Thursday, February 18, 2010

The King of Links

Acclaimed designer Kyle Phillips speaks to Joy Chakravarty as he gets ready to add another jewel to his portfolio with Yas Links

Kyle Phillips, the man behind the soon-to-be-launched Yas Links, is as unique as his creation.

Like the last thing you expect to find in the desert landscape of the UAE is a piece of Scotland - and that's exactly what the stunning links course at Abu Dhabi's Yas Island looks like - it is equally difficult to link Phillips, an American, as the designer of some of the most acclaimed modern links courses, a domain monopolised by the Scots and the Irish.

But that's the truth. Kyle Phillips has cemented his place in the history books of the game as the designer of Kingsbarns and Dundonald - two of the finest modern links courses of recent times. That list may soon have a new addition when Yas Links is unveiled. Situated on the west shores of Yas Island, the par-72 golf course will play to 7450 yards with all 18 holes having coastal views. Virtually starting from nothing, Phillips has created a true-blue links course.

Phillips remembers his first site visit. "Three meters up from the water, it was dead flat all the way to the marina on the other side," he recollects. "So, it was great fun to come and create all this landforms and make something that people who have played links golfwill appreciate. I think they will actually find it hard to believe that something like this exists over here."

If Yas Links and Phillips appear an oddity, what was even more odd - at least going by the prevalent norm - was property developer Aldar's decision to built a links course, and then hire the services of Phillips instead of some big name player-turned-designer, as is the trend in the region.

"I guess what Aldar were looking for when they approached me was to do something different, something fresh, something that is a complete novelty in the region," says the California-based Phillips,who has made more than eight trips to Abu Dhabi since being awarded the project.

"I firmly believe that golf at the highest level is really about the product, the golf course, and not its architect. One thing that I have told all my clients is that if the best thing you can say about your golf course is who designed it, then you have probably under-achieved.

"Just look at any great golf course Turnberry, Muirfield, the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal Melbourne, Pebble Beach, or even Kingsbarns - any great venue is first known for its course. You may remember the designers of all these courses, but you will also remember a majority of holes even if you have never played there.

"I'd rather have golf fans come here and say they loved playing the Yas Links course, or go and play The Grove, or Kingsbarns or Dundonald and love the experience, and then say'0h ...by the way, all these courses have been designed by Kyle Phillips'."

Phillips may not say it in so many words, but he is confident that golfers will love Yas Links as much as they have lapped up Kingsbarns and Dundonald, or The Grove - another of his spectacular designs.

"I wish I could say Yas Links will be better than Kingsbarns, or Dundonald. Actually, a golf course designer is no different than a chef, or a painter. Once the chef puts out his food on the table and the artiste hangs it on the wall, his opinion about it no longer counts," says Phillips.

"It's the same way with us. Once the course is designed, it is up to the players. It is always great fun to listen to different reactions about your creations. Two players in the same fourball can have completely opposite views of any given hole. Actually, those holes which draw the maximum reaction are the ones which are most memorable."

An expert on links golf, Phillips is extremely passionate about the subject and has some interesting views on the subject. Like how you need to develop a taste for them... Says Phillips: "Links golf is the purest form of golf. That's where it really began and the links courses are inspiration for most other great golf courses in some way or the other.

"Links courses have a lot of mystery about them because you cannot see most things right in front of you. Unlike other courses, where you just know what shot to play if you know the yardage and the general layout of the holes, that's not the case in links golf

"Lee Westwood,when he played Kingsbarns for the first time, I heard him talking to Darren Clarke at the clubhouse and he just went 'oh... that golf course.. .I can't play it.. .it's blah blah...".And look at him now - he has obviously figured it out and he loves it. In fact, he also holds the course record of 62 there. The same happened to the legendary BobbyJones,who said he would never come back to the UK after his first links course experience at St Andrews when he withdrew from the 1921 Open Championship. He did come back and win three Opens thereafter."

Or,why links courses are tougher than most other style of courses...

Phillips explains: "Links courses were built at a time when the term 'par' did not exist. Most tournaments and matches were match play. So,you could pick up your ball if you got into a pot bunker and were having trouble getting out. You could make the courses as difficult as you wanted, because the objective was not to make par.

"Once 'par' and 'bogey' came into existence, the golf courses evolved. If the par was four, no modern golf course designer would like to make a hole where making an eight or 10 was a distinct possibility.

"The old courses can be quirky. Take the 17th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews. Most people will look at the green and say 'My gosh...what a green! I can't believe they can design greens like that!'But what they do not realise is when that green was designed, the hole wasn't supposed to be a par 4."

