Yas: the Gulf’s best course?

GCA visited Yas Links, Kyle Phllips’s recently opened course in Abu Dhabi today, and found what must surely be considered the Middle East’s best golf course.

Located right next to Abu Dhabi’s new Formula 1 racing circuit, on the enormous Yas Island development being created by the state-owned company Aldar, Phillips’s course breaks the Gulf mode. It’s a total core golf experience: there is no real estate on the interior of the course, and, rather than the waterfront space being saved for property, there are golf holes all the way down the 3km coastline.

In fact, Phillips did more that just design the course – he designed the coast as well! Yas’s waterfront is built up using fill dredged from the sea, and part of Phillips’s task was arranging for that fill to be placed in such a way as to enable him to create exciting waterfront holes – which he has certainly done, with the par three thirteenth and seventeenth both being among the most photogenic golfers will see anywhere in the world. Phillips’s staff shaper Dave Smith has done a wonderful job in replicating the contours of a true links course; the challenge will be for greenkeeper Mike Clarke to get the Platinum paspalum grass, supplied by Jennings Turf International running quickly enough to make the contours stand out.

Golf Course Architecture
September 2010

Labels: Yas Island

posted by Kellie McCoy @ 11:43 AM   |  

What Sir Rocco Forte says about his project...

“From the outset I wanted to create a truly luxurious resort which offered exceptional golf, spa and dining experiences amid panoramic views and spectacular design. The rugged south west coast of Sicily provided the ideal setting for the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort.

“The decision to move into resorts was a natural progression for us and a key element in the growth strategy of the business. We will be looking to attract the same leisure and corporate customers that currently stay in our other properties as well as expanding into the family market.

“For golfers Verdura offers a first-rate experience with 45 holes of the highest design set into the Sicilian countryside with superb views of the Mediterranean. As a resort it presents every possibility with a spectacular 4,000 square metre Spa, specialising in luxurious Thalassotherapy and Aromatherapy treatments.

“Families will also be very well looked after with Verdura’s Kids Club and Teenagers Club, enjoying many of the land and sea activities on offer including the 60-metre two tiered swimming pool, tennis, sailing and windsurfing. “Verdura brings together the talent and experience of some of the world’s best hotel, golf course and spa designers, who have used the vivid Sicilian setting as the inspiration for their new work here.”

THE ROCCO FORTE COLLECTION
The Rocco Forte Collection was established in 1996 to create a group of luxury hotels in Europe. The hotels have individual styles, with each hotel reflecting its nationality and location. The properties are linked together under The Rocco Forte Collection, which guarantees attention to detail, quality and service delivery.

The Collection comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy,Florence; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; The Lowry Hotel, Manchester; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Brown’s Hotel, London; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Le Richemond, Geneva; The Charles Hotel, Munich; The Augustine, Prague; Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily. Future openings: Marrakech (2011); Abu Dhabi (2010); Jeddah
(2010).

Golf Business Development
January/February 2010
www.golfbusinessdevelopment.com

Labels: Verdura

posted by Kellie McCoy @ 2:11 PM   |  

The Sicilian Job...

A partnership between Sir Rocco Forte and leading golf course architect Kyle Phillips has created a stunning new destination in Sicily called Verdura Golf and Spa.

Sicily's southwest coast now promises much for the traveling golfer who samples the new Verdura Golf & Spa Resort. The resort’s excellent three courses, designed by world-renowned architect Kyle Phillips, will open for its first full year in March 2010, and it is expected that Verdura will quickly become a ‘must-play’ destination for golf aficionados.

According to Sir Rocco Forte, chairman and CEO of the luxury hotel company The Rocco Forte Collection, no other golf resort on the continent can compare to Verdura. “There wasn’t anywhere in Europe that offered the kind of golfing holiday I was after,” claims Sir Rocco, who spent eight years nurturing Verdura as the company’s first resort venture.

