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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. 

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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.

The new-look DP World Tour schedule for 2023-24 consolidated the UAE’s place at the top table of world golf, with five events slated across the emirates, including a season-ending double-header.

Following the traditional early-campaign events in Australia and South Africa before the Christmas break, the Tour rolls into the UAE in January for three back-to-back tournaments — including a new arrival in the form of the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Resort (January 11-14), before heading to Emirates Golf Club and the 35th Hero Dubai Desert Classic (January 18-21). The Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club rounds out the triple-header (January 25-28).

Both the Dubai Invitational and RAK event offer prize money of $2.5 million, with the Rolex Series Desert Classic having $9 million up for grabs.

In another revamp to the calendar, Bahrain will be joining the DP World Tour. From February 1-4, the Royal Golf Club will host some of the world’s top players to the resort, south of Manama, with a purse of $2.5 million.

Thomas Pieters thrived at a stormy Yas Links in 2022 to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship. Getty Images

In one of the most significant changes, the Abu Dhabi Championship has been moved from its traditional January spot to form a season finale play-off along with the DP World Tour Championship.

Running in November, these two two final Rolex Series events of the season with have a pool of $19 million in prize money. The Abu Dhabi Championship will welcome the leading 70 players on the Race to Dubai Rankings to Yas Links, before the top 50 head back to Dubai for the showdown at Jumeirah Golf Estates, where the DP World Tour’s Number One player will be crowned.

At the conclusion of the DP World Tour’s 2024 season, the leading 10 players will share a $6 million bonus pool. The top 10 DP World Tour members on the final 2024 Race to Dubai Rankings (not otherwise exempt) will earn PGA TOUR cards for the 2025 season.

“Our 2024 season will see our members come together to compete across a global schedule, with greater opportunities and rewards than ever before,” said Keith Pelley, the DP World Tour’s chief executive. “The many new and original enhancements we have introduced will guarantee drama and excitement for our fans, our broadcasters and all our stakeholders across the entire season and means, more than ever, that every week counts on the DP World Tour.”

Here is the full 2023-24 DP World Tour schedule

Opening Swing
November 23-26 2023 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship (Royal Queensland GC, Brisbane, Australia)
November 23-26 ​​​​​​Joburg Open (Houghton GC, Johannesburg, South Africa)
November 30-December 3 ISPS Handa Australian Open (The Australian GC & The Lakes GC, Sydney, Australia)
November 30-December 3 Investec South African Open Championship (Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate, Lanseria, Johannesburg, South Africa)
December 7-10 Alfred Dunhill Championship (Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa)
December 14-17 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open (Heritage La Réserve GC, Heritage Bel Ombre, Mauritius)
International Swing
January 11-14 2024 Dubai Invitational (Dubai Creek Resort, Dubai, UAE)
January 18-21 Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE)
January 25-28 Ras Al Khaimah Championship (Al Hamra GC, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE)
February 1-4 Bahrain Championship (Royal GC, Kingdom of Bahrain)
February 22-25 Magical Kenya Open (Muthaiga GC, Nairobi, Kenya)
February 29-March 3 SDC Championship (TBC, South Africa)
March 7-10 Jonsson Workwear Open (TBC, South Africa)
Asian Swing
March 21-24 Singapore Classic (Laguna National Golf Resort Club, Singapore)
March 28-31 Asian Event TBA (TBC)
April 11-14 The Masters (Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia, USA)
April 18-21 Korea Championship (Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, Incheon, South Korea)
April 25-28 ISPS Handa Championship (Taiheiyo Club, Gotemba Course, Gotemba City, Japan)
May 2-5 Volvo China Open (Hidden Grace GC, Shenzhen, China)
May 16-19 PGA Championship (Valhalla GC, Louisville, Kentucky, USA)
European Swing
May 23-26 Soudal Open (Rinkven International GC, Antwerp, Belgium)
May 30-June 2 European Open (Green Eagle Golf Courses, Hamburg, Germany)
June 6-9 Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed (TBC, Sweden)
June 13-16 US Open (Pinehurst Resort & CC, Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA)
June 20-23 KLM Open (The International, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
June 27-30 Italian Open (TBC, Italy)
July 4-7 BMW International Open (Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany)
Closing Swing
July 11-14 Genesis Scottish Open (The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland)
July 11-14 Event TBA (TBC, USA)
July 18-21 The 152nd Open (Royal Troon GC, Ayrshire, Scotland)
July 18-21 Barracuda Championship (Tahoe Mt Club, Truckee, California, USA)
August 1-4 Olympic Men’s Golf Competition (Le Golf National, Paris, France)
August 15-18 D+D Real Czech Masters (Albatross Golf Resort, Prague, Czech Republic)
August 22-25 Danish Golf Championship (Lübker Golf Resort, Aarhus, Denmark)
The Back 9
August 29-September 1 Betfred British Masters (The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England)
September 5-8 Omega European Masters (Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland)
September 12-15 Horizon Irish Open (Royal County Down GC, Newcastle, Co Down, Northern Ireland)
September 19-22 BMW PGA Championship (Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England)
September 26-29 acciona Open de España presented by Madrid (Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain)
October 3-6 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Scotland)
October 10-13 Open de France (Le Golf National, Paris, France)
October 17-20 Andalucia Masters (Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, San Roque, Andalucia, Spain)
October 24-27 Event TBA (TBC)
DP World Tour Play-Offs
November 7-10 Abu Dhabi Championship (Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
November 14-17 DP World Tour Championship (Jumeirah Golf Estates, Earth Course, Dubai, UAE)

