Golfing in Abu Dhabi

Let’s kick off with a key fact that many of you probably don’t know. In 2012,Abu Dhabi was named the ‘Golf Destination of the Year’ for Africa and the Gulf States. Not massively surprising to those that have been but if you haven’t,in recent years, Abu Dhabi has quickly established itself as a top holiday destination for the golf-inclined.

What’s not to love? Amazing golf courses set on beaches, sun and of course the 5* luxury spin that Abu Dhabi holds dear. Plus you can get flights from Londonto Abu Dhabi from as little £241 to save extra money for that luxury hotel. We’ve outlined our favourite courses to set the mood.

Course 1: Saadiyat Beach – Home of the HSBC Championships

Visit the Saadiyat Beach Golf course, home of the HSBC championshipsfor spring breaks, summer holidays and winter getaways. Situated an easy 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International airport and, as the name would imply, it is set on the edge of a beautiful beach. Year round sunshine means you will always get to play, whatever the season. At Saadiyat you will find a par 72, 18 hole course set in a serene 7806 yard setting. As you play along the Arabian Gulf you will be treated to spectacular views with great sunrises and sunsets across the sandy dunes. The course takes every type of golfer into consideration, whether a beginner or an advanced player. You can enjoy anything from 5290 to 7806 teeing areas depending on your ability. You might also want to remember the HSBC Championships are held in January too if you would rather watch than play!

Course 2: Yas Links

Yas Links was recently named by influential US magazine Golf Digest as one of the world’s top 25 golf courses. But this place is more than just a driving range;they pride themselves on the experience. Designed by Kyle Phillips, Yas Links is the first links golf course in the Middle East region, providing the ultimate golfing experience including pot bunkers, rolling fairways and sloping run off areas around the greens making it the pinnacle of golfing challenges. Surrounded by the Yas Marina, Formula 1 race track and Ferrari World, it means you can find plenty of things to occupy yourself with when not golfing!

Course 3: Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin features a 27-hole championship course over 162 hectares of land, home to the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi Golf championship. Often referred to as the most luxurious resort experience within the Middle East, the Westin boasts a truly relaxing atmosphere with palms, decorative trees, shrubs and saltwater lakes dotted all around. As the name would suggest there is plenty to do in the Westin other than just golf. After a long day on the course and a few more triple bogey’s then you care to remember, go back to the hotel to experience a full body massage or maybe unwind with a golfers manicure if that takes your fancy?

So that is our top picks of must-visit golf resorts in Abu Dhabi. Remember, what you’re paying for here isn’t only a golfing trip but a luxury, totally reviving holiday which is going to make you feel reinvigorated and amazing. What more could you want?