Abu Dhabi Golf Resort Manager Luke Sacco recently announced that the re-designed Garden Golf course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa will be open for play in the 2025-2026 season. The course, designed by veteran golf course architect Peter Harradine, aims to cater to golfers of all skill levels, providing a fun and enjoyable experience for players. Harradine emphasized the need for more ‘fun’ golf courses for the average player, as opposed to solely focusing on championship courses.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club and National Course, designed by Harradine in 1998, has been a host for prestigious events such as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Eisenhower Trophy. The recent significant investment in the resort, particularly in the golf club and course, has paved the way for the re-design of the Garden Course. Luke Sacco, the Resort General Manager, provided an update on the project, highlighting the importance of creating a course that is welcoming to all golfers.
The re-designed course will serve as a bridge between the Golf Academy and the Championship Course, offering options for juniors, beginners, and experienced golfers. With sustainability in mind, the course will feature impressive landscaping and floodlighting to provide a comfortable playing experience for all. Harradine noted that the course will have a natural desert feel, similar to the Doha Golf Course, and will be designed to challenge players with strategic placement of hazards and bunkers.
In terms of course layout, the Garden Course will offer three sets of tees – White, Yellow, and Red – catering to different skill levels. The White Tee Course will play at a maximum of 2,755 yards, offering a Par 34 configuration. The course will feature a variety of hole lengths and pars, providing a diverse and engaging playing experience for golfers. Harradine encouraged UAE golfers to visit the Doha Golf Club in Qatar to experience a genuine Desert-style golf course.
Overall, the re-designed Garden Golf course at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa aims to provide a fun and accessible golfing experience for players of all levels. With a focus on fast and enjoyable play, the course will feature strategic design elements that challenge and engage golfers while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. The project is set to be completed in time for the 2025-2026 season, offering golf enthusiasts a new and exciting venue to enjoy the game.