The post New-look landscape across the UAE and beyond after DP World Tour calendar shake-up appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Iconic courses, great company and a memorable weekend experience — the second Golf Digest Middle East Play & Stay had it all on Yas Island last Friday and Saturday. Golfers from all over the UAE, from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai and Al Ain, gathered in the nation’s capital for a sensational tournament over 27 holes at Yas Acres Golf and Country Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi — we even had a birthday party!

From their arrival at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island on Friday afternoon, the multinational mix of contenders were treated to a slice of luxury, many with partners and family along for the ride.

Once everyone was checked in, we were off to the newest arrival on the UAE Golf scene, Yas Acres. With the vast majority of the mixed-ability competitors having never played the nine-hole course, it helped level the playing field.

“The fairways are a bit different to what we are used to down at Tower Links and a bit tighter and scarier,” said first-timer Richard Abson-Bennett as he closed out his round. “But it is beautiful out here. It is stunning and a really impressive venue.”

Fellow Acres rookie Adam Griffiths also hailed the course and set-up. “Really enjoyable, it is a really nice course and it suits the needs of all levels,” he said. “Can be quite forgiving and also rewards good shots. We have been well looked after and this has been well put together.”

With nine-holes under their belts, it was back to Crowne Plaza to be wined and dined at an evening brunch at Stills Restaurant & Bar, allowing the guests — with families who enjoyed the facilities at Crowne Plaza including kids, wives and one very-soon-mum-to-be joining the fun — to chill and get to know one another ahead of Saturday’s etch-in-the-memory afternoon. The following morning we were off to the iconic Yas Links — home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship — a course that would test golfers of all abilities.

And so it proved with some playing the best round of their lives (see: one of the husband-and-wife duo Dennis and Karen, but we won’t say which), while others were struggling with the demands of the true links-style course.

“The courses have been amazing and how it has all been put together was amazing,” said birthday boy James Dean at Yas Links’ famous 17^th hole. “We had a great time with a great bunch of lads last night and we are looking forward to the next one.”

Playing partner James Finnigan added: “It was two tremendous venues. Acres — which most of us were playing for the first time — was superb and here [Yas Links] is just sensational. A delight to be here.”

Dan Coad was quite succinct as he said: “Thanks to Golf Digest for organising. This must be an annual event from now.”

