In the latest edition of Living Golf, host The Jazzy Golfer looks ahead to 2023 as some of the world’s best players descend on the UAE for the annual Desert Swing. While the region now boasts some of the world’s top courses, the original form of the game was played on the desert sand with browns replacing greens. Several sand golf courses still exist and are among the most sustainable courses on offer. Jazzy visits Al Ghazal Golf Club near Abu Dhabi to try her hand at this unique version of the game and meets Anthony Barbosa, Operations Manager at the club.

Sand golf in the region dates back to the 1970s and 80s when expat oil workers created places to play. The result was a version of golf where the only grass is artificial, found on the mat carried around by the players. Barbosa explains, “Since we don’t have grass here, you will be given a mat of plastic, artificial grass, which you can use when hitting the ball through the fairway. If you’re away from the fairway, or in the rough, you’re not allowed to use the mat.”

Living Golf on CNN with The Jazzy Golfer. CNN

One of the biggest benefits of a sand golf course in the region is sustainability. Barbosa says that this is because of the lack of water and maintenance needed to preserve the course. “Luckily, we are really not having such maintenance as typical golf courses have. I believe this is the most sustainable golf course in the UAE.”

The UAE has some world-renowned courses that host tournaments and players from around the world. With plenty of choice in the region, Barbosa is hopeful that Al Ghazal can compete. “It’s a challenge for us to really bring people back to the golf club. But we are developing the golf club, adding more features to the course, so hopefully we will have more members in the future.”

While in the UAE, Jazzy also speaks to World No. 23 Tommy Fleetwood who reflects on his 2022 performance. “I’ve made sure I’ve done more of the right things, worked in the right direction. I’ve enjoyed the journey of improving again and working on my game and feeling more confident.”

Fleetwood is hoping to inspire the next generation of golfers, with the Tommy Fleetwood Academy. The first one opened in the UK, with a second opening in Dubai. Fleetwood speaks about the initiative. “The biggest thing for us has been to drive kids, to give them dreams, to give them aspirations, to give them inspiration, and teaching them the game of golf and the great things about the game of golf.”

Living Golf airs on CNN International on Saturday January 21 at 17:30 GMT