In a heartwarming show of generosity and community spirit, the Radiant Rainbows Class at Al Noor School has found its champions through the Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day.

The pro-am event, held at Arabian Ranches Golf Club in November, was organized by Esus and supported strategically and through marketing by Motivate Media Group – Golf Digest Middle East. The successful event was able to raise enough money to create the Radiant Rainbows Class, which consists of 8 remarkable students aged 5-8, ensuring they receive personalized education and the support they need to thrive for a whole year.

 

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This powerful act of giving is a true testament to how sport can unite people for a cause that transforms lives. But this is just the beginning.

Apollo Perelini (100 World Legends and UAE Rugby)

Al Noor School, which is home to 26 classrooms, continues its mission to offer every child the opportunities they deserve. With this adoption, the Radiant Rainbows Class will now shine brighter than ever, an open invite to others—individuals, businesses, and community leaders—to come forward and make a lasting impact by adopting a classroom.

Experiences like this aren’t possible without the generous support and help from the sponsors at the Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day. A special mention must go to Al Noor, 100 World Legends, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Egolf Megastore, Emirates Golf Federation, Esus, Maersk, Media One Hotel, MMI, MyGovindas, Nezesaussi Grill and Wasl.

Together, we all can help each student at Al Noor achieve their full potential and live their best life.

Let’s keep swinging for a brighter tomorrow!

Images: Al Noor

The post A radiant future begins with a swing! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Made up of high-profile former international rugby stars from over 20 countries, the 100 World Legends is an organisation dedicated to creating lasting change for People of Determination by championing the core values of rugby union.

Respect, hard work, and integrity are at the heart of their mission as the Legends positively impact communities worldwide through a variety of charitable initiatives, youth programmes, and sustainable rugby-for-life projects. This time around, it was golf!

In collaboration with Al Noor, the Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination, the centre opened its doors in Dubai on 21st November 1981, initially serving just eight children. Today, the centre supports over 260 children at its purpose-built facility in Al Barsha, offering personalised programmes for young people with diverse physical and cognitive challenges.

With global rugby icons—including over 20 former international players such as Ireland’s Shane Byrne, England’s Delon Armitage and Tamara Taylor, as well as more than half a dozen former All Blacks—guests competed in fourball teams alongside a rugby legend in the Texas Scramble Format. The action was closely observed by Paul Waring, the recent 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Champion, who also participated in the event.

 

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The day was a resounding success on the newly revamped Arabian Ranches, with more than AED 160,000 raised at the charity event in favour of Al Noor, with participants bidding on unique rugby memorabilia combined with all tournament entry fees and sponsorships.

As for the competition, the podium spots were as follows:

• Third place: Team Byrne, led by captain Shane Byrne, alongside Mark Chatten, Ken Owiti, and Paul Byrne, with an impressive score of 15-under-par score, 57.
• Second place: Team Waring, comprising Brian Thomas Smith, Hader Nashie, and Richard Bernans, finished with a score of 16-under-par, 56.
• First place: Team Betsen, the inaugural winners of the Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day were Serge Betsen, Tillmann Kloss, Ofisa Tonu’u, and Karl Te Nana, who triumphed by the narrowest of margins.

Experiences like this aren’t possible without the generous support and help from sponsors. A special mention must go to Al Noor, 100 World Legends, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Egolf Megastore, Emirates Golf Federation, Esus, Maersk, Media One Hotel, MMI, MyGovindas, Nezesaussi Grill and Wasl.

Here’s to an even bigger event in 2025!

Click through the gallery of photos of the day.

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Images: Harry Grimshaw

The post For the greatest of causes – The Al Noor and 100 World Legends Golf Day appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The competitors were split into three divisions (Div. A 0-12 HCP, Div. B 13-24 HCP and Best Gross Score) and were in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes such as a spot in the upcoming Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am, Hero Dubai Desert Classic hospitality tickets, Emirates Dubai 7s passes, Country Club membership at The Els Club, plus plenty of other goodies from our amazing sponsors.

Taking the top prize of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am spot was Swiss National, Thomas Buchard with a Gross score of 70. Thomas not only will have the privilege of playing alongside some of the best DP World Tour players, but he also takes home The Els Club Country Club membership!

