http://www.sbgolfclub.ae
This month, thanks to an italian friend member of SBGC, I had the chance to play one of my bucket list courses....an incredible links stile championship course laid out along the shores of the Arabian Gulf in Abu Dhabi.
Words are not enough to describe the beauty of this layout, which I can consider with no doubt among the 10 best golf courses I played around the world.
Designed by Gary Player, and opened in 2010, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club features a challengingpar 72 layout, 7806 yds long from the back tees (76.8/138) with 67 bunkers, 3 lakes and a lot of sand everywhere!!
Professionally managed by Troon Golf, after just three year from its opening, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is considered one of the top courses of the region.
This golf course is the first development completed on Saadiyat Island, a large sand island located just 1,500 ft off the coast of Abu Dhabi (among the projects two five stars resort already completed, a cultural district featuring a Guggenheim Museum and a Louvre Museum, luxury homes, beach clubs, entertainment developments).
Ten minutes by car from downtown Abu Dhabi and I found myself surrounded by a sensational and magic scenario.
The clubhouse itself, although still temporary, is magnificent on its Mediterranean style.
Fantastic practice facilities are located just in front of it, with a 380 yds driving range, a short game area and a huge putting green.
But what impressed me mostly is the layout of the course, its unique location, the stunning views of the crystal blue water of the Arabian Gulf from about one-third of the course. Some of the greens literally seem like plunging into the ocean (Saadiyat is the only beachfront golf course in the UAE).
And not forgetting the numerous mountain gazelles that can be seen all around the course.
The conditions of the course were absolutely pristine. Immaculate bermuda grass on the fairways, perfect sand on the bunkers and greens that rolled true.
I am not surprised that SBGC will soon host the future editions of the European Tour HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championships.
I played other Gary Player designed golf courses in the past, but nothing as beautiful and incomparable as Saadiyat.
If you are planning a vacation in Abu Dhabi, SBGC is a must play, an experience you'll never forget.
For any tip you may need just write me @ skygolfblog@gmail.com
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| Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island view from the plane on my way back to Italy |
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| The "temporary" clubhouse |
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| A Mountain Gazelle on the #2nd hole |
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| #4 Hole 466 yds Par 4 (green and the St. Regis Hotel) |
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| #5 Hole 481 yds Par 4 |
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| #5 Hole 481 yds Par 4 |
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| #5 Hole 481 yds Par 4 (green) |
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| #6 Hole 236 yds Par 3 |
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| View of Saadiyat Beach between the 6th and the 7th holes |
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| #7 Hole 494 yds Par 4 |
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| #8 Hole 424 yds Par 4...Right is Wrong!!....Why?? |
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#8 Hole 424 yds Par 4
That's because "Right is Wrong" |
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| #9 Hole 611 yds Par 5 |
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| #10 Hole 338 yds Par 4 |
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| #10 Hole 338 yds Par 4 |
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| #11 Hole 553 yds Par 5 |
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| #12 Hole 247 yds Par 3 |
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| A local gazelle crossing the fairways |
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| They are in the waste area as well!! |
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| She look interested on my swing!! |
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| #13 Hole 455 yds Par 4 |
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| #15 Hole 573 yds Par 5 |
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| #16 Hole 488 yds Par 4 |
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| #16 Hole 488 yds Par 4 |
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| #16 Hole 488 yds Par 4 |
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| #18 Hole 445 yds Par 4 |
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| #18 Hole 445 yds Par 4 |
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| #18 Hole 445 yds Par 4 |
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