Verdura’s majestic 570-acre site enjoys some 1.2 miles of private coastline. Kyle Phillips, who created the universally acclaimed Kingsbarns Links near St Andrews and The Grove near London, enjoyed a pristine canvas on which to design his vision for the two 18-hole championship courses, the East and the West, as well as the engaging 9-hole par-3 course.

“Sir Rocco Forte found a beautiful piece of seafront ground where we have combined our respective skills to develop a 5-star hotel and spa, 36 holes of championship golf, plus a 9-hole par-3 course and full practice facility,” says Phillips.

“It’s a unique low-density concept for a coastline property, with only electric vehicles allowed inside the resort. Golf purists will absolutely love it. Near the seashore, I tried to give the golf a linksland feel with a rougher seaside look, transitioning to large rolling Muirfield-like landforms as it moves back away from the sea.”

Verdura’s East Course is 7,221 yards and the West Course measures 7,474 yards from the championship tees. Phillips has routed holes from both the East and West layouts intelligently so that a Composite Championship Course is formed to present a challenging venue for a future professional tournament. This novel yet strategic design would play at 7,458 yards and all of Verdura’s ocean holes are featured, which will provide stimulating and dramatic visuals for a television audience.

Verdura’s director of golf, Niall Cameron, has a rich pedigree of golf operations experience at such notable clubs as Turnberry, Royal St George’s and the ultra-exclusive Lyford Cay in the Bahamas.

He also spent a number of years competing on the European Tour. According to Cameron, “the sheer size of the resort gives a wonderful feeling of being totally isolated and at one with nature. The peace and quiet of the courses, punctuated only by birdsong and the gentle rustle of the wind through the native Sicilian grasses, makes the stroll through the rolling fairways a genuine delight.

“The fairways are well-separated and with the deep pot bunkering you can easily imagine that you are playing on one of the historic Scottish links courses. On top of all this, we have strategically rich and enjoyable golf in a spectacular setting. Kyle Phillips has designed yet another masterpiece which is surely destined to become a must-play venue.”

In order to attract a good customer base, Richard Wax of Golf Surveys Ltd is heading up the positioning of the resort to the golf connoisseur market. Richard can be contacted at richard.wax@orange.fr.

Golf Business Development
January/February 2010
www.golfbusinessdevelopment.com

Labels: Verdura

posted by Kellie McCoy @ 11:07 AM   |  

The King of Links

Acclaimed designer Kyle Phillips speaks to Joy Chakravarty as he gets ready to add another jewel to his portfolio with Yas Links

Kyle Phillips, the man behind the soon-to-be-launched Yas Links, is as unique as his creation.

Like the last thing you expect to find in the desert landscape of the UAE is a piece of Scotland - and that's exactly what the stunning links course at Abu Dhabi's Yas Island looks like - it is equally difficult to link Phillips, an American, as the designer of some of the most acclaimed modern links courses, a domain monopolised by the Scots and the Irish.

But that's the truth. Kyle Phillips has cemented his place in the history books of the game as the designer of Kingsbarns and Dundonald - two of the finest modern links courses of recent times. That list may soon have a new addition when Yas Links is unveiled. Situated on the west shores of Yas Island, the par-72 golf course will play to 7450 yards with all 18 holes having coastal views. Virtually starting from nothing, Phillips has created a true-blue links course.

Phillips remembers his first site visit. "Three meters up from the water, it was dead flat all the way to the marina on the other side," he recollects. "So, it was great fun to come and create all this landforms and make something that people who have played links golfwill appreciate. I think they will actually find it hard to believe that something like this exists over here."

If Yas Links and Phillips appear an oddity, what was even more odd - at least going by the prevalent norm - was property developer Aldar's decision to built a links course, and then hire the services of Phillips instead of some big name player-turned-designer, as is the trend in the region.

"I guess what Aldar were looking for when they approached me was to do something different, something fresh, something that is a complete novelty in the region," says the California-based Phillips,who has made more than eight trips to Abu Dhabi since being awarded the project.

"I firmly believe that golf at the highest level is really about the product, the golf course, and not its architect. One thing that I have told all my clients is that if the best thing you can say about your golf course is who designed it, then you have probably under-achieved.