Topping Division A was Kevin Fearnley with an impressive 40 points to go with his two hospitality tickets for the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, plus two season passes for the Emirates Dubai 7’s.

While going two points better in Division B was Alex Augusti with 42 points. The popular social media food reviewer “Just Food DXB” was ecstatic with his two hospitality tickets for the third round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and two season passes for the Emirates Dubai 7’s.

You can find all of the prize winners and their scores on the right side of this page!

A big thank you must go to The Els Club for hosting us, all the team did a fantastic job. So, a big thank to General Manager Tom Rourke and all of his team.

The course at The Els Club had hosted Tommy Fleetwood that very morning, in the season-opening Lion’s Den, so there were plenty of tricky pins tucked away and the greens were nothing less than slick for our competitors. So, a big thumbs up to the greenkeeping team!

These events aren’t possible without the sponsors, so “Cheers” to Adidas, Africa and Eastern, Bakers Kitchen, Luxury Supercars and Stuart Norbury and all of his event team from Motivate Media Group.

Here’s to next year! Prost!

Winners

Best Gross: Thomas Buchard (70 Gross)
Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am & The Els Club Country Club Membership

Div A – Winner: Kevin Fearnley (40 points)
2x Hero Dubai Desert Classic Sunday Hospitality + 2x Emirates Dubai 7’S Season Passes

Div A – 2nd Place: Chris Jones (36 points countback)
2x Emirates Dubai 7’S Season Passes

Div A – 3rd Place: Luke Banks (36 points countback)
Adidas Pick & Mix

Div B – Winner: Alex Augusti (42 points)
2x Hero Dubai Desert Classic Saturday Hospitality + 2x Emirates Dubai 7’S Season Passes

Div B – 2nd Place: James Dean (41 points)
2x Emirates Dubai 7’S Season Passes

Div B – 3rd Place: Dominic Wright (38 points)
Adidas Pick & Mix

Nearest Pin – Hole 2: Justin Miller
African & Eastern Prizes

Nearest Pin – Hole 4: Barry Dwyer
African & Eastern Prizes

Longest Drive – Hole 18: Elizabeth Pieneer
Luxury Supercars

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The post “The best day of the year” 2024 Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Let him cook!! Min Woo Lee breaks down how he squeezes every ounce out of his drives, Golf Saudi explain how they are transforming golf into a sport for all, we take a look back at the 2024 Aramco Team Series season and look ahead to their final two events of the year. Fancy playing your way into the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am? You can by coming to play in our Oktoberfest-themed golf day! We review both Jon Rahm and Ripper GC’s season on LIV Golf, plus how Billy Horschel held off Rory McIlroy to claim the BMW PGA Championship on the DP World Tour! All this and much, much more in the October 2024 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

See below for the eleventh issue of the Arabic edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

If you want to look back at all our previous Arabic editions of Golf Digest Middle East, click here.

The post Get the October 2024 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here in both English and Arabic today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest is back!

We are back once again, with our ever-popular Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest day at The Els Club, Dubai.

Join us on October 18 for this one-of-a-kind golfing experience with tasty treats both on and off course to keep you going!

Included in your day, you’ll get access to the practice facilities from 11 am ahead of your 1:00 pm shotgun start in the 18-hole Individual Stableford tournament.

The winners of each division (Div. A 0-12 HCP, Div. B 13-24 HCP and Best Gross Score) will be in with the chance for some amazing prizes such as a spot in the upcoming 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am (Best Gross Score) at Emirates Golf Club, 2025 Hero Dubai Desert Classic hospitality tickets, 2024 Emirates Dubai 7s passes, Country Club membership at the Els Club, plus much more!

Also included on your golfing day out, is a pair of German brews, two refill vouchers, a cheeky Bavarian shot waiting for you in your golf buggy, AND an Oktoberfest-themed food box. We don’t want you going hungry!

Topping it off, there will be on-course competitions such as the longest drive and nearest the pin on offer with prizes to win, to make things even more competitive for you!

Golf Digest Middle East Team – 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic – Jorge Campillo (professional), Craig Vance, George Worth, Nathan Fisher.

