ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the only UAE course to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability and protection of local wildlife, including nesting Hawksbill turtles and dolphins.
About
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, was the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course. Located on Saadiyat Island, this eco-conscious 18-hole layout features sweeping ocean views, natural sand dunes, saltwater lakes, and meticulously maintained paspalum grass. The venue is lauded for its blend of championship challenge and resort-level hospitality, providing golfers of all abilities a memorable coastal golfing experience.
Caddie Tip
Wind conditions can shift rapidly, particularly on seaside holes, so carefully check the breeze before every full shot. Many greens are receptive to run-up approaches, but overestimating carry distances on exposed holes often leads to trouble. Local knowledge is useful for reading subtly contoured greens and adjusting for morning and afternoon wind patterns.
The Main Challenge
The toughest challenge comes from the steady ocean winds and the layout’s exposed nature. Course management is essential due to deep bunkers, penal waste areas, and several lengthy carries over dunes or water. The closing stretch, particularly 16–18, demands precision and confident club selection to avoid big numbers when the breeze is up.
The Good
Golfers rave most about the spectacular coastal setting, which offers panoramic Arabian Gulf views on nearly every hole and the rare experience of ocean-side golf in the Middle East. The course combines resort comfort with championship features, and the playing surfaces, including pure paspalum fairways and greens, are consistently among the region’s best.
The Not So Good
Common criticisms focus on the prohibition of walking, with carts being mandatory for all players due to course separation, which detracts for those who enjoy walking. Occasionally during winter peak, the pace of play can slow due to resort traffic, and some players wish for a bit more design variety away from the shoreline holes.
Signature Hole:
#
17
Hole 17 is a stunning par 3 that plays directly toward the beach, framed by natural sand dunes and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. The visual drama and exposure to wind make club selection critical. The green is well-protected by bunkers, and the ocean backdrop creates one of the best finishing stretches in golf in the Middle East.
Clubhouse
The large, modern clubhouse provides locker rooms, a pro shop, meeting and event spaces, and the Hawksbill Restaurant overlooking the 18th. Guests enjoy casual and fine dining, terrace seating with ocean views, and a resort-style atmosphere ideal for unwinding after golf or hosting social occasions.
Practice Facilities
The club features a world-class driving range, dedicated short game area, large putting green, and advanced swing analysis at the Performance Institute. PGA professionals are available for lessons, and the facilities support serious practice or warm-up for tournaments and social play alike.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
.avif)
%20GL.webp)
.png)
%205%20KM.webp)
.webp)
%20copy.webp)
.png)
