SAADIYAT Beach Golf Club launched earlier this year and has already marked Abu Dhabi, UAE, as a world-class golfing destination.
The 72-par signature course was designed by Gary Player. The only ocean course in the Gulf, it provides a variety of playing experiences, with every hole having its own unique character.
Club general manager Ray Manulat is tasked with creating awareness of the growth of Abu Dhabi as a prime golfing destination and raising the profile of the game in the region.
He said: “It is a privilege to be part of this emerging industry which integrates cultural heritage and a commitment to delivering world-class golf to the local population and tourists to the region.
“The Abu Dhabi Golf Course was the only championship golf course operating in the emirate until recently. In the last six months, 45 holes have opened with the Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and the Palm Springs in Al Ain which added other nine holes to make it a full 18. So the golf offering in Abu Dhabi has almost doubled offering golfing enthusiasts a wide choice of first-class experiences.”
Manulat believes the demand for these courses has also increased.
He said: ”Abu Dhabi Golf Course, which has been here for more than 10 years, is not really suffering in terms of golf rounds and with more golf rounds being played – either with new golfers or existing golfers playing more – the new courses will only attract more people coming to Abu Dhabi. On top of that we have a responsibility to continue to grow golf in this country.”
Since its opening, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course has been very popular with golfers from the neighbouring emirates and, going into the peak season, Manulat expects to see a surge in international golf tourists at the new course.
Key highlights of the club are its academy and the Frank Gehry-designed golf club which is due to be completed in 2013 and will include a boutique hotel, two restaurants, a spa and a pro-shop.
The academy will begin courses this month, together with Troon Golf, and is very focussed on growing awareness of the game in the region particularly among young people and Emiratis.
Looking ahead, operations need to diversify and be responsible, according to Manulat.
“There is no secret that golf generally is seeing a decline, so unless we diversify the many golf courses that have opened worldwide cannot be sustained,” he said.
“The new generation of players is very different from the baby boomers. The baby boomers were good for golf because they were willing to take long-term commitments with memberships. However the new generation prefers pay-for-play options and wants more value for money.”
The Saadiyat Beach course is the first of its kind to offer pay and play facilities.