"Talking of the 17th green of the Old Course, the 14th green at Pebble Beach is almost similar in design. I wonder if it was inspired by the 17th. Something I'd definitely try and find out if I go to heaven and chat up with the guys (Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the designers)."

It doesn't come as a surprise that even in death, Kyle Phillips wants to discus links golf! As I said before, a man passionate about his subject.

Middle East Golfer
By Joy Chakravarty
January 2010

Labels: Yas Island

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Yas Links is 'Different' Class

Mike Galemore walks the course and talks to designer Kyle Phillips who has created something completely different in the Middle East – a traditional-style authentic links course that brings a new experience to the region.

SEEING is believing, they say - and Yas Links is a golf course that has to be seen to be believed. Walking the course last month with designer Kyle Phillips was akin to being transported to the seaside links of St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, or Ballybunion.

I’ve played many of the treasured links of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales over the past half century and invested in more balls than most in the process but if I could have disregarded the warm sun on my back and the calm aqua-marine ocean I could have been back home battling the elements.

It’s remarkable how Kyle Phillips has created a genuine, traditional links course out of nothing. Where there was once flat desert wasteland there are now rolling wide fairways, deep bunkering, wispy rough and inviting, sloping greens with their traditional heartbreaking run-offs. It’s pure coastal-style links on a par with Kyle’s other links masterpieces, Kingsbarns near St Andrews and Dundonald near Troon in Scotland.

I’d seen the pictures, read the hole descriptions and talked to California-based
designer Kyle, but all that hadn’t prepared me for something completely different by way of a unique golfing experience in the Middle East.

Kyle is understandably proud of his creation, which has come to fruition in a little over three years. “When I first came out to Abu Dhabi in February 2007 to look at the site I was immediately captivated by the challenge of turning a 3,200 metre long strip of flat, sandy shoreline devoid of vegetation into an authentic traditional-style links course,” says Kyle.

“We had to work out where we could find the material to build the landforms necessary to create a true, traditional-style links course. We also needed to define the coastline while at the same time protecting the mangrove plantation.

“Both problems were solved by dredging the mangrove plantation and using the sand for the landforms. Now we have a clearly visible coastline and a channel that enables golfers to sail all the way from Abu Dhabi Marina and moor their boat at the golf club. The view from the edge of the golf course along the coastline, with the blue waters of the Gulf and the mangrove plantation in the background is spectacular.

“Better draining sand for sandcapping the dunes and for the turfgrass, native rough grass and shrubs areas was brought in from further out in the desert. By virtue of this work we were able to expand the shoreline edge to more than 3,700 metres in length.

“Another advantage was that we had the room to create as many as five tee boxes per hole to accommodate golfers of all standards. Although our courses are designed to host professional championships they also have to be flexible to be playable for the 15-25 handicappers for the rest of the year. I’ve always worked on the basis that our golf courses should be designed first and foremost for the pleasure of the players.”

With Kyle’s pedigree it’s not surprising that he has a preference for links courses. “The nice thing about links golf is that players can choose their own route to the pin. The big hitters can take on the challenges of clearing water or bunkers while the high handicappers can take a more canny line. Links golf is more interesting and more fun than target golf.

“Any good golf course has to have a big finish and I believe the closing holes, 16-17-18, are three of the best closing holes of any course I know. Each hole presents its own challenge with the final par-5 hole inviting golfers to take on the green in two.

“When the wind is downwindbirdie or even eagle is achievable. But when it’s facing you it’s a different proposition altogether.” Kyle was also pleased to show us the 9-hole par-3 Academy Course, which is floodlit for use in the evening. “It’s ideal for practising or for beginners. The landforms are similar to the championship course but the greens are smaller and less contoured and the bunkers are less challenging.

“I can’t wait to hear what the golfers think of the Yas Links experience – I’m sure they will find it different to any other course they have played in the region.”

Kyle has every reason to be proud of his creation. Yas Links is different. It really is a true links course and I’m sure it will attract a great many golfers who may never have played coastal golf before and many others who yearn to get back on the links again.

World Wide Golf
By Mike Gallemore

February 2010

Labels: Yas Island

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Aldar: Yas Links

"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

Labels: Yas Island

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Kyle Phillips brings a taste of Scotland to Yas Island

“What makes yas links so intriguing,” designer Kyle Phillips tells Golf Digest, “is how traditional it is. Because if you think about it, in golf terms there’s currently nothing in the UAE that’s even remotely traditional.”

