With the hotter months finally upon us, Sara Taher looks at how you can take advantage of the bargain summer golfing packages being offered by some of the city’s world-class courses. Fore!
Golf is a hugely popular sport in the capital, with the greens regularly full of beginners and aspiring pros. And not even the hot, sweltering summers we experience in Abu Dhabi stops people practising their putting and swing. Thankfully, the city’s courses are after your dirhams and fantastic discounts are available to all golfers. We scoped out some summer promotions and specials that will tempt you to brave the soaring temperatures for a few more rounds.
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Running until September 14, this great venue has many offers to get you swinging on the greens. Fifteen rounds cost Dhs1,599, 20 rounds cost Dhs1,999 and 30 rounds will set you back Dhs2,799. This package gives you a saving of up to Dhs750. You can also get an all-access pass to the club as a member for a day. For just Dhs250 on a weekday, visitors can enjoy the greens and all the indoor facilities, such as pools and the gym. There is also the ‘99 for 9’, a special that allows visitors to play nine holes for Dhs99 during off-peak timings. This runs on weekdays from 6am-3pm and on weekends after 7.30pm. To play during peak times on those days, the price goes up to Dhs119. During weekdays, visitors can also benefit from the Golf and Breakfast package, where you can play nine holes and enjoy a selected meal for Dhs129.
Al Mushrif, office@adcitygolf.ae (02 445 9600).
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
This venue offers a small discount up until August 31. Packages are different for residents of UAE and visitors; residents get to enjoy the greens on weekdays for Dhs250, while visitors play for Dhs350. On weekends, residents pay Dhs375 while visitors pay Dhs450. If you think those prices are steep, remember the venue is state-of-the-art with excellent facilities.
Khalifa City (02 558 8990).
Yas Links
This great venue has on offer a special promotion during the hot summer months. Visitors can purchase a summer passport, with a discounted rate until August 31. During the week, residents pay Dhs249 on the first round and Dhs199 on the next round. On weekends, any rounds after 10am costs Dhs499 the first time, then Dhs399 for the second, Dhs299 for the third, Dhs199 for the fourth round, Dhs149 for the fifth, while the sixth round is for free.
Yas Island (02 810 7777).
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
This picturesque setting also offers summer promotions until August 31 and breaks them down according to residency status. The venue with the spectacular ocean view offers residents 18 holes from Sunday to Thursday for Dhs250, while weekends cost Dhs375. On the other hand, non-residents pay Dhs350 on weekdays, while the price goes up to Dhs450 on weekends. As the only golf outlet in the region with an ocean view, it is definitely worth shelling out some dirhams for this magnificent experience. The staff at hand are quite friendly and will make you feel at home as you head out on the greens.
Saadiyat Island (02 557 8000).
A quick word with Robert Rock
The former Abu Dhabi Championship winner on caddies and the sport’s new technology
How do you find playing with the newer equipment that is now available on the golf market?
The old stuff was very difficult to use and the new technology does help improve the game. I don’t like the belly putter [which has a longer shaft than a conventional putter].
Do you have more trouble with the mental or physical game?
Well, every professional sport is a balance of both. There are days when I can’t concentrate. You always have good days and bad days but on bad ones, knowing there is a business side to the activity does edge me on. I’m not superstitious nor do I have a mental mantra, I just try to focus on the moment and let my training take over.
So how important is a professional golfer’s relationship with their caddy?
Crucial. It’s very important; the caddy needs to be a calming factor. Gary has been my caddy for 28 years and I definitely depend on him. He’s a big guy as well and keeps me in line!
How do you stay in shape?
Now that I’m 35, I really watch what I eat. I hope to prolong my golf until I’m 45. I am definitely not a fan of running, it is my least favourite exercise! But I don’t think I’d ever employ a nutritionist. I think it’s pretty obvious what you should and shouldn’t eat.
