Clinton Norris and IAGTO’s Giles Greenwood.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Troon Golf-managed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is celebrating after being named one of the Diamond Award winners of the IAGTO Excellence Awards for 2015.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club picked up the award during the Asia Golf Tourism Convention in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta following high scores across the board from the judging panel.
Each aspect of the facility was assessed, with the club coming out on top in areas such as on and off-course amenities, value for money, successful professional trade relationships and visitor access.
IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) is the global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry, with over 2,300 members comprising accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels and golf courses.
For 15 years, IAGTO has been rewarding outstanding achievements made across the globe, with the Excellence Awards forming part of the organisation’s acknowledgement of leading golf destinations and golf resorts, reflecting the opinions of golf tour operators, golf travel writers and golf travellers.
“At Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, our entire team is committed to delivering a first-class experience for our members and guests throughout all facets of the golf club, so we are delighted to have had this hard work and passion recognised in such a prestigious IAGTO award category,” said
Paul Booth, former Director of Club Operations accepting the award on behalf of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
Now imparting his expert knowledge as Director of Club Operations at sister venue, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Booth added: “As a Troon Golf-managed facility, we deliver pristine tournament-ready course conditioning all year round and that, combined with our spectacular
Gary Player designed beach-front setting and focused marketing initiatives, has seen us continue to attract golfers from all around the world.
“Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offers more than just golf and we are proud of our reputation for having created a family friendly and welcoming environment that attracts both golfers and non-golfers, all of whom are keen to relax in our magnificent surroundings, sample our exceptional cuisine and attend the innovative events that we host on a regular basis.”
Judges marked the course highly on the ‘Quality of Golf Experience’, ‘Course Navigation’ and ‘Signage’, with each hole featuring its own unique character and spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf.
The club’s extensive clubhouse amenities also scored highly, in recognition of the venue’s accommodation of all levels of golfers, offering a bespoke ‘Member for a Day’ experience with bespoke customer service, exquisite dining, personalised lockers and bag tags, and personal touches from the international staff.
Troon Golf is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.