Thankfully, everyone was still friends and ready to relax at Hickory’s in the Yas Links clubhouse for the prize-giving ceremony.

Overall winner Craig Vance was relishing his 2024 Dubai Desert Classic pro-am spot, and even earmarked his dream playing partners.

“It was my first experience at Acres and it is a great golf course. I will be back to play it again. It is challenging enough for all. The overall experience was tremendous and even the wife is happy so everyone is happy.”

After claiming top prize of a spot in the 2024 Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am as gross stableford winner on 53 points, Vance admitted there was still room for improvement “I am very glad to win, he said. “It was a top day on Yas Links and a top weekend overall. My score should have been better as I hit two sprinkler heads on the greens but it was a brilliant weekend and can’t wait to play the Pro-Am. My dream partner would be Rory McIlroy or Jon Rahm, but regardless I am thrilled to be here and to be there.”

Winners list and prizes

Day 1
Nearest the pin: Dan Coad (two-ball at Yas Acres)
Longest drive: Dan Nicholson (two-ball at Yas Acres)
Day 2
Nearest the pin: Colin Davies (two-ball at Yas Links)
Longest drive: Dan Nicolson (two-ball at Yas Links)
Overall
Division B (HCP 15-28): Colin Davies (VIP Saturday hospitality for two at 2024 Dubai Desert Classic)
Division A (HCP 0-14): James Finnigan (VIP Sunday hospitality for two at 2024 Dubai Desert Classic)
Gross winner: Craig Vance — 53 points (spot in the 2024 Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am

Golf Digest Middle East would like to thank Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Viya Golf for their partnership to make the weekend a success.

The post Golf Digest Middle East’s Play & Stay on Yas Island is a winner appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Golf Digest Middle East’s Play & Stay competition is back — and this time we are heading to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi to offer one of the finest golfing experiences the capital has to offer. 

Following the successful inaugural edition in Dubai, GDME Play & Stay — in association with Viya Golf — returns bigger and better. 

For just AED 1,295, you and a friend (twin share or double) can enjoy a two-day staycation on Yas Island with one playing spot in each round at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, either side of a luxury pampering at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island on June 9 and 10. Non-golfers can chill at Crowne Plaza’s Cyan Beach or pool and enjoy discounted offers at the Crowne Fitness spa and sauna.

It’s no problem if you’re a couple that golf together or a pair of golfing pals looking for an epic weekend away either. A second spot in either tournament can be booked for AED 150 (Yas Acres) and AED 290 (Yas Links).

Registered players will arrive at the hotel on Yas Island on Friday for a reception, followed a short jaunt for an early evening nine-hole showdown over Yas Acres’ stunning course. 

Following a luxurious night at Crowne Plaza, including a Friday night brunch with house beverages at Stills, and Saturday breakfast at Jing Asia, guests will head to the famous Yas Links to blow away the cobwebs in an 18-hole shotgun competition on the coast of the windswept Arabian Gulf.

THE PLAY

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
First up on early Friday evening is the UAE’s newest arrival on the golfing scene. Yas Acres Golf & Country Club opened last year to a great reception from local golfers and visitors from abroad, and it continues to grow in popularity, having been added to Viya Golf’s growing portfolio of clubs across the UAE. 

The nine/18-hole set-up is perfect for experienced golfers, budding youngsters, weekend warriors and those who just like to relax and let the others do the hard work.

The par-36 track will test golfers with long holes, spanning 130 acres, across challenging contours and a low ridgeline that runs through the centre of the course. Some massive bunkers add to the experience and, while the fairways are generous, water is in play on four of the holes to keep you on your toes. 

On top on the fully floodlit Fry/Straka-designed nine-hole course — stretching from 2,554 yards to a challenging 3,700 yards from five different tee boxes — Yas Acres has a lot more to offer in the heart of Yas Island.

Away from the course, golfers of all levels can work on their game at the world-class floodlit practice facilities, including two chipping greens, with practice bunkers, USGA-approved putting greens — and the longest driving range in the UAE.