For a country that revels in glitz and extravagance, the idea of recreating an ancient throwback of a golf course and placing it directly opposite the gargantuan structures of the extra-terrestrial styled Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit, seems peculiar. On one side of the road is more technological know-how than you’d find at the headquarters of NASA, and on the other is a golf course that’s decidedly minimalist, from the sparing use of cart paths to the windswept features that are so joyously informal and unkempt.

And the best possible tribute we could pay designer Kyle Phillips as we stood on the tee of the par 3 8th hole, is that were it not for the backdrop of Ferrari World, looming like an enormous red UFO, not to mention the 25 degree warmth of the sun, we might easily have been in Scotland.

The rugged landscape on the Yas Links appears natural, but as Phillips explains, it is anything but. “Our aim was to build a course that had a links feel, but the biggest challenge in doing that was actually creating the landforms on a very nondescript site. It was a massive undertaking, because we had to dredge, shape it, let it dry out and then reshape it before we could add a sand cap,” he explains.

The skeptic may wonder how it’s possible to create a links-like experience in a climate that differs so vastly from the temperate countries they typically occupy.But by using a particularly fine strain of Paspallum grass, Phillips and his team have been able to recreate the kind of tight playing surfaces found on Irish and Scottish links courses that use native fescue grass. “This type of Paspallum has been getting some rave reviews and from what we can tell it looks like it will perform very well,” says Phillips. “What makes a links experience so unique is the ability to blend tightly mown areas into the greens, which gives a player the opportunity to use the contours of the land for all manner of approach shots, so hopefully we’ve achieved that at Yas.”

Turning unexceptional sites into dramatic linksland is nothing new to Kyle Phillips. He has twice performed the feat in Scotland, winning widespread acclaim for his work at Kingsbarns and Dundonald. And if those courses have succeeded in gaining entry into the fiercely exclusive club occupied by many of the great age-old Scottish trophy courses, there is no reason why he cannot deliver a ‘mustplay’ links course in the UAE.

The American designer has eschewed the use of riveted pot bunkers in favour of a ‘blow-out’ style more in keeping with the grand scale of the environment. “This project has been similar to those we did at Kingsbarns and Dundonald, but of course there are differences too. The bunkers have been done in a fairly unkempt style, where sometimes the grass comes down and creates a formal edge, but often the bunkers form a partition between the Paspallum and the longer, native grasses.”

With eight holes flanking the shoreline, Yas Links will be a daunting test when the wind is up. You’d expect nothing less from a true links, really.

www.golfdigest.com
January 2010

Labels: Yas Island

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Capturing the Mystery of the Links

Worldwide Golf talks to KYLE PHILLIPS on how he went about transforming the 'captivating' site of Yas Links into an "authentic links style course - and the first true links course in the UAE. It was clearly one of those sites that required turning up the volume and creating bold links-like landforms."

Q. The setting for the course is spectacular. What were your thoughts when you first visited the site?

A. As you can imagine, I look at a lot of sites, but there was something about this site that captivated me, particularly the prospect of transforming the site into an authentic links style course and the first true links course in the UAE. At that time the site was a 3,200 metre long strip of fiat, sandy, undelined shoreline along the southwestern edge ofYas Island. It was clearly one of those sites that required turning up the volume and creating bold links-like landforms.

Q. Was the transformation of the site similar to the transformation of the famous links courses you designed at Kingsbarns or Dundonald In Scotland?

A. In many ways Yas Links was similar and certainly I drew from my years of experience of making artificial landforms appear virtually undetectable. To achieve the look and feel that I had envisaged during my first visit, it required both artistic and technical ability, as well as an understanding and commitment to the principles of links golf.
I really enjoy working with the land both at a macro and micro level. The first step is to create the larger overall site landforms, which are constructed by the general contractor. From there I spend a considerable amount of time working out the details at a micro level with our shapers on site. However, it is always easier and takes less creativity to work with natural Godgiven ground and to be able to simply uncover
holes that have already been formed within the natural landscape.

Q, How much sand did you have to shift to create this links course?

A. Not as much as one might imagine. As the site was already low to the sea, we could not cut down to generate fill for the landforms. In order to create the landforms for the course over 1,400,000 m3 of sand had to be cut and dredged onto the
93 ha site. An additional 300,OOOrn3 of sand was brought on to the site to provide the upper growing medium for the turfgrass areas, native rough grass and shrubs. In the process, the shoreline edge was defined and expanded to more than 3,700 metres
in length.