"Just look at any great golf course Turnberry, Muirfield, the Old Course at St Andrews, Royal Melbourne, Pebble Beach, or even Kingsbarns - any great venue is first known for its course. You may remember the designers of all these courses, but you will also remember a majority of holes even if you have never played there.

"I'd rather have golf fans come here and say they loved playing the Yas Links course, or go and play The Grove, or Kingsbarns or Dundonald and love the experience, and then say'0h ...by the way, all these courses have been designed by Kyle Phillips'."

Phillips may not say it in so many words, but he is confident that golfers will love Yas Links as much as they have lapped up Kingsbarns and Dundonald, or The Grove - another of his spectacular designs.

"I wish I could say Yas Links will be better than Kingsbarns, or Dundonald. Actually, a golf course designer is no different than a chef, or a painter. Once the chef puts out his food on the table and the artiste hangs it on the wall, his opinion about it no longer counts," says Phillips.

"It's the same way with us. Once the course is designed, it is up to the players. It is always great fun to listen to different reactions about your creations. Two players in the same fourball can have completely opposite views of any given hole. Actually, those holes which draw the maximum reaction are the ones which are most memorable."

An expert on links golf, Phillips is extremely passionate about the subject and has some interesting views on the subject. Like how you need to develop a taste for them... Says Phillips: "Links golf is the purest form of golf. That's where it really began and the links courses are inspiration for most other great golf courses in some way or the other.

"Links courses have a lot of mystery about them because you cannot see most things right in front of you. Unlike other courses, where you just know what shot to play if you know the yardage and the general layout of the holes, that's not the case in links golf

"Lee Westwood,when he played Kingsbarns for the first time, I heard him talking to Darren Clarke at the clubhouse and he just went 'oh... that golf course.. .I can't play it.. .it's blah blah...".And look at him now - he has obviously figured it out and he loves it. In fact, he also holds the course record of 62 there. The same happened to the legendary BobbyJones,who said he would never come back to the UK after his first links course experience at St Andrews when he withdrew from the 1921 Open Championship. He did come back and win three Opens thereafter."

Or,why links courses are tougher than most other style of courses...

Phillips explains: "Links courses were built at a time when the term 'par' did not exist. Most tournaments and matches were match play. So,you could pick up your ball if you got into a pot bunker and were having trouble getting out. You could make the courses as difficult as you wanted, because the objective was not to make par.

"Once 'par' and 'bogey' came into existence, the golf courses evolved. If the par was four, no modern golf course designer would like to make a hole where making an eight or 10 was a distinct possibility.

"The old courses can be quirky. Take the 17th hole of the Old Course at St Andrews. Most people will look at the green and say 'My gosh...what a green! I can't believe they can design greens like that!'But what they do not realise is when that green was designed, the hole wasn't supposed to be a par 4."

"Talking of the 17th green of the Old Course, the 14th green at Pebble Beach is almost similar in design. I wonder if it was inspired by the 17th. Something I'd definitely try and find out if I go to heaven and chat up with the guys (Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, the designers)."

It doesn't come as a surprise that even in death, Kyle Phillips wants to discus links golf! As I said before, a man passionate about his subject.

Middle East Golfer
By Joy Chakravarty
January 2010

Labels: Yas Island

posted by Kellie McCoy @ 10:21 AM   |  

Yas Links is 'Different' Class

Mike Galemore walks the course and talks to designer Kyle Phillips who has created something completely different in the Middle East – a traditional-style authentic links course that brings a new experience to the region.

SEEING is believing, they say - and Yas Links is a golf course that has to be seen to be believed. Walking the course last month with designer Kyle Phillips was akin to being transported to the seaside links of St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, or Ballybunion.

I’ve played many of the treasured links of Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales over the past half century and invested in more balls than most in the process but if I could have disregarded the warm sun on my back and the calm aqua-marine ocean I could have been back home battling the elements.

