Saadiyat Beach Golf
friend, management maestro Howie Roberts, it is a Kyle
Phillips masterpiece along the Persian Gulf that could
take a decade or two for one to figure out, and even
then, I am not sure it is possible. With breezes than
can vary from a beguiling puff that feels on the ground
like not much of anything, and then become a swirling
morass just as a ball rises above the dunes can leave you
guessing and off your stride right up until, in our case,
the breeze picks up slightly and turns into a seemingly
innocuous deceiver of a head wind on the last four
holes that knocks about 30% off every shot. That said,
even on a calm day the routing and contouring is a
master class in strategy. Every hole is memorable and
not always of the “fondly” sort. However, it is a fair test
that demands a player has a good understanding of his
limitations. It is one of those I would have on a very
short list in answer to the question, “If you could only
play one course the rest of your life, which one would it
be?” It is truly deserving of its ranking in the World top
50.
Moving down the road to the spectacularly picturesque,
TROON managed seaside Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is
one of Gary Player’s best that I have seen. Like Yas, each
hole is unique and memorable. Unlike Yas, what you see
is what you get. Massive mounding and bunkering leave
no doubt of the preferred route. However, the generous
Sam Sakocius
fairways tempt you to unload off the tee only to find
that on the fairway doesn’t mean you are in a great
place to score. This is a course you could post a solid
score and still get smoked by an observant player of
equal skill who has been around the track a few times.
For most of the one round I played there, I thought
it was one of the most enjoyable courses I have ever
played. In addition to being in great shape, it is just fun,
a lot of fun. To be noted, TROON is one of the world’s
most trusted management brands. When I travel, a
TROON logo on a facility virtually guarantees a special
golf experience of the highest standard. No, I am not on
the payroll. They are just good, consistently.
Another short jaunt brings you to Abu Dhabi Golf Club,
a European tour venue, it goes without saying you have
landed at another golfing slam dunk, the meticulously
well maintained course offers a fine but fair test and
is no pushover. Coupled with the excellent onsite
WESTIN hotel and a dedicated night golf track, it is no
surprise that this property is rated the best golf resort
in the region by Trip Advisor. Clinton Norris, Sr Sales
Manager who looks after ADGC and Saadiyat and is a
main player in promoting his clubs and the region, says
that the reason Abu Dhabi is becoming a focal point on
the golf map is that, “the offerings of three incredible
golf courses in close proximity and another beauty in
Volume 4 • Issue 47
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