Q. How did you solve the issue of irrigation water in such a dry desert climate?

A. The UAE uses water very efficiently and as well as any place in the world in which I have worked. We were able to preserve the fresh water and use reclaimed water from the island for the irrigation of the golfcourse.

Q. What grass have you used on the greens,fairways and rough and why?

A. We used salt tolerant Paspalum TE on all of the turfgrass areas, including the greens and tees. Paspalum TE is a modern day salt tolerant grass which maintains its colour and quality all year round, thus ensuring consistent performance and playability. In the rough areas we planted a variety of native grasses and shrubs.

Q, Was it a difficult task to incorporate five teeing areas per hole?

A.lt was not long ago that it was novel to have three sets of tees, but now with the ever increasing disparity between beginners and professionals, it is common to set up the course with five sets of tees. However, as an architect, it's not my job to make the Rules of Golf, but within the rules it is my job to create a playing
ground worthy of champions, that everyone can play.

Q. Was the course designed with a Tour event in mind? What factors in the design are created to challenge professionals? Would these prove too challenging for the amateurs?

A. Many of our courses, including Yas Links, are designed to host professional
championships, Whilst our courses have successfully held some of the top tournaments
in the world, the other 50 weeks of the year they must have the flexibility to be set up for the' S-2S handicappers, Besides simply varying the length of the
holes, I like to provide players of all abilities options - or alternative lines of play. Links courses are known for having firm fast playing surfaces and irregular contours which adds an exciting dimension to golf that is seldom found on modern American style courses. Strategic design principles using landforms are more forgiving for high handicap players. Links courses often contain diagonal contours
as hazards. Fairways can be 50 yards wide and be friendly for the bogey player, but the par player quickly learns that it is really a 20 yard wide area that provides the best angle of approach into the green. I think that philosophy of design is both fun and fair, allowing players of all abilities to swing freely off the tee, but still retain a real premium on accuracy and shotmaking, rather than purely on length.
The first time one plays Yas links, the general requirements at the hole will be visible from the tee. But as in any great links course, there arc more subtle features within the course that will be learned over time. These are the mysteries of
the links that captivate players of all abilities to the point of travelling to the far corners of the globe to seek out a game on "the links".

Q. How did you determine the route of the course? What were some of the factors you
considered?

A. As you might imagine there are a variety of items to be considered. I wanted players to feel the presence of the sea, but not have it come into play on the opening holes. From an operational perspective, it was desirable to have the ninth green return to the clubhouse and the practice range near the first tee. I also oriented the clubhouse to capture the long views of the golf course and the water as
well as magnificent sunsets from the terrace. i wanted the holes to change direction both in terms of how the winds affect them, but also how the holes would change orientation to the shoreline. The course has eight holes that play along the coastline, with four holes having water on the right and 14 greens within 60
yards of the shoreline. What also excites me is that you can be at the most inland part of the site, but are still Visually connected to the sea. As like any great concert, there needed to be a crescendo at the end of the piece, where competitions could be won or lost. Five of the last six holes, including the last three holes,
play along the shoreline and provide a series of finishing holes that can stand comparison with golf's best.

Q. How does Vas Links rate with all the other golf courses you've produced?

A. My goal is to design new courses with the functionality for the modern game. but at the same time providing the synergy of the classic courses. Simply, Iam trying to design new courses that feel old. I find that there is a symbiotic relationship of design elements that exists in the great old and traditional links courses of Europe that have been lost in the flat fairways and perimeter weighted mounding of modern American style architecture. Certainly Yas Links does that in away that has not been done before in the UAE. and does It as well as any course I have designed. From a
technical perspective it exceeds all the others. However. I believe that courses should always be designed first and foremost for the pleasure of the players. This means that the comments of the players who know golf at its highest level are where the final evaluation of success lies.

Q.ls wind a factor when playing the course and which holes does it most affect?

A. Like any great links course. Yas Links has the excitement of the sea breezes, Whilst it is not considered a windy coast like you might find along the British Isles. the wind can shift 180 degrees from one day to the next. This will change short holes into long holes on a day-by-day basis. Even though technology has encouraged golf today to be played in the air more, links courses are still
famous for providing the option to play shots along the ground, due their firm, fast fairways and open entry greens. It would naturally seem that the eight holes that play immediately adjacent to the coastline would be most influenced by the Wind
However. the holes that play between the dunes can actually be more deceiving, as the
strength of the wind at ground level will often not represent the actual effect of the win once the ball travels above the dunes.