It’s remarkable how Kyle Phillips has created a genuine, traditional links course out of nothing. Where there was once flat desert wasteland there are now rolling wide fairways, deep bunkering, wispy rough and inviting, sloping greens with their traditional heartbreaking run-offs. It’s pure coastal-style links on a par with Kyle’s other links masterpieces, Kingsbarns near St Andrews and Dundonald near Troon in Scotland.


I’d seen the pictures, read the hole descriptions and talked to California-based
designer Kyle, but all that hadn’t prepared me for something completely different by way of a unique golfing experience in the Middle East.

Kyle is understandably proud of his creation, which has come to fruition in a little over three years. “When I first came out to Abu Dhabi in February 2007 to look at the site I was immediately captivated by the challenge of turning a 3,200 metre long strip of flat, sandy shoreline devoid of vegetation into an authentic traditional-style links course,” says Kyle.

“We had to work out where we could find the material to build the landforms necessary to create a true, traditional-style links course. We also needed to define the coastline while at the same time protecting the mangrove plantation.

“Both problems were solved by dredging the mangrove plantation and using the sand for the landforms. Now we have a clearly visible coastline and a channel that enables golfers to sail all the way from Abu Dhabi Marina and moor their boat at the golf club. The view from the edge of the golf course along the coastline, with the blue waters of the Gulf and the mangrove plantation in the background is spectacular.

“Better draining sand for sandcapping the dunes and for the turfgrass, native rough grass and shrubs areas was brought in from further out in the desert. By virtue of this work we were able to expand the shoreline edge to more than 3,700 metres in length.

“Another advantage was that we had the room to create as many as five tee boxes per hole to accommodate golfers of all standards. Although our courses are designed to host professional championships they also have to be flexible to be playable for the 15-25 handicappers for the rest of the year. I’ve always worked on the basis that our golf courses should be designed first and foremost for the pleasure of the players.”

With Kyle’s pedigree it’s not surprising that he has a preference for links courses. “The nice thing about links golf is that players can choose their own route to the pin. The big hitters can take on the challenges of clearing water or bunkers while the high handicappers can take a more canny line. Links golf is more interesting and more fun than target golf.

“Any good golf course has to have a big finish and I believe the closing holes, 16-17-18, are three of the best closing holes of any course I know. Each hole presents its own challenge with the final par-5 hole inviting golfers to take on the green in two.

“When the wind is downwindbirdie or even eagle is achievable. But when it’s facing you it’s a different proposition altogether.” Kyle was also pleased to show us the 9-hole par-3 Academy Course, which is floodlit for use in the evening. “It’s ideal for practising or for beginners. The landforms are similar to the championship course but the greens are smaller and less contoured and the bunkers are less challenging.

“I can’t wait to hear what the golfers think of the Yas Links experience – I’m sure they will find it different to any other course they have played in the region.”

Kyle has every reason to be proud of his creation. Yas Links is different. It really is a true links course and I’m sure it will attract a great many golfers who may never have played coastal golf before and many others who yearn to get back on the links again.

World Wide Golf
By Mike Gallemore

February 2010

Labels: Yas Island

posted by Kellie McCoy @ 11:31 AM   |  

Aldar: Yas Links

"Yas Links is on schedule to become a unique and memorable golfing destination in the Middle East."

-Chris White, General Manager of the Aldar Golf Division talks us through this magnificent, traditional golf development on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Kyle Phillips continues to build his name and reputation on delivering ‘the purest’ form of golf. All over the world there are naturally beautiful golf courses where the architect has been able to meander golf holes through natural vegetation or landforms.

The challenge of some sites is to create a natural looking golf course from what might have been a relatively flat piece of land – Kyle Phillips has done that in the most dramatic way on Yas Island.

The design and building of the golf course not only involved the creation of landforms but also in gaining the maximum aesthetic and playing challenge from the coastline. The long, linear site has no fewer than eight holes that play parallel to the sea front whilst all 18 holes offer the most spectacular views of the beautiful Arabian Gulf.


