One of the prime selling points for Abu Dhabi as a vacation destination along the Persian Gulf is its selection of incredible golf courses, offering fabulous golfing holidays in the sun.
Here, we will take you through the six best courses in Abu Dhabi you’ll want to know about and where you can stay to turn it into a perfect golf vacation in Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Set alongside the gorgeous Saadiyat Beach with views of the Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the perfect place to tee off.
Part of the Troon network, this 18-hole, par-72 golf course was designed by Gary Player and provides a unique golfing experience. As well as a stunning course, the club boasts a driving range and a modern clubhouse. The Hawksbill restaurant is very popular locally and serves up all sorts of scrumptious dishes.
Nearby, you will also find five stunning 5-star hotels with numerous high-quality restaurants. The closest, The St Regis Saadiyat Resort, offers amazing pastries in its lobby lounge, a simply astounding breakfast in its main buffet restaurant and incredible dining experiences in its a la carte restaurants.
The Park Hyatt, The Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, the Saadiyat Rotana Resorts & Villas, and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort are all located a little further along the beach but still within a five-minute drive of the Golf Club.
If you choose to stay away from Saadiyat Island and your travelling companions would like to spend the day at the beach, we recommend Saadiyat Beach Club just along the coast for a day or R&R with a touch of luxury.
For bookings and more information contact Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on +971 2 499 8100
Yas Links
Located on Yas Island, Yas Links is a Par 72, 18-hole course designed by Kyle Philips, one of the world’s leading golf course designers. Part of the Viya golf group and also affiliated with Troon, Yas Links was the first links golf course in the Middle East.
The clubhouse is large and includes lounge areas and a golf shop. It also contains Hickory’s restaurant with its huge terrace overlooking the golf course. It’s a great place for breakfast or a beer or two later in the day. Saturday brunch at Hickory’s is also very popular, so make sure to book in advance if you’d like to take part in this dining experience after your game.
For bookings and more information contact Yas Links Golf Club on + 971 2 404 3000
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
One of the city’s oldest leisure destinations, this 9-hole course is floodlit for evening golf. Located in the heart of the city, this is a great course to visit if you’re in town for business. The extensive facilities, including a pool (complete with jacuzzi and kids’ pool) also make it a great place to visit if you’re on a family trip.
This club is famous for its promotions and theme nights as well as being a live music venue in the cooler months. There’s always a great buzz at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club.
Some of the closest hotels include those in the capital gate area, such as Andaz by Hyatt located in Abu Dhabi’s famous Capital Gate Tower.
Alternatively, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi in the Al Maqta area or The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche provide stunning 5-star facilities within easy reach of the Golf Club (approximately 15 minutes by taxi).
To find out more, contact Abu Dhabi City Golf Club on +971 2 445 9600
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Situated on the outskirts of Khalifa City, this 27-hole championship course offers challenges for all skill levels.
This club has hosted the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 16 times and has welcomed some of the world’s top players. The site is split into two courses: the 18-hole National Course and the 9-hole Garden Course. The latter is great for beginners, and is even flood lit for evenings!
The beautifully maintained site, with its fairways and greens, contrasts sharply with the arid desert beyond and provides the perfect golfing experience.
In addition to the main course areas, there is a driving range, putting greens and a large clubhouse featuring four dining options. If there aren’t enough hours in your day, night golf is also possible here. Abu Dhabi Golf Club is also part of the Troon network.
The club is easily accessible from all areas of Abu Dhabi, but we highly recommend staying at the adjacent Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. The hotel is comfortable, stylish, yet unpretentious and offers every 5-star facility, including a spa with truly excellent spa therapists.
There are family and adult-only pools, a well-equipped gym, and a variety of bars and restaurants, a favourite being ‘The Retreat’, which offers pub-style meals overlooking the course. This is the best option in Abu Dhabi for those wanting an ‘all-in-one’ golfing location
For more information about Abu Dhabi Golf Club click here or call + 971 2 885 3555
Al Ghazal Golf Club
Opened in 1997, Al Ghazal Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind course. Located in the desert close to Abu Dhabi airport, the 18-hole course has ‘browns’ instead of ‘greens’, and artificial grass is used on the fairways. This is partly due to the club’s sustainability ethos and partly to provide a unique sand-golfing experience.
The club also boasts a driving range, a golf simulation room, spa facilities, tennis courts, table tennis, and a cycling course and sports field, making it a great all-round sporting venue.
There clubhouse includes several bars and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including Brazilian and Korean.
The closest hotel options are the Premier Inn at Abu Dhabi Airport, the Novotel on Airport Road, or the hotels on Yas Island, which are around a 10-minute drive away.
It is a far call from the usual carpet-like green courses you may be used to, but it is undoubtedly one of the country’s most unique golf courses and fabulous value if you visit Abu Dhabi on a budget.
For bookings or to find out more about Al Gazal Golf Club call +971 2 505 3314
Yas Acres Golf and Country Club
This is a relative newcomer to the Abu Dhabi golfing scene situated within the new residential development of Yas Acres. The world-class 3700-yard, 9-hole golf course, which is also part of the Viya network, is set in a stunning location that will challenge and delight all levels of golfer. There’s also a fully stocked pro shop to satisfy all of your golfing needs.
If you fancy a break from golf, enjoy a well-equipped gym, an adult-only swimming pool, a supervised children’s water play area, padel tennis, and various adult fitness classes are also on offer.
After a few rounds on the course or a morning in the gym, relax and unwind at Roots restaurant, which offers a range of contemporary dishes in a modern and vibrant atmosphere.
At the end of the day, you don’t have to travel far for a good night’s sleep. Although not directly adjacent to the course, there are plenty of places to stay on Yas Island, from the plush Hilton Abu Dhabi on Yas Bay, to the more affordable hotels at Yas Plaza.
Benefits of staying on Yas Island include proximity to all of Yas Island’s theme parks and attractions, as well as dining and entertainment hot spot, Yas Bay. To learn more about Yas Island, take a look at our extended article.
For more information about Yas Acres Golf and Country Club click here or call +971 2 208 7222
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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