position come the end of the season. The competition is very high on the Challenge Tour but I am optimistic once again and with a bit of consistency I know I will be back up there.

“I am 29 now, and thankfully, I still have a lot of golf ahead of me, so I am ready to start the second part of my career, I have been on tour for a long time already and now I feel like I want to do things properly.”

Still on the right side of 30, Manassero sure has been around for a long time already, and he is more than happy to act as an inspiration for all those young golfers who are keen to make it on their own.

“More and more boys and girls are starting earlier in golf there days — it can be thanks to the access to facilities, especially here in the UAE, and to the top coaches who can guide them from day one,” he said. “Then there are people like me, who they can look at as an example to see others have done it before, so that can give them confidence that they can make it, too.”

Matteo Manassero focused on his mental strengths to help his game during Covid

Manassero has also played many times in the UAE over his career (“I have lost count how many times I have been here,” he admits), and he is relishing yet another return.

“This place is fantastic with so many championship courses and top-level facilities,” he said. “From Abu Dhabi [HSBC Championship] in 2009, I have been coming out here for tournaments and for practice and warm-weather training. It is heaven for us golfers in Europe where the winter temperatures can drop well below zero. The UAE is a perfect spot for us this time of year.”

While a spot on Luke Donald’s team is a dream too far this year, Manassero is thrilled to see the Ryder Cup coming to Italy later this year, when Europe take on the US at Marco Simone Golf Club in September, and he is confident it will inspire a future generation of golfers to thrive in the country.

“We saw what happened in Spain when it hosted the Ryder Cup at Valderrama [in 1997] and the legacy it left for Spanish golf, with the likes of Jon Rahm and Carlota Ciganda making it right to the very top,” he said. “The power of the Ryder Cup can do the same in Italy this year and can really launch the sport across the country. I would have been unthinkable for Italy to host the Ryder Cup a while ago and this is such a fantastic opportunity to show what we have to offer and also help inspire the future generation and unearth some more talent.”

The post Matteo Manassero taking the rough with the smooth ahead of Abu Dhabi Challenge Tour tests appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Ritchie rises to DDF Mark Fahy Memorial challenge 

James Ritchie with his trophy. DDF

James Ritchie fired 44 points to claim the Dubai Duty Free — Mark Fahy Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday at Dubai Hills Golf Club.
This event has been held since 2005 with the support of the Dubai Irish Golf Society in memory of Mark Fahy, a prominent figure within the Irish community in Dubai.
A full field of 96 players took on the Dubai Hills Challenge, with Ritchie posting nines of 26 and 18 points to take the Men’s Division title, one point ahead of Anthony Stroud.
Richard Cole took home the Gross Winner’s Trophy, while Laura Kirkham took the Ladies Division crown

El Chaib triumphs at The Els Club Ladies’ Open

Lara El Chaib with her trophy. The Els Club

Lara El Chaib’s three-over was enough to take the Els Club Ladies’ Open, edging out Jamie Camero by one stroke. The Net Division was won by Sara Ali in this ninth of 11 Emirates Golf Federation Ladies’ Order of Merit events.

UAE bring home medal haul from Bahrain

The UAE team thrived at the GCC Championship in Bahrain. EGF

The UAE took home a haul of medals from the GCC Championship at Royal Golf Club in the Bahraini capital, Manama. Six teams from across the GCC took part, including Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and host Bahrain. After winning back-to-back Presidents Cups, Ahmad Skaik led the men’s team, and led from the front by winning the Individual Silver Medal. The UAE also won bronze in the team event and Under 18 team event.

Five step closer to Phuket at Al Hamra

Tyrone Evans. Al Hamra

Al Hamra Golf Club held its Race to Phuket qualifier on Sunday, allowing five participants to secure a spot for the UAE Final at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in September. With Tyrone Evans (Div 1), Andre Grove (2), Conor Freeman (3), Stamen Stantchev (4) and Ivan Kraemer (5) booking their spots.

Kron claims Creek monthly

Anders Kron with Men’s Captain Gene Cha. Dubai Creek

Anders Kron claimed the OMA Emirates Monthly Medal at Dubai Creek, overcoming 69 other competitors to claim top spot. Christian Klynge took Division A, with Anish Bhatia securing Division B. The Ladies Division was won by Tatiana Ganina. After Round 3, Bhatia leads the order of Merit with with 245 points.

