Abu Dhabi
PC: Tristian Jones
Location: Abu Dhabi
Course: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
The Ladies European Tour returned to Abu Dhabi for its second addition of the Fatima Bin Murbarak Ladies Open at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Saadiyat was a beautiful venue located just outside the city center--there were stunning ocean views, wild Dhabi's running around the course, and a wonderful variety of golf holes. It was another new country and new course for me, and I was very excited to be there!
The beautiful 6th hole along the water at Saadiyat
Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open Recap
In terms of golf, this was a tough week for me. It was my first missed cut of the year and it was by a mere one shot. I opened with a 2 over 74, which set me back and though I fought back and fired a 2 under 70 birding the 18th in round 2, it just wasn't enough. I struck the ball great off the tee which allowed me to take some more aggressive lines, but my short game let me down. I wasn't chipping it close and I had a few too many three putts. I definitely did not enjoy not being able to compete on the weekend, but I learned a lot from this failure--especially how much every single shot matters. These two rounds also reinforced that no matter how great I hit it off the tee, it is around the green where scoring happens. I plan on spending some quality hours the next couple weeks on the practice putting green!
Dhabi's running around the course
My new friend Mary and I. Mary was my scorer. We chatted down the fairways and I found out that she was also from the US. I loved getting to spend time with her and her husband. They felt like a little piece of home, while being so far.
Can't help but smile at Jamal, the camel, as he smiles at me
Some old and new friends!
Me and my tour mate Jenny of Sweden on the right. We are both rookies on the LET and have been traveling together all year. She has had a really successful year and we’ve had a great time exploring the world together!
Sights and Scenes
SHeikh Zayed Mosque
This architectural masterpiece is one of the world's largest mosques, with a capacity of 40,000. It houses the worlds largest hand knotted carpet, 24 carat chandeliers, and beautiful detailed marble work. Through my travels this year, I have managed to see many mosques and cathedrals, but this one was truly something special. Both the inside and outside were absolutely stunning, and we went right at sunset which made it even more breathtaking.
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is an iconic landmark of Abu Dhabi. This luxury hotel has over 350 rooms, award winning culinary cuisine, and beautiful landscaping. The palace also includes is own private marina and pools which me and my tour mate Laura got to enjoy one afternoon after play! The tall towering cityscape sits right across the hotel as well, which makes for an incredible view from the beach.
Abu Dhabi turned out to be an incredibly unique blend of different cultures, people, and technology. And what is even more incredible is that the city is only 47 years old! I had a blast visiting its iconic landmarks and beaches, and I can't wait to be back next year to play again. I am already planning ahead for my next adventures here--hopefully one of which is a desert safari!
Lots of love,
DRE
Up next --> India
