Photo by Jacob Sjoman

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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