Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: The Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am, the ultimate Abu Dhabi golf experience, has concluded at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, with PGA of Sweden Member Erik Lindwall taking the title after his final round 73 at Yas Links Golf Club sealed the deal.

Professionals and their teams from across the globe came together for a once-in-a-lifetime golfing opportunity at three of the most exquisite venues in the Middle East – Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Lindwall, who finished on nine-under-par 207, praised the Pro-Am’s organisers. He said: “We had so much fun here as a team. The three different courses are in such great shape. Going to new venues for each round when they are so good meant we really enjoyed it. I’m now going to the winter series for the Nordic League and it’s going to be really exciting and this is the perfect set-up for it.”

The Pro-Am, which took place shortly after the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, gave participants the chance to follow in the footsteps of the world’s best golfers from the DP World Tour. All three of the courses were in immaculate, Tour-standard condition, enabling the professionals and amateurs to play in championship-ready conditions.

England’s Steven Tiley rallied for second place with a low-round-equalling five-under 67 for lone second place at seven-under 209, followed by Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Ambassador Gary Hurley and PGA of Israel Member Asaf Cohen, sharing third place on 210.

In second place were the team of Tiley, Lyiubomir Minchev, Ilia El-Feleki and Stamen Stantchev, who, after a nervous wait in the clubhouse after their round, were pipped to the post by Team Hurley with their slightly higher scoring final round, with third place falling to the team of Uli Weinhandl, Clemens Weinhandl, Edi Posamentir and Johannes Theiss on 261 points [-45].

Participants enjoyed accommodation at a range of luxurious venues, including the W Abu Dhabi, the Crowne Plaza and the Hilton Abu Dhabi, all on Yas Island. Off-course activities included a Go Karting experience at the famous Yas Marina circuit, plus other world-class hospitality and exquisite culinary experiences during the welcome reception, lunches and gala dinner.

Speaking about the appeal of Abu Dhabi as a golfing destination, Matthew Waters, Group Director of Golf, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, said: “Congratulations to this year’s winners. Once again, Abu Dhabi has proven itself to be a world-class tourism destination and as our international Pro-Am participants can attest to. Golf is a major reason why they choose to visit the UAE’s capital. The Abu Dhabi Government has gone to great lengths to create a safe environment for residents and visitors over the past two years and it was great to be able to host our well renowned Pro-Am once again.

“The beauty of the Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am is that participants get to play and experience three completely different, but equally as enjoyable, championship golf courses whilst enjoying the fantastic hospitality that the Abu Dhabi hotels have to offer. With Troon’s renowned high agronomic and customer service standards, the three golf courses ensured memorable experiences were created for all Pro-Am participants, aligning perfectly with the guaranteed winter sun and an array of other leisure activities Abu Dhabi has on offer.”

Troon is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.