Please note: To be eligible for any of the post-event prizes, an official EGF handicap or a recognised handicap is required, and players under 21 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

AT A GLANCE
What: Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest Tournament
Where: The Els Club, Dubai
When: Friday, October 18, 2024
Price: AED 795 (incl VAT) limited places!
Individual Stableford tournament, 1:00pm shotgun start

CATEGORIES
Division A: 0-12 Handicaps
Division B: 13-24 max
Best Gross

Last year’s Oktoberfest prize winners! Photo by Motivate Media Group

About our sponsors

AFRICAN + EASTERN – Inspiring Great Blends

The origins of African + Eastern can be traced over 100 years to Africa and the Middle East, established in the tradition of sea-borne trade and commerce. Since its founding, it has been witness to the region’s incredible growth and is now the largest importer, distributor & retailer of beverage alcohol brands in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf region.

African + Eastern is a company where diverse cultures, brands, skills and tastes from around the world come together to create the perfect blend. A blend that is evolving to keep pace with the developments of this dynamic region, but that in itself serves a simple purpose: to ensure the company excels at eclipsing the expectations of customers, partners, employees and stakeholders. africaneastern.com

LUXURY SUPERCAR RENTALS

LSR prides itself on being the leading prestige and performance car hire company in the industry. We give you the opportunity to get your pulse racing, making a lasting impression at your next corporate or social event, or simply drive the car of your dreams.

We don’t just offer you a luxury car model, but a luxury car hire experience. Our staff are fully trained to ensure your luxury car comes to you spotless and well-serviced so you can be confident that the vehicle you’re driving is safe, performing to its highest standards, and of prestige quality. With the widest range of models from elite brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Mercedes, BMW and Porsche, our service includes exclusive benefits like free pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Dubai, discounts on long-term hire and insurance included across our entire fleet. luxurysupercarsdubai.com  

ADIDAS

Introducing both apparel and footwear that features our recycled technical material: PRIMEBLUE & PRIMEGREEN PRIMEBLUE. This special capsule is just part of our commitment to continue to innovate in the area of sustainability until we reach our goal to use only recycled polyester in all of our products by 2024. The products featured include polos, layering pieces and shorts.

PRIMEBLUE is our high-performance recycled material that’s made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. These plastics were intercepted from beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing them from polluting our oceans. We took that plastic waste and turned it into a performance solution. Every day, the equivalent of 1,440 dump trucks of plastic waste enter our oceans, so this is one small way we can keep some waste out of our oceans and use it for purposes. adidas.ae

BAKER’S KITCHEN

Baker’s Kitchen is the first German Bakery in the Middle East selling full fermented sourdough breads. Doughs are free from any additives, chemicals and enzymes and the long fermentation is making the bread and buns easily digestible for you and your gut. Sven Mostegl, born into a South German baker’s family with grandparents from Austria and Alsace, is passionate about healthy bread and food. All his knowledge, love and passion is shared with customers, which he fondly calls “Friends”, also in his baking classes. The restaurant is serving healthy and tasty food, made of organic, fresh and healthy ingredients. Parents can enjoy their food, while the little ones can play with their friends in the big play area. Of course, Baker’s Kitchen also serves healthy kid meals option which your kids will love and you don’t feel guilty about. Sven and his wife Heike are not just passionate about healthy food, but they are also very concerned about their Friends’ well-being. Therefore, the restaurant is equipped with air purifiers, UVC Air Sanitizers and will be disinfected every day by dry fogging, making it human and food friendly.

All bakery products can be ordered and will be delivered to your home, UAE-wide. Daily deliveries in Dubai; Monday and Friday to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain; Sharjah on Wednesdays and RAK / UAQ / Ajman on Saturdays. For orders visit bakerskitchenuae.org, order by email (orders@bakerskitchenuae.org) or by WhatsApp at +971 56 8240790. Food from the Restaurant can also be ordered through Entertainer, CareemNow, Instashop and Zomato within the given delivery radius by those Apps. bakerskitchenuae.org

RELATED:
Catch all the action from last year’s Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest’s video and gallery

The post Oktoberfest 2024 — Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am Qualifier appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

There were prizes on offer across the course during the shotgun-start stableford event, with players taking home drinks, golf bags, car and buggy hire, and prized hospitality tickets for the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Emirates Dubai 7s.

