Abu Dhabi International Airport

As the host of the World Sand Golf Championships in 2004/2005, Al Ghazal is considered one of the finest sand golf courses in the world.

What’s different about sand golf?

It’s just like golf on grass, but you’ll notice three major differences as you tee off; firstly, the fairways are denoted by green marker posts in the sand, running down each side of the hole.  Secondly, players carry their own circular Astroturf mat, around a foot in diameter.   Land on the fairway and you can play off the mat, otherwise it’s the sand rough.  And thirdly, greens are now ‘browns’, comprised of a mixture of sand and oil, which are rolled and compacted to form a putting surface.  They offer an extremely true putting surface which is brushed with large brushes to clear footprints. There are still designated bunkers, where the usual bunker rules apply.  Al Ghazal also features water hazards and players must also contend with the burrows dug by Dhubs, the local desert lizards.

We do insist that all golfers wear flat soled track or tennis shoes – no spikes allowed.

Course facts

• Course length: 6,724 yards, par 71 for men and 72 for ladies.
• The eyes of the world’s golf media turned to Al Ghazal in 2004 when it hosted the first ever World Sand Golf Championship. The following year, the likes of Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and Ian Poulter to name a few experienced the event. 
• The Golf course has been the scene of archaeological excavations in 1995 and 2002. Archaeological finds on the course include stone-lined wells, worked flint tools and pottery dating back to the Neolithic period (perhaps 7500 years ago). These archaeological sites have been protected as off-limit areas on the course, and have retained their fauna and flora.
• In an arid country such as the UAE, sand golf courses are environmentally friendly in a way that cannot be said for grassed courses, with their enormous water requirements.   
• The natural land surface has been retained over much of the course, providing habitats for a range of endangered and protected animals, making it an important conservation area for a range of habitats and species, including species Leptien’s dhub (a spiny-tailed lizard), the Arabian hare and Hedgehog.

What else can I do at Al Ghazal?

The Clubhouse features a fully licensed bar and restaurant, a health club, floodlit sports field and tennis courts, while the pro shop boasts some of the most reasonable prices in the UAE. The Academy features a 30-bay floodlit driving range, as well as grass putting greens and chipping areas. It also features a fully operational ‘State of the Art’ Video Training GASP system.

How do I get there?

The golf course is clearly signposted and is located between Terminals 1 and 2 (opposite Sky City). View map. Your best option, if you are not driving yourself, is to catch a taxi. The ride should take you approximately seven minutes, depending on traffic.

Book your round

Tel: +971 (0)2 5758 040 or +971 (0)2 5758 044
Fax: +971 (0)2 5758 041
Email: golfclub@adhc.adac.ae
Website: www.alghazalgolf.ae