COVID-19: Abu Dhabi to welcome international golfers from expanding green list of countries

Following the successful vaccine roll-out against the global pandemic, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Golf Club have begun welcoming back international golfers, by working directly with tour operators, to ensure guests can visit and play without the need for quarantine on arrival in line with the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee’s guidelines.

To welcome back golfers, Troon Abu Dhabi now has the ability to function as a tour operator, in order to create a ‘one-stop hub’ for all international golf tour operators to package all required services. This means that during the booking process, customers can receive expert golfing knowledge as well as confirming any additional services required, such as hotel and restaurant bookings with preferred rates, to ensure they have the best possible golfing holiday.

With over 93 per cent of those eligible now vaccinated in Abu Dhabi, the government is regularly expanding the ‘green list’ countries in line with international and domestic protocols to allow entry to the emirate with no quarantine from countries including the US, Germany, Italy and Spain. As such, a sharp increase in demand for autumn and winter golf breaks is expected during the booking season.

Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said: “Golf is an important part of the sporting ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. The three championship golf courses managed by Troon complement Abu Dhabi’s golf offering and attracts professional and amateur players from all over the world. It is exciting to welcome back international golfers to challenge themselves on these beautiful courses in a safe and worry-free environment. The stringent safety measures Abu Dhabi has put in place to protect residents and non-residents alike will reassure our future golfing visitors.”

International travellers who have booked alternative accommodation through their tour operator can visit the Troon Abu Dhabi website to take advantage of a range of attractive green fees as well as off-course offerings. Visitors to all three courses will be able to use the practice facilities and secure access to the latest hardware technology and software brands and collections. Troon Abu Dhabi’s fully qualified and experienced PGA coaches will also be on hand to provide any assistance required. Individual lessons start from 420 AED and include bottled water, towels, and equipment. For foodies, Troon Abu Dhabi Dining offers an international array of cuisine, casual atmosphere, and friendly service at all three venues.

Yas Links, which ranks 48th in Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses in the world, along with the capital’s additional two championship venues, Saadiyat Beach and ADGC have all aligned with government guidelines to implement many health and safety measures to protect members, guests and employees visiting the clubs. The additional measures include thermal scans at the entrance to each facility, stringent social distancing measures, a reduction in the maximum capacity of all food and beverage outlets, and many other protocols to ensure the clubs were able to welcome players back safely.

During the courses’ closure in 2020, Troon Abu Dhabi’s agronomy and general maintenance team were able to implement work that was scheduled for later in the year, meaning that current course conditions are now perfect for golfers.

Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager, said: “Our Troon Abu Dhabi venues have something to offer for everyone and with new countries being added to Abu Dhabi’s Green List, we are delighted to welcome both first-timers and familiar faces from the summer onwards.

Abu Dhabi continues its plans to host the 17th Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, which will take place in January 2022.