The European Challenge Tour returns for the second of back-to-back events in the UAE when the UAE Challenge takes place at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club from May 4-7. Here’s everything you need to know for the week ahead…
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Designed by Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi offers an exceptional playing experience matched by an outstanding natural destination. Set by the Arabian Gulf with dolphins and other sea-life as spectators, the course utilises existing saltwater lakes and beach dunes in its highly-rated design.
Sustainability at Saadiyat
As well as providing a stunning setting for the UAE Challenge, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club leads the way in the region with their sustainability practices and environmental conservation processes.
The club provide a sanctuary for over 160 bird species, 250+ mountain gazelles and a rejuvenation of native plants. They also play an active role in supporting the efforts of Saadiyat Island’s Hawksbill Turtle Conservation Programme. The nine kilometre Saadiyat Beach is home to several hawksbill turtle nests each year, with each nest containing around 90 to 100 eggs.
Additionally, in early March 2020, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club converted to 100% treated effluent irrigation water which has been a major positive in their quest to be as eco-friendly as possible.
A different kind of test
Following a week at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will provide a completely different test for the 156-strong field.
As well as being situated on the coast, with wind likely to be a factor, the par 72 course has 60 bunkers and will be extended to more than 7,750 yards for the week.
Gouveia coming in hot
Ricardo Gouveia became a six-time winner on the Challenge Tour when he won the Abu Dhabi Challenge last week. The win saw the Portuguese surge into the top 20 of the Road to Mallorca Rankings, and he’ll be hoping to continue that form at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club this week.
On an enthralling final day, Gouveia had a chip in eagle at the eighth before birdieing the 17th to tie the lead. Going down the 18th he produced one of the shots of the season so far to set up an eagle chance which he duly took to win by two shots.
