Abu Dhabi Members Trip

A selection of Golf At Goodwood members flew out to Abu Dhabi to get away from the typical British spring weather to enjoy some hotter temperatures to get out onto the golf course and improve their game.

Academy Manager, Chris McDonnell and Head PGA Professional, Christian Fogden, held two trips, one mixed and one for ladies only. The itinerary for the trips included 9 holes on the Abu Dhabi Floodlit Garden Course, two 18-hole rounds of the Abu Dhabi National Golf Club, which is the venue of the 2023 Hero Cup. Plus 18 holes on the Yas Links. There was also daily coaching from both Chris and Christian.

The mixed trip had ten attendees which were split into two teams, Team Chris and Team Christian. The teams competed in a net birdie competition over the four rounds, with Chris' team emerging as the winners by three birdies. The trip also featured a par 3 individual challenge, which Jan Goodridge won by accumulating the most par 3 Stableford points over the four rounds. Richard Brooks emerged victorious in the individual 18th hole challenge, accumulating the highest number of 18th hole Stableford points over the four rounds.

The ladies trip followed the week after, with 11 ladies playing fun team games with a different format each day, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

The group stayed at the Abu Dhabi Westin, which was home to the Abu Dhabi National golf course, and enjoyed fantastic weather with temperatures around 30 degrees. Both groups had a warm-up nine holes under the floodlights at the Abu Dhabi Garden Course, mainly focusing on short game and practice routines. Participants also had the opportunity to play with our two professionals, who provided course management tuition and demonstrated how to navigate around championship golf courses.

The next Golf At Goodwood trip is scheduled for October 2023, with dates and venues to be announced shortly. Overall, the trip to Abu Dhabi was a great success and provided members with a fantastic opportunity to play some world-renowned golf courses while enjoying warm weather and expert coaching.