Measuring over 7680 yards and combined with saltwater lakes and beach dunes Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi is a unique golfing experience.

Golf Digest Middle East spoke to the Challenge Tour players, competing this week in the UAE Challenge, as to what their favourite hole is on the Gary Player-designed course.

Opened in 2010, there are more than 60 bunkers that are in play, as the course demands length and accuracy off the tee. For the players to avoid the sand strong approach play is a must to then successfully navigate the sloping greens.

Below are the stats from the 2023 edition of the tournament from rounds 1-4 accumulated:

Holes 1 – 10 (2023 UAE Challenge)

 

Holes 11 – 18 (2023 UAE Challenge)

Known for it’s spectacular views looking out across the Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has also prioritised protecting and enhancing the natural wildlife and habitats in the area, which is home to a number of animals such as humpback dolphins, hawksbill turtles and over 250 mountain gazelles – who are free to roam the course.

The Club has implemented protection plans in recent years which have resulted in an increase of migrating birds and a growing population of mountain gazelles. These practices have also helped Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to become the only Audobon certified wildlife sanctuary for golf in the UAE.

See the player’s thoughts below and stay until the end for Alex Levy’s reaction!…. N.B. this was filmed during the pro-am so he can be excused…

Image: Harry Grimshaw