“Yas Links is on schedule to become a unique and memorable golfing destination in the Middle East.”
-Chris White, General Manager of the Aldar Golf Division talks us through this magnificent, traditional golf development on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Kyle Phillips continues to build his name and reputation on delivering ‘the purest’ form of golf. All over the world there are naturally beautiful golf courses where the architect has been able to meander golf holes through natural vegetation or landforms.
The challenge of some sites is to create a natural looking golf course from what might have been a relatively flat piece of land – Kyle Phillips has done that in the most dramatic way on Yas Island.
The design and building of the golf course not only involved the creation of landforms but also in gaining the maximum aesthetic and playing challenge from the coastline. The long, linear site has no fewer than eight holes that play parallel to the sea front whilst all 18 holes offer the most spectacular views of the beautiful Arabian Gulf.
The long, wispy native grasses that border each hole, coupled with both subtle and dramatic sand dunes, allow you to play each hole in an almost amphitheatre environment, not knowing or even seeing the parallel holes – it really can’t get any more peaceful than that.
Aldar Golf Division, the operators of Yas Links Golf Course, intend to make the overall visit to their flagship facility as memorable as the course itself and the Andalucía Club House will certainly be a part of that memory.
Though some 6,000sqm in size, the building has a certain quaint feeling about it and members and guests will enjoy its calm and relaxing atmosphere.
The interior design has created a truly warm and rustic environment with the use of stone flooring, pastel-coloured walls and rich wooded wall panels and ceiling beams – the aim being to take the natural landscape of the golf course into a natural clubhouse by using appropriate materials.
Aldar Golf has taken the whole branding exercise very seriously and have ensured that all areas of club procurement are for products that align themselves with the overall brand – whether that be golf vehicles, staff uniforms or marketing material. After all, it will add to the lasting memory and should complement each facet of the business.
Yas Links is on schedule to open in early 2010 and is currently in ‘the growing-in phase’ where the course construction and maintenance team have to be confident that the strength of turf will withstand the rigorous use of golfers’ divots and continual traffic.
What Yas Links Golf Club has to offer:
Clubhouse
The Andalucia clubhouse covers an area of 5,750sqm and features a sports bar, fine dining restaurant, gentlemen’s and ladies locker rooms with steam rooms, a pro shop, reception/lobby area as well as an outdoor pool and croquet lawn with spectacular coastal views.
The Sports Bar
The Spanish inspired Sports Bar provides an ideal meet-and-greet spot before and after a round of golf. Draft beers, fresh cocktails and juices are available alongside Iberic inspired cuisine of Petiscos, pizza, burgers and healthier options.
Patio café
A Terraced area overlooking the 9th and 18th greens as well as beautiful views of the crystal blue water and mangroves where you can enjoy speciality coffees, hot and cold drinks, fresh croissants, pastries and sandwiches.
Fine Dining
Inspired décor from traditional Spanish homes with a menu with influence from as far afield as California and Argentina. Fresh, rustic cuisine with a contemporary flare offers stunning views over the course and the ocean and an additional terraced area.
Wine Bar
Located in the observation tower which provide visitors with even more spectacular views of the course and ocean.
Pro Shop
100m2 in size which will stock a range of the latest apparel and equipment and feature great offers in all the game’s recognised brands, catering from beginner to expert.
Locker rooms
Provide private changing areas and lounge with spa facilities and interactive multi-media facilities.
Academy
The dedicated Golf Academy features a private members practice ground, guests practice ground, a nine hole Academy golf course, dedicated short game practice area, six shaded hitting bays with air ventilation as well as two indoor swing studios – with all areas fully floodlit. Yas Links Golf Academy has a team of world class PGA Professionals who are ready to personally improve your knowledge, technique and understanding of the game, whether it’s your first visit to the links or whether you have the time to commit to a more structured development programme. The extensive floodlight practice facilities include an Academy course, grass practice ground, short game area and putting green. All the above are complemented by the latest coaching technology including: Trackman ball flight detection, K-Vest motion capture analysis, GASP digital video technology and a Force Plate movement
sensor, plus a SAM putt laboratory.
“The expression of the Yas Links Abu Dhabi brand was to capture the history of the Links Course concept, whilst portraying a fresh, contemporary yet sophisticated feel. The Club Logo mimics the long grass of the Links courses but also reads ‘Yas’in abstract Arabic typography. It stands out in the regional brandscape and adds a new level of class and elegance. The colour palette is taken from the unique landscape of the region and concentrates on the natural earthy tones of the sand and soil.”
– John Brash, founder and CEO of Brash Brands in Dubai believes the branding of Yas Links will reflect the tradition of Links golf and the Kyle Phillips design of the course.
www.wwgolf.biz
December 2009
