International travelers are finding their way to Abu Dhabi’s golf courses in ever-larger numbers. During the first quarter of this year, the number of “overseas” rounds played at the emirate’s seven golf properties was up by 90 percent over those played during the first quarter of 2012, according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. Surprisingly, the emirate’s championship-caliber properties — Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links – have combined to ring up just 9,215 overseas rounds so far this year, not quite one-third of the total number. The TCA notes that this is the trio’s best performance ever, but some may wonder why Abu Dhabi’s most heavily promoted courses don’t capture a larger share of the market.
On the brighter side, it’s worth noting that Abu Dhabi’s championship layouts last year registered a nearly 95 percent increase in rounds played over the numbers posted in 2011.