Abu Dhabi GC & Saadiyat Beach: record first-quarter rounds

Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Clubs have reported huge first-quarter growth when compared to the same period in 2012

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club have reported huge first-quarter growth when compared to the same period in 2012.

The two courses, which are operated by Troon Golf, have seen a 76% year-on-year increase in the amount of international bookings between January and March.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club saw a 57% overall increase in rounds played, with Saadiyat Beach up by as much as 99%.

"This performance demonstrates Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Island Golf Club's established golf tourism strategy and the strong relationships we continue to develop with core tour operator partners," said Chris Card, Group General Manager.

"The trends are testament to the facilities' growing reputation in the international golfing arena, not only for the championship golf but for the unrivalled facilities and our convenient location as a stop-over for business travel."

The impressive figures are also being attributed to 'Golf in Abu Dhabi', the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority's golf-specific umbrella marketing, communications, product packaging and distribution platform.

Most of the growth has come from the UK and German markets (including Austria and Switzerland), with France, Italy and Sweden accounting for the majority of remaining bookings.

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x