Mullane shines at Els Club Men’s Open

Jay Mullane shone at The Els Club.

Jay Mullane claimed the Els Club Men’s Open in a closely fought competition over 36 holes. Mullane’s 71-72 scores took him to one-under for the tournament, two ahead of Anders Axelsson. The Net Division was won by Vivaan Chhibber

Noja keeps up strong run on LET

Chiara Noja. LET

Dubai wonderkid Chiara Noja kept up her strong run on her first full season on the Ladies European Tour with an impressive third place at the Investec South African Women’s Open. The German 16-year-old shot a course record on the opening day at Steenberg Golf Club, but eventually had to settle for third behind major winner Ashleigh Buhai and Ana Pelaez Trivino. German Noja has already followed up her famous victory in the Aramco Team Series — Jeddah individual event with a T11 in Morocco and a stunning T12 in the star-studded Aramco Saudi Ladies international. Noja moves up to eighth place in the LET season-long Race to Costa del Sol.

Bainbridge on top at JGE Club Championship

The JGE winners. Jumeirah Golf Estates

David Bainbridge claimed top spot in the Men’s Division of the Jumeirah Golf Estates Club Championships, finishing just ahead of Raghav Malik.
Anca Mateiu won the Ladies’ Division and Junior Division, while Sheila McIlroy claimed the Ladies’ Net Division. James Finnigan took the Senior Division

Selvaraj shines at Saadiyat Beach Men’s Open

Jonathan Selvaraj. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Jonathan Selvaraj triumphed in the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Men’s Open by one stroke fro Rami Samawi over 36 holes. Subhash Bhatia took the Net Division  from Amir Rehman and Jerome Martin.

The post The Gulf Club — All the latest golf news from the UAE and beyond appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

By Matt Smith
Pep Guardiola, the manager of English Premier League champions Manchester City, is enjoying the break as the World Cup takes place in Qatar, and took part in the Pep Pro-Am by OKX golf tournament at the stunning Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on Tuesday.

Along with a host of UAE and international personalities, Guardiola, an avid golfer, enjoyed a fun day out alongside world No. 23, Dubai resident and recent Nedbank Golf Challenge champion Tommy Fleetwood.

Other stars to take part included Thorbjorn Olesen, Pablo Larrazabal, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Thomas Bjorn and Adri Arnaus.

Pep Guardiola with players at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Supplied

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The post Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gets in the swing at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

In late 2021, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club became the latest addition to that ever-expanding portfolio of courses, once again affirming the country’s place at the pinnacle of the sport.

Now — once again — that drive, vision and passion for perfection has led to the latest development in the UAE’s golfing landscape, but this time it is a little more behind the scenes.

In late August, Viya Golf, part of Wasl Hospitality & Leisure, entered into a management deal with Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties to manage its golf courses and clubhouses, leisure facilities, and all dining outlets at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Photo courtesy of the club

The agreement will see Viya Golf look after all aspects of the golf operations; maintaining areas of existing excellence and delivering operational improvements to enhance all golf, leisure and dining experiences for members and visitors. This includes adding Aldar’s clubs to the Viya app, giving its members rewards and access to golf, leisure and dining experiences.

Golf Digest Middle East spoke with Viya Golf Chief Executive Officer, Christopher May, about these recent developments and the vision for the future. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to be involved with Abu Dhabi and these three fantastic venues,” he said. “Yas Links is so special in the region and has to be on every golfer’s bucket list. Saadiyat is not far behind, and it has such unique features with its wildlife and sustainability. These are two special courses that bring people from all over the region and beyond to Abu Dhabi to play.

“And now there is the new addition. Yas Acres is a fantastic nine-hole course, a real jewel and I would recommend it to anyone. Where else can you get 27 holes in a brilliant setting like that in one day, thanks to the floodlights?  

“So, already we have three fantastic additions to our portfolio and we thank Aldaar for this opportunity. We have been in discussions for a number of years and finally we reached a deal. 

