Aditi Ashok stood alone as the champion of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open but spoke on behalf of her peers in lavishing praise on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in her acceptance speech.

Ashok was a popular winner of the $550,000 event which drew repeated praise throughout the week as one of the Ladies European Tour’s favourite stops of the year courtesy of the Troon club’s family-friendly organisation and the condition of Gary Player’s beautiful beachfront creation.

 While the Indian teen and her colleagues have departed for the business end of the LET campaign, the championship course remains in pristine shape for UAE visitors as the weather cools and Middle East golf season heats up.

The 19-year-old laid down a serious marker for amateurs – male and female – looking to test their games, her winning 18-under-par total made up of four sub 70 circuits that illuminated her undoubted talent but also the presentation of the 7806 yard, par 72 layout.

There was an inexplicable four-putt on the penultimate hole which nearly cost Ashok her third LET title but even she admitted that scary blip had nothing to do with the greens which are putting as pure as anything in the region. Indeed, the scoring was exceptional all week – thanks in no small measure to Saadiyat Bech Golf Club’s agronomy team. First South African Lee-Anne Pace opened with a 66 before the 23-year-old Spaniard eclipsed the previous course record of 64 with a eight-under 62 in the second round.

While other courses in the region ramp up their preparations for upcoming European Tour events, there has never been a better time to experience the “Island Life”. Saadiyat Beach has never been in better condition. 

Book online today at www.sbgolfclub.ae to experience the pristine condition and for the best daily rates to play ‘the home of the FBMLO”. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club also welcome membership enquiries – enquire via email at [email protected]. As Ashok will attest, the Abu Dhabi gem is a welcoming oasis in the desert all year round.