The iconic 13th hole at Yas Links.
Yas Links will join Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club as Troon-managed venues in the UAE capital
By Kent Gray
Troon’s influence in the Middle East golf industry has just been underlined with the global course management giant adding celebrated Yas Links in Abu Dhabi to its regional portfolio.
The Kyle Phillips-designed desert links, ranked 44th in the most recent Golf Digest Top 100 global rankings, becomes the 10th club in the UAE and 17th in total across the Middle East to fall under the management umbrella of Troon’s Dubai-based International division.
Opened to instant acclaim in 2010, Yas Links is owned by Aldar Properties PJSC. The decision to commission Troon’s management, marketing and development expertise is a logical step after Aldar acquired the already Troon-managed Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in 2018.
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The 9th at Yas Links is framed by the club’s stunning clubhouse
“Having seen the work that Troon has done with Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club over the years, we have been very impressed with their expertise in agronomy and general golf operations, which has developed these clubs into worldwide icons that feature on the Ladies’ and Men’s European Tours,” said Aldar Investments CEO Jassem Saleh Busaibe.
“It was logical for us to move Yas Links under the same management umbrella as these other two world-class Abu Dhabi clubs, forming the best trio of golf courses anywhere in the Middle East region. We look forward to growing our relationship with Troon International and seeing positive results.”
As well as the challenging 18-hole Championship course, Yas Links also boasts a nine-hole Par 3 academy course, floodlit practice facilities and luxurious clubhouse.
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“Yas Links is an exciting signing for us,” said Troon International President Mark Chapleski.
Yas Links’ imposing natural hazards are showcased on the 8th hole.
“As a flagship venue in the Middle East, we are delighted to be managing the property going forward and to promoting Abu Dhabi as a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast.
“Our Troon associates around the globe have proven time and time again that they can produce results through their expertise in golf club management, and we are very optimistic about the future of these three facilities under one ownership group. Our primary goal is to make sure that they are running to their maximum efficiency, with superior service standards.”
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Troon International’s Middle East portfolio
Bahrain
Royal Golf Club (Rifaa)
Egypt
The Allegria Golf Club (Cairo)
Madinaty Golf (Cairo)
Morocco
Golf Du Soleil (Agadir)
Saudi Arabia
Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (King Abdullah Economic City)
Oman
Jebel Sifah (As Sifah)
Ras Al Hamra Golf Club (Muscat)
UAE
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
The Address Montgomerie Dubai
Al Hamra Golf Club (Ras Al Khaimah)
Al Zorah Golf Club (Ajman)
Arabian Ranches Golf Club (Dubai)
Dubai Hills Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Abu Dhabi)
The Els Club, Dubai
The Track, Meydan Golf (Dubai)
Yas Links (Abu Dhabi)
For more information on golf at Yas Links, click here