Q. What ecological features have been preserved or used in the design of the
course?

A. The site was flat, open desert sand and void of vegetation. The golfcourse provided the opportunity to create greater bie diversity through a variety of native grasses and shrubs that have been incorporated Into the parameter areas of the golf course. Also, a large area of mangroves that naturally emerge from a tidal island just south and west of the golf course were preserved, providing a focal point from the clubhouse and golf course.

Q. Does the par-3 course follow the same style as the championship course?

A. This lighted course is for beginners or players who wish to hone their short iron skills. The landforms and aesthetics of the course are similar to the championship course, but the greens are smaller and gently contoured. The sand bunkers are also much smaller and far less difficult.

"I BELIEVE THAT COURSES SHOULD ALWAYS BE DESIGNED FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR THE
PLEASURE OF THE PLAYERS. THIS MEANS THAT THE COMMENTS OF THE PLAYERS WHO KNOW
GOLF AT ITS HIGHEST LEVEL ARE WHERE THE FINAL EVALUATION OF SUCCESS LIES. "
- Kyle Phillips

www.wwgolf.biz
November 2009

Labels: Yas Island

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Links Course looks set to be a Shore Winner

"Phillips, a renowned golf course architect, has created the region's first true links course."

ABU DHABI // Kyle Phillips has completed a whistle-stop visit to the Emirates from his California base to give a thumbs up to what could well become one of the most attractive destinations for golf enthusiasts the world over.

Phillips, a renowned golf course architect, has created the region's first true links course - a 7,450 - yard masterpiece on Yas Island that makes maximum use of the mangrove-filled coastline.

The course, commissioned by property developers Aldar on a site close to the Formula One racetrack, is due to open early next year.

Phillips, whose design work has been displayed in more than 20 countries, notably the United Kingdom where Kingsbarns in Scotland and The Grove, London are his most famous efforts, is confident this is among his best courses.

"I am not going to say that this is the greatest golf course in the world," he said.

"I am going to let others decide that. I am going to hang the painting on the wall, stand back and watch to see if everybody likes it.

"But I will go as far to say that I think it is a world class facility that is about to provide a world class golf experience.

"People will come to the UAE and think that they have got to bring their clubs with them and play this course because it does provide them with a unique experience."

It has been suggested that the "unique experience" will also be provided at the Gary Player- designed course which is at a similar stage of near-completion on Saadiyat Island.

Phillips maintained that the equally exciting addition to the Abu Dhabi landscape cannot be described as a true links course.

"I went for a visit there when we were well into our own product," he said.

"Stylistically they are calling themselves a beach course. I am not speaking for them but I assume that they recognise it is not a true links course. It is by the water which is very nice but ours is a completely different kind of animal."

Eight of the Yas holes follow the shoreline and all 18 have a sea view. Those who play it for the first time would be forgiven for thinking that they are venturing on to the terrain of any of a cluster of British Open venues.

The par-72 course looks a certainty to become a stage for important professional events just like Player's beach course which has been promised hosting rights for the European Tour's Abu Dhabi Championship within the next two years.

The Yas course has been designed by renowned course architect Kyle Phillips. Courtesy: Yas Island Golf

Phillips stressed that it is never his intention to build a course that will accommodate the world's leading professionals.

"When we built Kingsbarns [which opened in 2000] it wasn't with the intention of hosting a tournament," said Phillips shortly after the annual Dunhill Links tournament had taken place there.

"Similarly at the Grove. They didn't expect to get the top 50 in the world competing there [in the 2006 World Golf Championship]. What you strive to do as a course designer is provide something that will provide a serious test for the professionals but something that the 15-25 handicappers will be able to navigate their way round. Offering five different lengths from the various tee boxes has enabled us to do that."

With 144 bunkers scattered around the par 72 course and the obvious natural hazards it will take some negotiating by those higher handicappers but Phillips believes that they will all have fun.

"When you have so many holes bordering the sea, they are bound to be holes that people will enjoy playing," he said.

"Thirteen and 14 are fun because they are short holes - a par three and a par four. The 14th is potentially driveable if you move the tee forward a bit. I think it is good to have one of them in the mix."

Phillips was evasive when pushed to nominate a "signature" hole on the course.

"I deal with that question with the response 'they all are'," he said.

"But No 9 is a stunning hole and I reckon we have our own version of Amen Corner [the daunting stretch around the turn at Augusta National] with or last three holes. That sequence of holes will make for a fantastic finish."

The National
William Johnson
See the article here

Labels: Yas Island

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