Fisher was the toast of the prize-giving ceremony, thanks to his day’s best gross score of 69 topping the leaderboard and he is relishing the chance to rub shoulders with the best players in the world at Emirates Golf Club from January 18-21.

“To be honest, I do not mind whom I play with as it is an honour to just be on the stage with so many great players,” he said following his win.

“If I were to pick a dream playing partner it would have to be Rory McIlroy or Tommy Fleetwood, but I really do not mind as just being up there among those players is a dream come true.”

The winners!

Win or lose, everyone seemed to have a great day out, thanks to the hosts at The Els Club and the sponsors — Baker’s Kitchen, Luxury Supercar Rentals, Adidas and African + Eastern.

Some came dressed for the occasion with Darwin Holt and Worth sporting matching peacock shirts.

George Worth

“It has been a great day. Everything has exceeded my expectations in terms of organisation and everything that has been laid on for us,” said Holt.

“I will be back again 100 per cent,” added Worth, whose 41 points secured top spot in Division A.

Winners

Nearest Pin Hole 2 – African & Eastern Cases of Erdinger & Jagermeister
Nathan Williamson

Nearest Pin Hole 4 – African & Eastern Cases of Erdinger & Jagermeister
Russell Yeomans

Longest Drive – Hole 9 – Luxury Super Cars Package for Two, Buggy Hire
Nathan Fisher

Longest Drive – Hole 18 – Luxury Super Cars One Day Free Rental Hire
James Yeomans

Division B Runner-Up – 2 X Season Passes for Emirates Dubai 7s
Sanjay Pahwa – 33 Points* Countback

Division B Winner – 2x Saturday Hospitality Passes for Hero Dubai Desert Classic & 2x Season Passes For Emirates Dubai 7s & Adidas Golf Bag
Ivan Kraemer – 35 Points

Division A Runner-Up  – 2x Saturday Hospitality Passes for Hero Dubai Desert Classic & 2x Season Passes For Emirates Dubai 7s
Oliver Ravenscroft – 39 Points

Division A Winner – Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am playing spot & Adidas Golf Bag
Graeme Worth – 41 Points

Best Gross – Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am playing spot & Adidas Golf Bag
Nathan Fisher – 69 Gross

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The post Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest another thrilling success at The Els Club Dubai appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest is back

Who’s ready for the new golf season? We are, and we are back with our third Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest extravaganza at The Els Club Dubai.

Join us on October 20 for a unique golfing experience with tasty treats on and off course to keep you going.

Demand has been so high that the early-bird spots have already sold out. You can still join in the fun for AED 795, for which you will get access to the driving range and practice facilities from 11am ahead of the 1pm shotgun-start, 18-hole individual stableford event.

A pair of German brews plus two refill vouchers will greet each player along with a cheeky Bavarian shot in their golf cart along with Oktoberfest themed lunch box.

Once out on course, competitions such as longest drive and nearest the pin will be on offer to make things even more interesting as players compete for the top prize — two spots in the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic pro-am for the best gross score and Division A winner.

Getty Images

The winners of each division (Div. A 0-14 HCP, Div. B 15-24 HCP and Best Gross) will claim amazing prizes such as 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic hospitality tickets, Emirates Dubai 7s passes, Country Club membership at the Els Club, plus much more from our sponsors.

Please note: To be eligible for any of the post-event prizes, an official EGF handicap/recognised handicap is required, and players under 21 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

At A Glance
What: Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest Tournament
Where: The Els Club, Dubai
When: Friday, October 20, 2023
Price: AED 795 (incl VAT)
Individual stableford tournament, 1pm shotgun start

Categories
Division A: 0-14 Handicaps
Division B: 15-24 max
Best Gross

Last year’s Best Gross winner Michael Harradine won a spot in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am. Photo by Motivate Media Group

About our sponsors

AFRICAN + EASTERN – Inspiring Great Blends

The origins of African + Eastern can be traced over 100 years to Africa and the Middle East, established in the tradition of sea-borne trade and commerce. Since its founding, it has been witness to the region’s incredible growth and is now the largest importer, distributor & retailer of beverage alcohol brands in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf region.

