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Some are blessed to live ‘The Island Life’ fulltime. For the rest of us, dreamy day trips to golf Saadiyat Island have to do. Either way, whether you’re playing home or away, never fails to arouse the senses.
The Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront creation has been a Middle East favourite since its opening in 2010. There is the obvious magnetism of your surrounds: the glistening Arabian Gulf, the impossibly white sand that finds its way from the beach to the bunkers, and the free-roaming mountain gazelles that make you forget you are in the middle of a desert. We’re also huge fans of the clubhouse, which mightn’t be as ostentatious as others around the region but manages to mix just the right amount of contemporary charm with all the old-school – and actual golf – memorabilia on the walls.
But the natural beauty is only part of the allure. Gary Player’s design is indeed one of the world’s “most captivating golfing projects”, a man-made roller-coaster ride of rumpled fairways, strategic bunkering and rolling greens that manages to perfectly harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat Island.
That the course has been designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment and in compliance with strict environmental guidelines is another tick, along with the ‘Member for a Day’ experience visitors can expect from the friendly staff, from personalised lockers and bag tags to small touches out on the course. Unlike the marketing talk you get at other clubs, that little – but oh so important stuff – actually happens at Saadiyat.
At 7,806 yards off the tips, it’s the longest course in the Middle East but Player is as passionate as anyone about encouraging newcomers to the game so there are ample tee ground options for players of all abilities.
The nine-time major champion Gary Player returns most years for his annual foundation fundraiser and is always generous with his time, a trait obviously transferred to the custodians of his not-so-wee gem and a credit to the Troon Golf training.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is also now home to the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, which has brought more deserved international attention on the course. Although only two years old, the FBMLO is already established as one of the classiest events of the Ladies European Tour schedule and means UAE locals get to reap the benefits of a course virtually always in immaculate condition. The Island Life is dreamy indeed.