The club also offers a gymnasium, padel tennis, swimming pool, plus three restaurants with views over the course.

YAS LINKS abu dhabi
Saturday’s tournament will be a day to remember regardless of your score as competitiors will follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest golfers at the famous Yas Links. This is a true links golf course, located on the western shores of Yas Island with views of the Arabian Gulf and is home to the DP World Tour Rolex Series Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. 

Designed by American Kyle Phillips of Kingsbarns, Scotland, fame, Yas Links forms the heart of the island’s massive entertainment complex. 

As the name suggestions, Phillips fashioned this as a warm-weather links, using two million cubic yards of sand dredged from an adjacent marina to create the shape and contours of the masterpiece, before covering everything with salt-tolerant Paspalum turf. 

Amateurs lucky enough to call the UAE home and international visitors in the know have been smitten for years with one of the region’s most popular tracks, which has been home to the HSBC Championship since 2022, when it switched from Abu Dhabi Golf Club after 16 editions. Being a links set-up, the course offers new challenges with the famous Arabian Gulf breezes wafting in over the mangroves and the undulating layout. 

Beware the stunningly difficult three-hole closing stretch which has been the scene of many amateur-hour meltdowns.

THE STAY

Crowne Plaza
Friday night will be spent in style at one of Abu Dhabi’s most stylish hotels — the What’s On award-winning Crowne Plaza on Yas Island. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s top destination island, the hotel resort overlooks Yas Links and has its own private Cyan Beach on the shores of the Arabian Gulf — perfect for sundowners and beautiful sunsets.

As well as all the entertainment venues on the hotel’s doorstep — including F1 racetrack, Ferrari World, Warner Bros and Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall is also only a stone’s throw away for those in need of retail therapy. For Golf Digest Middle East Play & Stay non-golfers who fancy the luxury life without straying too far, the hotel offers an outdoor pool, fitness centre, kids club, dining outlets and a shisha garden. Non-golfing guests can continue to use facilities on Saturday, with late-check-out  available.

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The post A capital staycation with style: Golf Digest Middle East’s Play & Stay returns — this time at the top venues on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island 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.

By Matt Smith
The conveyor belt of young UAE-based talent continues to roll as Abu Dhabi’s Maya Palanza Gaudin took the title at the US Kids European Championship (Girls, 12-years-old Category) at The Glen Golf Club, North Berwick, outside Edinburgh, Scotland.

Born in Ethiopia, the 12-year-old, who has lived in the UAE capital with her parents and younger sister for 10 years, plays off a 2.7 handicap and was the 2021 Ladies champion at Yas Links Golf Club, Abu Dhabi.

In typically Scottish weather — cold, damp and windy — Maya prevailed over a tough course thanks to a determined display.

She shot 72, 74, 74 for a four-over total of 220 played over the 4,507 yards, par 72 layout, to win by four strokes.

The next international event on Maya’s schedule is the US Kids Golf World Championships in July at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, in the US.

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The post Abu Dhabi-based 12-year-old Maya wins title in Scotland appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

For many of those in contention, however, there will be obvious and surely lingering regrets. None of those who looked most likely to offer potent challenges to overnight leader Scott Jamieson ended up breaking par, never mind 70. All of which meant the relatively fast-finishing (!) Rafa Cabrera-Bello (70) and Shubhankar Sharma (71) ended up in second place, one-shot back of the new champion.

Starting one-shot off the pace, Shane Lowry’s outward half of 40 contained a brace of 7s. The inward half wasn’t a lot better either. In the end, the former Open champion’s 77 saw him fall to a T-12 finish.

MORE: Shane Lowry says he suffered Ryder Cup blues—’I actually felt sick. I felt rundown.’

Viktor Hovland eventually came up two-shots shy of Pieters in a tie for fourth place alongside Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and will surely look back on the triple bogey he made at the par-4 third hole and the double-bogey 6 on the 15th as the primary reasons for that failure.