“The operations teams are already doing a fantastic job at each of the three venues and, as we come in, initially we will look to upgrade some club facilities — similar to what we did when we took over Jumeirah Golf Estates — and these improvements usually take about six months to implement. 

“We will review the current operations and bring in whatever improvements we feel are needed, be it in F&B … whatever we can offer to improve the overall experience of golfers and non-golfers alike. 

“The operations are the real superstars here and we want to get more people seeing what they can experience. While golf plays a massive part, there is so much more to help drive tourism in Abu Dhabi.

“It is an exciting time for the UAE capital and Yas Island — we have UFC, NBA, F1 all coming up ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links in January. Then there is the World Cup in the region. These events all show how big sport is in the region, and the UAE in particular, and with tourism now getting back to normal, these events can show the world what we have to offer — and maybe get some racing or football fans to find some time for a round of golf, too.

“We get 25,000 golfers coming through Dubai too, so possibly now, through Viya we can get them and others to extend their stay and make it a two-city vacation.” 

Viya is the region’s fastest-growing golf business, transforming and modernising the game across the Middle East through technology-led innovation. Alongside its sister business, Dubai Golf, Viya forms part of Wasl Hospitality & Leisure’s diverse, fast-growing golf and leisure portfolio. In addition to developing and operating its successful golf booking, lifestyle and membership app. 

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club. Photo by John Magdalinos

“Since we launched Viya two years ago as a member booking app, “May explained, “you could say it has evolved into something of a bigger entity with 80,000 active users, who use it for such things in Dubai as golf tee times, lessons, facilities such as the gym or spa, dining and salons across a wide network of golf clubs and Wasl properties.

“Now we can incorporate our Abu Dhabi portfolio to offer our users even more opportunities as we continue to grow.”

Viya also recently launched the new golf holidays booking website, Viya Holidays, to help grow inbound tourism to the UAE.

“We are looking to expand across the region to open up more opportunities and experiences and with the website now up and running it will help us with flights, bookings and growth throughout the region,” May said.

“While Viya is still in its infancy, we already have 80,000 active users, like I said, and that number is growing all the time.

“Interestingly, the vast majority of those users are non-golf club members, showing the potential to bring in more people to enjoy what our facilities have to offer, and that will only grow with the addition of Abu Dhabi and the growing number of international travellers coming to the UAE, seeing Viya and downloading the app.”

Ever-improving…

We can only imagine what 2023 will bring.

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The post Welcome to the club: Viya Golf’s Christopher May talks about expanding their portfolio to manage three of Abu Dhabi’s elite clubs  appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The new agreement, effective from September 1, will see Viya Golf look after all aspects of the golf operations; maintaining areas of existing excellence and delivering operational improvements to enhance all golf, leisure and dining experiences for members and visitors. This includes adding Aldar’s clubs to the Viya app, giving its members rewards and access to golf, leisure and dining experiences.

Viya Golf Chief Executive Officer, Christopher May, said: “We are proud to announce the addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club to our golf portfolio. We are excited by our new relationship with Aldar. We will deploy our best-in-class golf services, dining, leisure and management expertise, alongside industry leading technologies, to not only deliver Abu Dhabi’s very best golf and leisure experiences but to grow the game of golf and help drive tourism in the Emirate.”

Klaus Assmann, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Hotels and Hospitality, added: “Our golf portfolio includes some of the world’s best courses and complements our diverse range of leisure and hospitality assets located at two of Abu Dhabi’s most desirable destinations, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. With Viya Golf, we hope to further expand the experience at our courses, attracting even more visitors from local communities, the wider region and overseas.”

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a true links golf course, located on the western shores Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with views of the Arabian Gulf and is home to the DP World Tour Rolex Series Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Viya is the region’s fastest-growing golf business, transforming and modernising the game across the Middle East through technology-led innovation. Alongside its sister business, Dubai Golf, Viya forms part of Wasl Hospitality & Leisure’s diverse, fast-growing golf and leisure portfolio. The group holds the regional license for the widely popular Topgolf entertainment venues, in addition to developing and operating its successful golf booking, lifestyle and membership app. Viya also recently launched the new golf holidays booking website, Viya Holidays, to help grow inbound tourism to the UAE.

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The post Viya Golf takes over management of Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Acres appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.