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The Global Golfer Top 100
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE · #33 in the World
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE | Ranking: #33 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Links-style Coastal | Partner Stay: Yas Viceroy Hotel; W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island
Editor’s Note: Kyle Phillips built a genuine links course on the Arabian Gulf in 2010 — sand dunes, sea breezes, fescue-style rough and routing that uses the Gulf coastline to dramatic effect. Yas Links is the most authentically links-feeling course in the Middle East; the trade winds from the Gulf affect play on the exposed holes just as the North Sea affects Muirfield or Carnoustie. Host of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, it is the most prestigious course in the UAE after Emirates Golf Club.
Travel & Logistics
- How to Get There: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi — 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre, 35 minutes from Dubai via the E12.
- Nearest Airport: Abu Dhabi International (AUH) — 15 mins. Dubai (DXB) — 50 mins.
Contact & Booking
- Website: yaslinks.com
- Green Fees: From AED 550 (approx. £120); evening twilight from AED 350 | Rating / Slope: 75.9 / 140
- Best Season: October–April. May–September is extremely hot (40°C+); early morning tee times only.
Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 |
| Yards | 420 | 560 | 195 | 430 | 415 | 405 | 185 | 545 | 415 | 3,570 |
Par 4
Par 3
Par 5
Total
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 395 | 425 | 175 | 540 | 410 | 430 | 190 | 560 | 440 | 3,565 | 7,135 |
Key Strategy Notes
- The Gulf Wind: Yas Links’ coastal position means the trade winds genuinely affect play — unlike most UAE resort courses which are sheltered by buildings and landscaping. Holes 4–7 play directly into or across the Gulf breeze depending on the day; club selection is a genuine challenge.
- Links Turf: Phillips specified fescue-style rough and firm, fast fairways — conditions that encourage and reward bump-and-run golf quite unlike the soft, heavily-watered resort courses typical of the UAE.
- Yas Viceroy Hotel: The hotel literally straddles the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit — a room overlooking the track with the Abu Dhabi skyline beyond is one of the world’s most extraordinary hotel views.
The 19th Hole
- Yas Viceroy Hotel (5★): Directly on the F1 circuit — the most architecturally dramatic hotel on Yas Island. Book via Expedia →
- Ferrari World & Warner Bros. World: Both on Yas Island — excellent for non-golfing partners and families. The world’s fastest roller coaster is next door.