Jamieson wasn’t immune either. Far from it. Four bogeys in the first five holes set the Scot who had been leading each of the first three days back on his heels. And despite subsequent steadiness, his weight never again returned to his toes. His forlorn 77 left him tied 10th.

Still, none of the above was bothering Pieters. The soon-to-be 30-year-old Belgian (his birthday is Jan. 27), a veteran of the 2016 Ryder Cup (where he finished with four points from his five matches), has since failed to fulfil the huge potential that was obvious when he claimed the 2012 NCAA Championship while playing at Illinois. A victory in the Portugal Masters towards the end of 2021 provided a much-needed fillip, however, before this, his sixth victory on what is now the DP World Tour.

“I was well in control,” said Pieters, who arrived in the Gulf ranked 69th in the world. “When you’re in control of your ball flight and the golf ball, it’s fun. You can be creative and that’s how I felt out there today. Winning a Rolex Series event is as good as it gets in Europe. Hopefully this lifts me. I want to play all of the big tournaments and hopefully this gets me close. I kind of disappeared for a couple years. Top 50 is your strive point, and when I fell out of that maybe three years ago, I took it badly. I’m happy to be there again.”

Back in the pack, where he started and eventually finished, Rory McIlroy did add some typical excitement to the proceedings with a bold run of figures through the 13th hole, highlighted by an eagle at the par-4 ninth where he holed out from 141 yards.

Rory McIlroy hole-out eagle!#ADGolfChamps | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/fvOLsbpJmY

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) January 23, 2022

At that stage he was tied for second place. But that was where he stalled on a Yas Links course for which he clearly feels little affection compared to the tournament’s previous home, Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Told this event will be played here for at least another three years his smiling response said it all: “see you in 2026.”

Anyway, a wild drive at the 359-yard 14th led to a momentum-ending bogey. And two more shots were dropped at the closing two holes, a wild 3-wood into the water at the par 5 pretty much summing up the last hour of the Northern Irishman’s life.

“Honestly, I’m happy enough I got to play an extra two days,” said McIlroy of a five-under-par total that saw him finish T-12. “I had to make a birdie at the last on Friday night to be here. Then I almost made the most of the weekend. I played well yesterday. And I played really well today before a couple of loose shots coming in cost me.

“I thought if I played the last five in two under and got to double digits I would have a decent chance,” he continued. “But I didn’t quite do that. I probably hit the wrong club on 14 trying to get close to the green with the pin at the back. And I just didn’t quite play the shots I needed to coming down the last few holes. Still, it was good to see where my game is at. It was good to get an extra couple of days golf going into Dubai next week. Obviously, that wasn’t the finish I wanted today, but big-picture-wise it was good to assess where everything is and know what to work on going into next week.”

The post Thomas Pieters kept his cool as others faltered in Abu Dhabi, and has the biggest win of his career to show for it appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

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.

After 16 successive years at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will be hosted by Yas Links Abu Dhabi for the first time in January.

Like the Desert Classic in Dubai, the January 20-23 Race to Dubai season opener is also a premier Rolex Series event with an $8 million prize purse.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the European Tour made the announcement in a joint statement Monday but gave no reason for the decision to move away from Abu Dhabi GC.

The original Yas Links is about to get a baby sister. Yas Links is an excellent golf course but it does not feature the elevation we have at Yas Acres.”

Designed by Kyle Phillips and recently ranked 48th in Golf Digest’s global Top 100 courses, the move to Yas Links will please lovers of desert-style links golf.

“As one of our Rolex Series events, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and Yas Links [will] offer our players and fans an experience like no other,” said European Tour CEO Keith Pelley.

“Yas Island is synonymous with major sporting events in the United Arab Emirates and we are delighted our first Rolex Series tournament of the year will be highlighted on the global stage.”

Tyrrell Hatton is the defending champion.

The post Yas Links to herald in 2022 European Tour season appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.