Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
United Arab Emirates
6th Hole / Par-3 / 236 to 114 Yards
Architect: Gary Player (March 2010)
by M. James Ward
Licence for images withdrawn by Kevin Murray.
Quality golf venues have taken hold in nearly all corners of the world, but the rapid rise of stellar golf in the United Arab Emirates with its centre point fixated in the Dubai and Abu Dhabi areas respectively has been especially noteworthy.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is one of the most compelling of courses. The Gary Player designed layout works its way near to the Persian Gulf and the ever-changing wind pattern can mean constant adjustments when playing. When played from the championship markers the layout can play to a fearsome 7,784 yards / Par-72.
The par-3 6th combines beauty and quickly sorts out the contenders from the pretenders. Much of the 6th hole’s challenge commences with proper selection of the teeing area. The hole can stretch to 236 yards and play as short as 114 yards. Best advice – choose wisely where you begin your play.
The green is angled and rigorously defended by bunkers eager to catch the hapless play. The larger one hugs the entire left side and there is one on the right side as well. While the 7,803 square foot elevated target may seem large, however, the positioning of the green coupled with the varying wind velocities and directions can makes for a vexing proposition and demands one’s full attention when gazing at what awaits when you arrive at the teeing area.
Lloyd Walton, Golf Operations Manager, sums up the virtues of the hole succinctly.
“The 6th is one of the most breathtaking par-3’s in the region. As you meander through the sand dunes approaching an elevated tee box you certainly have a great sense of the ‘Island life’ combined with the brisk prevailing Saadiyat Breeze coming across from the pristine turquoise ocean. At nearly 236 yards off the black tees, it certainly requires pinpoint accuracy to green surrounded by bunkers. The variety of tee options caters for all abilities and a par on this hole is a great score on any day.”
For more info go to:
Troon Abu Dhabi | Saadiyat Beach Golf Club