Alliance aims to make UAE No. 1 golf destination

GOLFING GLORY: Troon Golf, which manages the famous Turnberry course in the UK and TDIC are looking to make the UAE the world's best golfing destination. (Getty Images)

On the day Tiger Woods came to Dubai, a leading Abu Dhabi developer signed a deal which it hopes will make it a leading player in the world of golfing tourism.

Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) sealed a strategic alliance with Troon Golf, the world's largest upscale golf course management, development and marketing company on Monday.

The alliance has been made to drive a 'best-in-class' golf destinations network encompassing the entire emirate, reported news agency WAM.

Lee Tabler, CEO of TDIC, said: "We are currently designing a compelling golf development programme, which will result in some of the finest facilities on par with the world's best and will substantially enhance Abu Dhabi's golfing credentials."

He said the deal was aimed at ensuring that the portfolio of TDIC courses currently being constructed or planned delivered a world-class experience to the local, regional and global golfing community.

TDIC already owns the Troon Golf managed Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home to the annual European Tour-backed Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and is developing the Abu Dhabi Golf Course Hotel, Residences and Spa destination alongside the club.

TDIC is also the name behind the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the UAE's sole signature Gary Player design golf course - which is due to open in the third quarter of 2009.

The company is also planning eco-courses for the Wetlands District of Saadiyat Island - the 27 square kilometre island lying 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city.

Tabler added: "Other facilities are on the drawing board and will be progressively announced as confirmation of major developments in Abu Dhabi's Eastern and Western Regions are finalised. The TDIC network will ensure Abu Dhabi rises rapidly up the ranks of the world's fastest-growing international golfing destinations.

Golf has been identified as a key element in Abu Dhabi's tourism product development strategy with a major supporting role in the emirate's overall aim of becoming an internationally recognised leisure and business travel destination.

"Golf tourism is a significant revenue producer with golfing visitors," said Tabler.

"Industry research shows that for every dollar spent on green fees, a golfing tourist spends an additional $4 within the local economy."

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