Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the Abu Dhabi infrastructure developer, has appointed Troon Golf – the sport’s foremost luxury brand – to manage and operate the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Troon Golf takes over management of the club, which is owned by TDIC and boasts a championship course, home to the annual Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, on April 1st 2007.
“This appointment reflects our commitment to taking the golf experience in the UAE capital to the next level,” said Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC. “Troon is renowned for creating extraordinary experiences at the greatest golf properties in the world by providing superior service, amenities and playing surfaces. We are looking to harness this expertise to lift the overall offering to members and guests.”
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club recently underwent the first of a US $5.5 million two-phase upgrade programme designed to enhance the arrivals and playing experience at the venue. The club now boasts a new gatehouse, improved signage, a revamped approach road and extensive landscaping with some 120 palm trees and 16,000 square metres of season flowers, shrubs and trees. Substantial course revisions have included extending the course to nearly 7,400 yards, new bunkers to frame fairways and greens to create challenging pin positions.
“Details of phase two are now being finalised and we expect to announce them within the next two months,” said Tabler. “Troon Golf’s appointment complements the upgrade to deliver a truly consistent world-class golfing experience.”
“From a member’s point of view the appointment is good news in that they can take advantage of Troon Golf’s premier customer-loyalty programme, as well as other proprietary value-driven programmes which offer special incentives at Troon Golf-managed facilities throughout the USA, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the Caribbean.” added Tabler.
Troon Golf has been mandated to upscale the hospitality approach in its management strategy of Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
“We are confident Troon Golf will deliver on this criteria with 95.5% of guests who have visited their facilities indicating their satisfaction with the overall food and beverage experience,” explained Tabler.
Enhanced hospitality was just one of a number of key business imperatives which led to this appointment. Others include the fact that Troon Golf represents operating philosophies and dedication that deliver maximum profitability and superior investment returns. The company offers international purchasing programmes that enable its portfolio of facilities to purchase premium-quality equipment and supplies at substantially lower costs and on better terms than if purchased independently.
The club will also benefit from the cross-marketing network of Troon Golf, which now spans185 courses and elite private golf clubs around the world.” added Tabler
Golf is being prioritised in the strategic plans of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which wholly-owns TDIC, and is expected to play an integral part in achieving the emirate’s ambitions for three million tourists by 2015.
About Abu Dhabi Golf Club:
An oasis of tranquility and beauty carved out of the desert, just 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 20 minutes from the city centre, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club boasts world-class golfing facilities, a striking clubhouse with three floors of restaurants, a fully equipped executive meeting room, an extensive sports and fitness club.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) whose aim is to promote a high standard of professionalism within the golf holiday industry.
Extensive practice facilities include putting greens, chipping greens, practice bunkers, and a 350 metre Driving Range - the largest in the Arabian Gulf. Personal coaching is available at the Club’s Golf Academy. Extensive leisure facilities include a free-form swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, a Health Club with sauna, spa and Jacuzzi.
The Clubhouse, a wonder of modern architecture, is designed in the shape of a falcon swooping down on a golf ball and the building has been described as "awesome", "amazing" and "extraordinary". The stylish interior projects an image of cool, sophisticated elegance, whilst retaining a relaxing 'club' feel. The Clubhouse features three floors of lounges and restaurants, including Café 37 , Casa Verde the Mediterranean restaurant, Members Lounge and 1001 Nights - all featuring panoramic views of the golf course
About Tourism Development & Investment Company:
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is a public joint stock company established under Law No: 12 of 2005 as decreed by the Abu Dhabi Ruler and UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. TDIC is an independent organisation empowered to manage the tourism investment zones of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which directs and implements strategy for the expansion of the emirate's tourism sector. TDIC will develop real estate assets that support ADTA's mission of assisting UAE economic diversification through tourism development.
TDIC shareholding, fully owned by ADTA, operates along strictly commercial lines with its projects being self-sustaining and economically feasible. Its activities include creating development and tourism related concepts for specific sites and locations, disposing of, or repositioning, government-owned tourism related assets, entering into joint ventures with investment partners for assets such as hotels or residential products, as well as serving as the master developer for large scale projects.
