Abu Dhabi Mixed Pairs

For our first event of 2023, we exchanged the freezing weather of the UK for the welcoming desert heat and a return to the Westin Hotel Abu Dhabi. This hotel sits right beside the famous “National” course and is a perfect base for us to play the 3 wonderful courses in the UAE capital.

Round 1

After registration in the hotel the night before, the group set out for the first-day’s play at the Gary Player designed, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Set on Saadiyat Island, the layout is the only true oceanfront course in the UAE. Amongst the many sand and water hazards, herds of gazelles freely roam the course keeping an eye on any stray golf balls. With immaculate fairways and putting surfaces, if the vast bunkers could be avoided, a good score is achievable.

The group encountered a stiff breeze as they teed off which continued throughout the round. First group to return contained “Saadiyat” experts Jonathan & Anna Sisson and they signed for a respectable 36pts. Luffenham Heath duo Greg & Marie Shelton followed carding a wonderful 39pts. Greg playing off +2 had made 3 birdies and a wonderful eagle on the 9th. Marie had also played her part and as the rest of the group returned to the clubhouse it would turn out to be the winning score of the day. Special mention to David & Linda Roberts, playing in the last group, completing a great round of 37pts finishing runners up on Day 1.

The group headed back to base and shared a wonderful group dinner in the evening at Saaci’s, the Hotel’s Italian restaurant. Plenty of wine was consumed late into the evening, and talk turned to the next day’s play and taking on the No.1 ranked course in the UAE, Yas Links.

Round 2

Today we got to walk in the footsteps of some of the best players in the world. The DP World Tour had played the HSBC Championship at Yas Links just a few days before, so we knew we were in for a treat judging by the comments of the professional players. Earlier in the week the speed of the tees had been measured and they were running at 11.5 on the stimp. This is quicker than most greens played on tour throughtout the year! The playing surfaces on this course are truly amazing with seemingly not a blade of grass out of place. 

This is a tournament course in every way, demanding your “A Game” in all departments in order to score well. Because of the difficulty and another strong breeze, it was tricky to work out what a good score might be. First back to the house, Jeff & Anna Morris signed for a hard earned 33pts. It would prove to be a very good score. It was only matched by the ever consistent Jonathan & Anna Sisson who had played solid once again.

But late in the day, our overnight leaders came to the last and pipped these two by just one point. Greg & Marie had played wonderfully once again in very testing conditions to take the spoils at Yas Links.

Round 3

Today there was no need to travel as the couples could almost fall out of bed onto the first tee. The Westin Abu Dhabi Hotel overlooks “The National” course and has held the HSBC Championship on the European Tour no fewer than 16 times. Saltwater lakes, ornamental trees and palms make for an oasis-like setting. Yet at the same time, the lush playing surfaces, bold strategic bunkering coupled with large greens test the golfer in every department.

The weather was perfect with bright sunshine and no wind. Could any of our couples take advantage and hunt our leaders down? Matt & Angie Harrison had saved their best stuff for the final day. The Walmley pair had hit form and posted a great score of 37pts. It seemed the hot weather had started to produce some hot scores as in the very next group, John & Alison Moss also fired a brilliant 37pts.

But nothing could be taken away from Greg & Marie. They also matched the “best of the day” score. Leading from start to finish they had played 3 wonderful rounds of golf each offering a very different test. They were truly justified as “Abu Dhabi Mixed Pairs Champions.”

A fabulous week ended with the crowning of our new champions at our final presentation dinner. After five days of great company and immaculate golf courses, we all agreed there’s no better place in the world to play golf in January.  We’d like to say a big thank you to all the staff at The Westin Abu Dhabi for taking great care of all of our needs during our stay. A special mention to everyone at Sacci’s for making our group dinners so special.