Considering the size of Abu Dhabi, the capital has an impressive selection of golf clubs. From Downtown and Saadiyat Island to Yas Island and even past the international airport, there’s somewhere for every golfer to get their game on. But with a host of options, which one is best for you? We take a look at five clubs and check out everything from fairways to green fares, clubhouse food to leisure facilities, just so you know which one to sign up to. See how thoughtful we are here at Time Out?
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club 
We tee off with Abu Dhabi City Golf Club (ADCGC). Built in 1976, for the first 22 years it was an 18-hole sand course. But in 1998 it became the capital’s first all-grass course, with nine holes. ADCGC continues to be a nine-hole golf course in the heart of the city and has recently refurbished its clubhouse; the food menu here is vast and the grub pretty good. It is also family friendly, offering non golf-related events and activities, including live music, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a gym.
But this doesn’t detract from the club’s professional golfing options. A bevy of coaches, including Steve Johns, the head PGA pro at the club, offer lessons for all ages and abilities. These take place on the course, practice greens and the only two-tier driving range in the city. The club also offers floodlit golf until 11pm, which is popular for those who wish to play when it’s cooler (or simply need to escape the house). There is a shop, too, which always seems to have some sort of sale or deals on.
From Dhs7,500 (12-month membership). From Dhs150 per nine-hole round. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Saada 19th Street, www.adcitygolf.com (02 445 9600).
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Spread over 162 acres of land, Abu Dhabi Golf Club (ADGC) is an impressive facility. The club is run by Troon Golf, a worldwide management company renowned for having produced stunning courses in 24 countries across the globe. The iconic Falcon Clubhouse, built in the shape of a falcon with its wings outstretched, peers over the ninth and 18th greens. ADGC hosts the annual HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, one of the key dates in the capital’s sporting calendar. It sees the world’s best golfers flock to the club, knowing that each hole is challenging, well-kept and ideal for a competition of its size.
But that doesn’t mean ADGC is for scratch golfers only. The 27-hole course caters for every level of player. A host of PGA coaches are ready for group and private lessons for you and your family. And even if it’s not everyone in your clan’s cup of tea, fear not, as there’s plenty to distract those not hitting the links, including fitness classes, a swimming pool, a community market and even footgolf, a fusion of golf and football on a dedicated course. The club also has an award-winning pro shop, so you’re in safe hands when it comes to buying apparel and equipment.
From Dhs33,000 (12-month membership). From Dhs375 per 18-hole round. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, www.adgolfclub.com (02 885 3555).
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Another Troon property is Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (SBGC). The course was designed by South African Gary Player, regarded as one of the greatest golfers to ever hit the tees. The course takes full advantage of its location (Saadiyat Island) by harnessing the natural landscape, views of the azure Gulf waters and white sands. You can also expect to see Arabian gazelles sauntering around the fairways. This was the first beachfront course in the region, with every hole offering a complete contrast to the last. SBGC, despite being one of the more luxurious clubs in the capital, is open to all levels of golfers and offers a “member for a day” experience, if you don’t fancy a full membership or simply want a taste of what is on offer. Future Falcons is a popular training programme for any wannabe Rory McIlroy that uses exciting games as well as covering all the intricacies of the sport.
As for food options, Hawksbill restaurant is popular with both members and non-members alike, offering a decent selection of dishes throughout the day. SBGC also has a dedicated pro shop, filled with the latest clubs, clothes and loads more.
From Dhs15,295 (12-month membership). From Dhs300 per 18-hole round. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island (02 557 8000).
Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Yas Island is home to another club that’s fortunate enough to be bordered by water. The 18-hole course is home to natural sand-dwelling grass patches and stunning fairways and bunkers that blend into the nearby beaches or the mangroves. The course not only offers panoramic views of the city but also gives golfers of all ages and abilities a real test.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi has an impressive Golf Academy, which houses two indoor swing studios, an indoor performance studio, six covered hitting bays, a dedicated nine-hole par-three course, a short-game chipping and bunker practice area, as well as a floodlit driving range. And you can get kitted out at the club’s pro shop, too, as it has great merchandise, with staff who are more than capable of helping you purchase the right kit – not the most expensive just for the sale.
The club is also home to Hickory’s, an informal sports bar that offers hearty meals for all those needing refuelling. Another outlet at the club is Barranca, a Mediterranean-style function space that has an annex, bar, private terrace and pool area, and is ready for you to hire for your next party or function.
From Dhs18,000 (12-month membership). From Dhs375 per 18-hole round. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, www.yaslinks.com (02 810 7710).
Al Ghazal Golf Club 
Our list wouldn’t be complete without a sand course, would it? That’s right, a golf course that has fairways, tees and greens made of compact sand. This is a truly unique 18-hole course, as the front nine (par 35) is based around an archaeological site which was once the old coastline, while the back nine (par 36), which have recently been developed, present a great challenge for any golfer. We’re told hole 11 has a tricky water feature.
Al Ghazal also boasts a pro shop and golf academy with putting and chipping areas, a 30-bay floodlit driving range and a video system to help you improve your golf swing. There is also a health club equipped with gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, as well as three tennis courts and two multi-use courts. Now that’s our kind of place.
From Dhs4,400 (12-month membership). From Dhs100 per 18-hole round. Al Ghazal Golf Club, Abu Dhabi/Al Ain road, close to Terminal 2 Abu Dhabi International Airport, www.alghazalgolf.ae (02 505 3314).
Want more?
Performance Golf
This is a facility that is designed to improve your golf game – indoors – through the latest technology. Performance Golf is a popular spot for those who won’t play in the summer heat but want to maintain their form and also refine their technique. There are 26 of the most famous golf courses to play, as well as some games that are aimed at improving accuracy in your shot. Sessions start at Dhs250.
Open weekdays 3pm-11pm; weekends 10am-11pm. Zayed Sports City, www.performancegolfuae.com (050 103 0234).
Crazy golf
Crazy golf, or mini golf, is available at Dalma Mall and is not only fun for all the family, but it’s a nice introduction to the game. This 18-hole mini course has a space theme, with glow-in-the-dark decorations on every hole. Rounds start at Dhs75 and yes, it’s air-conditioned, so no need to worry about sweating buckets.
Open Sat-Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu-Fri 10am to midnight. Dalma Mall, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, www.dalmamall.ae (02 550 9555).
Golf Shops
Nike Golf
If it’s good enough for Rory McIlroy, then it’s good enough for us. This store is dedicated to the sport, with everything from golf balls to the clubs themselves. Nike also has a great clothing range.
Sat-Wed 9.30am-10.30pm, Thu-Fri 9.30am-midnight. Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 565 0414).
Golf World
A massive store with everything to help kit you out for when you sign up for a new club membership. The store has every brand you could want, including Titleist, TaylorMade, FootJoy and more.
Open weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 10am-11pm. Al Wahda Mall (02 642 2102).
Stadium
This sports store is home to all your sporting needs, including golf. It’s not the most impressive of ranges, but it offers affordable clothing and equipment, ideal for those who are just getting into the game.
Open weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 10am-11pm. Mushrif Mall, Al Mushrif (02 690 4444).
