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Abu Dhabi: Plans for another world-class sport venue in Abu Dhabi were announced yesterday with golfing legend Gary Player set to design the first of two championship golf courses planned for Saadiyat Island off the main capital city.
The course on island, which is being transformed into a world-class tourism, culture and residential destination, will be the first in the Arabian Gulf with several beachfront holes.
The South African's career include three Masters wins, three British Open titles, two PGA championships and the US Open title.
"Player is renowned as much for his dedication to the principles of design excellence as he is for his golfing. He is recognised worldwide as a perfectionist who settles for nothing but the best," said Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and of Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC).
"We are convinced Gary will bring to this project his impeccable set of values and insistence on quality which have earned him worldwide respect.
"This course will be a world-class asset for Saadiyat Island and Abu Dhabi and one capable of hosting international-standard tournaments," added Shaikh Sultan.
The Gary Player Signature course, which is scheduled for completion in 2009, is being constructed in the Saadiyat Beach district.
According to Senior Course Designer Jeff Lawrence, "The objective is to keep the design of the Beach Course simple, yet visually stunning, while concentrating design efforts on the strategic values that will stand the test of time."
"Saadiyat Beach is a dramatic setting for any golf facility with the clubhouse and the course planned to offer sweeping Gulf and beach views," said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA and Managing Director, TDIC.
The Saadiyat Beach course deal was officially signed at Carnoustie in Scotland during the British Open between Gary Player and Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC.
Masterplan resort
"Saadiyat Beach is master-planned to produce a range of five-star resorts flanking nine kilometres of pristine beach, a golf course with freehold villas, dedicated sailing club and private beach clubs.
"The Gary Player course will be a key component of this overall celebrity see-and-be-seen environment," said Tabler.
Factfile
- Saadiyat Island - translates from Arabic as Island of Happiness
- Is the largest single mixed-use development in the Arabian Gulf.
- The 27 square kilometre natural island - lies only 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi island.
- Has 30kms of water frontage
- Will be linked to the main Abu Dhabi island and the Abu Dhabi mainland via two, 10-lane freeways making the destination easily accessible to Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will be just a 25-kilometre drive away.
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