The long, wispy native grasses that border each hole, coupled with both subtle and dramatic sand dunes, allow you to play each hole in an almost amphitheatre environment, not knowing or even seeing the parallel holes – it really can’t get any more peaceful than that.

Aldar Golf Division, the operators of Yas Links Golf Course, intend to make the overall visit to their flagship facility as memorable as the course itself and the Andalucía Club House will certainly be a part of that memory.

Though some 6,000sqm in size, the building has a certain quaint feeling about it and members and guests will enjoy its calm and relaxing atmosphere.

The interior design has created a truly warm and rustic environment with the use of stone flooring, pastel-coloured walls and rich wooded wall panels and ceiling beams – the aim being to take the natural landscape of the golf course into a natural clubhouse by using appropriate materials.

Aldar Golf has taken the whole branding exercise very seriously and have ensured that all areas of club procurement are for products that align themselves with the overall brand – whether that be golf vehicles, staff uniforms or marketing material. After all, it will add to the lasting memory and should complement each facet of the business.

Yas Links is on schedule to open in early 2010 and is currently in ‘the growing-in phase’ where the course construction and maintenance team have to be confident that the strength of turf will withstand the rigorous use of golfers’ divots and continual traffic.

What Yas Links Golf Club has to offer:

Clubhouse
The Andalucia clubhouse covers an area of 5,750sqm and features a sports bar, fine dining restaurant, gentlemen’s and ladies locker rooms with steam rooms, a pro shop, reception/lobby area as well as an outdoor pool and croquet lawn with spectacular coastal views.

The Sports Bar
The Spanish inspired Sports Bar provides an ideal meet-and-greet spot before and after a round of golf. Draft beers, fresh cocktails and juices are available alongside Iberic inspired cuisine of Petiscos, pizza, burgers and healthier options.

Patio café
A Terraced area overlooking the 9th and 18th greens as well as beautiful views of the crystal blue water and mangroves where you can enjoy speciality coffees, hot and cold drinks, fresh croissants, pastries and sandwiches.

Fine Dining 
Inspired décor from traditional Spanish homes with a menu with influence from as far afield as California and Argentina. Fresh, rustic cuisine with a contemporary flare offers stunning views over the course and the ocean and an additional terraced area.

Wine Bar
Located in the observation tower which provide visitors with even more spectacular views of the course and ocean.

Pro Shop
100m2 in size which will stock a range of the latest apparel and equipment and feature great offers in all the game’s recognised brands, catering from beginner to expert.

Locker rooms
Provide private changing areas and lounge with spa facilities and interactive multi-media facilities.

Academy 
The dedicated Golf Academy features a private members practice ground, guests practice ground, a nine hole Academy golf course, dedicated short game practice area, six shaded hitting bays with air ventilation as well as two indoor swing studios – with all areas fully floodlit. Yas Links Golf Academy has a team of world class PGA Professionals who are ready to personally improve your knowledge, technique and understanding of the game, whether it’s your first visit to the links or whether you have the time to commit to a more structured development programme. The extensive floodlight practice facilities include an Academy course, grass practice ground, short game area and putting green. All the above are complemented by the latest coaching technology including: Trackman ball flight detection, K-Vest motion capture analysis, GASP digital video technology and a Force Plate movement
sensor, plus a SAM putt laboratory.

“The expression of the Yas Links Abu Dhabi brand was to capture the history of the Links Course concept, whilst portraying a fresh, contemporary yet sophisticated feel. The Club Logo mimics the long grass of the Links courses but also reads ‘Yas’in abstract Arabic typography. It stands out in the regional brandscape and adds a new level of class and elegance. The colour palette is taken from the unique landscape of the region and concentrates on the natural earthy tones of the sand and soil.”

– John Brash, founder and CEO of Brash Brands in Dubai believes the branding of Yas Links will reflect the tradition of Links golf and the Kyle Phillips design of the course.

www.wwgolf.biz
December 2009

Labels: Yas Island

posted by Kellie McCoy @ 11:48 AM   |