Abu Dhabi Golf Club: This immaculately prepared golf course is known as one of the toughest in the Middle East, with its deep, strategically placed bunkers, undulating terrain, numerous water hazards and lightning fast greens making it a challenging course for even the world’s best golfers. Currently, it’s the only course in Abu Dhabi to make the prestigious Golf World top 100 list.
Dhs24,000 for annual membership, plus Dhs10,000 joining fee. Non-members: Dhs795 for 18 holes at weekends, Dhs645 on weekdays (02 558 8990)
Yas Links: Those in the know reckon this newly finished course could be the best in the city, for a number of reasons. As it’s the only links course (one that’s played amid coastal sand dunes) in the Middle East, many of its holes hug the coastline, meaning wayward shots end up in the sea. The 15th to 18th holes are all bordered by the sea, making for a hugely challenging finale to any round. The old style clubhouse, with its marble hallways and elegant water features, has a distinctive European charm.
Dhs28,000 for annual membership, with Dhs10,000 joining fee. Non-members: Dhs799 for 18 holes at weekends, Dhs399 on weekdays (02 810 7777)
Saadiyat Island Beach Club: Designed by the legendary South African golfer Gary Player (pictured), this beachside club has received heaps of praise from professionals ever since it opened in early 2010. Membership of this club will surely become even more desirable once its Frank Gehry-designed clubhouse is finished and you can reflect on your previous round at a bar based within an architectural masterpiece.
Dhs30,000 for annual membership. Non-members: Dhs550 for 18 holes at weekends, Dhs400 on weekdays (02 557 8000)
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club: This inner city course is one of the capital’s oldest, and is only nine holes, although it’s still thought to provide a decent challenge for players. As it’s built at the centre of a horserace track, some have complained that the holes are a bit congested, but it does have the city’s only two-tiered driving range, and its prices are a plus.
Dhs13,400 for annual membership. Non-members: Dhs195 for nine holes at weekends, Dhs175 on weekdays (02 445 9600)
Al Ghazal Golf Club: If you’re worried about the huge amount of water needed to maintain the lush greenery on most courses in the region, maybe you should consider smashing a ball around these 18 holes. A huge sandy expanse near Abu Dhabi International Airport has been compressed to various levels to create roughs, fairways and greens (or browns as they’re known). The course has received a thumbs-up from golfing great Colin Montgomerie. Plus, membership is incredibly cheap.
Dhs2,420 for annual membership, with Dhs1,000 joining fee. Non-members: Dhs160 for 18 holes at weekends, Dhs120 on weekday (02 575 8041)