African + Eastern is a company where diverse cultures, brands, skills and tastes from around the world come together to create the perfect blend. A blend that is evolving to keep pace with the developments of this dynamic region, but that in itself serves a simple purpose: to ensure the company excels at eclipsing the expectations of customers, partners, employees and stakeholders. africaneastern.com

ADIDAS

Introducing both apparel and footwear that features our recycled technical material: PRIMEBLUE & PRIMEGREEN PRIMEBLUE. This special capsule is just part of our commitment to continue to innovate in the area of sustainability until we reach our goal to use only recycled polyester in all of our products by 2024. The products featured include polos, layering pieces and shorts.
PRIMEBLUE is our high-performance recycled material that’s made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. These plastics were intercepted from beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing them from polluting our oceans. We took that plastic waste and turned it into a performance solution. Every day, the equivalent of 1,440 dump trucks of plastic waste enter our oceans, so this is one small way we can keep some waste out of our oceans and use it for purposes. adidas.ae

BAKER’S KITCHEN

Baker’s Kitchen is the first German Bakery in the Middle East selling full fermented sourdough breads. Doughs are free from any additives, chemicals and enzymes and the long fermentation is making the bread and buns easily digestible for you and your gut. Sven Mostegl, born into a South German baker’s family with grandparents from Austria and Alsace, is passionate about healthy bread and food. All his knowledge, love and passion is shared with customers, which he fondly calls “Friends”, also in his baking classes. The restaurant is serving healthy and tasty food, made of organic, fresh and healthy ingredients. Parents can enjoy their food, while the little ones can play with their friends in the big play area. Of course, Baker’s Kitchen also serves healthy kid meals option which your kids will love and you don’t feel guilty about. Sven and his wife Heike are not just passionate about healthy food, but they are also very concerned about their Friends’ well-being. Therefore, the restaurant is equipped with air purifiers, UVC Air Sanitizers and will be disinfected every day by dry fogging, making it human and food friendly.

All bakery products can be ordered and will be delivered to your home, UAE-wide. Daily deliveries in Dubai; Monday and Friday to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain; Sharjah on Wednesdays and RAK / UAQ / Ajman on Saturdays. For orders visit bakerskitchenuae.org, order by email (orders@bakerskitchenuae.org) or by WhatsApp at +971 56 8240790. Food from the Restaurant can also be ordered through Entertainer, CareemNow, Instashop and Zomato within the given delivery radius by those Apps. bakerskitchenuae.org

LUXURY SUPERCAR RENTALS

LSR prides itself on being the leading prestige and performance car hire company in the industry. We give you the opportunity to get your pulse racing, making a lasting impression at your next corporate or social event, or simply drive the car of your dreams.
We don’t just offer you a luxury car model, but a luxury car hire experience. Our staff are fully trained to ensure your luxury car comes to you spotless and well-serviced so you can be confident that the vehicle you’re driving is safe, performing to its highest standards, and of prestige quality. With the widest range of models from elite brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, Mercedes, BMW and Porsche, our service includes exclusive benefits like free pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Dubai, discounts on long-term hire and insurance included across our entire fleet. luxurysupercarsdubai.com   luxurydesertadventure.com

RELATED:
Catch all the action from last year’s Golf Digest Middle East Oktoberfest’s video and gallery

The post Oktoberfest 2023 — Spots going fast for our Hero Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am Qualifier 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.

Rory McIlroy. Getty Images

Have you secured your Yas Island Golf Staycation yet?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to compete on these two great golf courses and enjoy a night’s stay with evening brunch & breakfast included.

FOR ONLY AED 1,295 you and your friend will get:

• One spot in nine-hole tournament (individual stableford format) at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club with 5pm shotgun on Friday June 9
• Evening brunch for two with house beverages at Stills
• Overnight stay for two at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
• On Saturday June 10, breakfast for two at Jing Asia & one spot in 18-hole tournament (individual stableford format) at Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Book now to secure your spot before it’s too late. Time is running out, so act fast!

The post Play & Stay: Now you can win a Pro-Am spot at the 2024 Dubai Desert Classic 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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