As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship returns to Yas Links this month, there’s a noticeable buzz among everyone here in Abu Dhabi. With the players preparing to battle it out on a course known for its rugged beauty and relentless demands, the world’s best golfers will once again be put to the test.
As a PGA Professional at Yas Links, having played the course numerous times, they never fail to deliver high drama. Here are three key holes that I believe will shape the tournament this year on the DP World Tour.
Hole 2
The Risk Reward
The second hole is one of my personal favourites and an early settler, if tackled correctly.
A visually striking par five at 534 yards, it dares the bold to go for the green in two but requires accuracy and good decision-making off the tee, especially with the prevailing left-to-right wind.
The risk, however, is ever-present. An ideal drive up the left-hand side over a mound may leave you unable to see your tee shot finish.
Too far left, and you’re in trouble in wasteland territory. This strategy though takes the danger of the bunkers and raging rough up the right side out of play. A lay-up to the right-hand side will open up the green for you, last year England’s Tyrrell Hatton made birdie from a 70-yard pitch shot on this hole. Then again, being brave and reaching it in two with the right line will give you a putt for eagle.
The green itself is incredibly undulating, with several levels clearly visible on approach. At 46 yards deep, positioning your ball perfectly on this green is important to give yourself the best opportunity for birdie.
This hole is thrilling, luring players into making decisions that could either cost or favour them early in the round.
Hole 9
The Turn
Yas Links Abu Dhabi Hole 9. Harry Grimshaw
The ninth hole is a 450-yard par four that looks picturesque, but often reveals its teeth when players least expect it.
The fairway runs along the coastline, with the wind frequently sweeping in from the Arabian Gulf, adding an unpredictable element. From the tee you can see a narrow fairway bunker hugging the right side, with another on the left. This forces players to be accurate with their tee shots. Unless it’s downwind, players might try to bite off a little more, but the risk is significant. Mistakes here are costly, but birdies can be incredibly rewarding.
Nestled close to the shoreline, it requires pinpoint accuracy on approach shots. The green slopes away to the back, so favouring the left-hand side on your approach is your best bet—just get it on the dance floor!
During a practice round last year, one of the pros mentioned how this hole keeps them on edge every time, and it’s easy to see why.
In 2023, several players capitalised on the favourable conditions with birdies, while others paid the price for the wind’s unpredictability.
Hole 17
The Penultimate Challenge
Yas Links Abu Dhabi Hole 17. Harry Grimshaw
The 17th hole has a way of turning steady nerves into frayed ones, and last year was no exception. I saw several top DP World Tour players’ chances unravel here with errant shots into the water, while others took advantage of calmer conditions to stick their approaches close.
At 201 yards, this monster of a par three is nerve-wracking. The hole plays entirely over water and is surrounded by bunkers, with a dramatically undulated green. The swirling wind from the nearby mangroves can shift directions at any moment, making this hole even tougher.
Winning your first Rolex Series title in style @v_perez2 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wXyxdTQv16
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) March 1, 2023
Last year, I stood to the right of the 17th green in line with the bunker when Victor Perez stepped up to the tee with the championship on the line. He had been playing solid golf all day, but the pressure of this moment was palpable. Needing to stay aggressive to maintain his lead, Perez chose a bold line over the water and his tee shot, carried by the wind, finished in the greenside bunker. However, he managed to hole his bunker shot for birdie, a moment that ultimately secured his victory. The roar from the crowd, myself included, was deafening—a testament to how skill, nerve, and timing came together perfectly.
Not every player had such success on this daunting hole, as it became a turning point for many. Several contenders faltered under the same pressure, finding the water or deep bunkers, effectively ending their championship hopes. But Perez’s birdie here on Sunday stands out as a prime example of how champions rise to the occasion.
A Look Ahead
The second, ninth, and 17th holes will undoubtedly be where dreams are either realised or crushed. Having witnessed last year’s drama up close, I can’t wait to see how these holes shape up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship this year. Whether it’s a perfectly executed drive on two, a gutsy second shot on nine, or a clutch tee shot on 17, these moments will define the champion of 2024.
Amy Condon is a PGA Professional at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Main Image: Yas Links Abu Dhabi Hole 17. Harry Grimshaw
