TDIC and Troon Golf announce technical and operations alliance

The alliance has been tactfully formulated to drive a 'best-in-class' golf destinations network encompassing the entire emirate.

'We are currently designing a compelling golf development programme which will add further credibility to the emirate's sports destination proposition. The programme, which we hope to announce in detail in the not too distant future, will result in some of the finest facilities on par with the world's best and will substantially enhance Abu Dhabi's golfing credentials,'

said Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC.

'With a portfolio of over 200 courses worldwide, including Scotland's famed Ailsa course at Turnberry, home to next year's Open Championship, Troon Golf has the expertise to assist the delivery of our golfing facilities.'

The alliance is aimed at ensuring that the portfolio of TDIC courses currently being constructed or planned are developed and operated to the very highest industry standards delivering a world-class experience to the local, regional and global golfing community.

TDIC already has its own significant golf credentials. It owns the Troon Golf managed Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home to the annual European Tour-backed Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, and is developing the Abu Dhabi Golf Course Hotel, Residences and Spa destination alongside the club.

TDIC is also the name behind the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the UAE's sole signature Gary Player design golf course and the Arabian Gulf's only 'ocean' course with several beach front holes - which is due to open in the third quarter of 2009.

The company is also planning eco-courses for the Wetlands District of Saadiyat Island - the 27 square kilometre island lying 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city, which is being transformed into an international leisure, residential and cultural destination.

'Other facilities are on the drawing board and will be progressively announced as confirmation of major developments in Abu Dhabi's Eastern and Western Regions are finalised,' said Tabler. 'Along-side the courses planned by other private sector developers, the TDIC network will ensure Abu Dhabi rises rapidly up the ranks of the world's fastest-growing international golfing destinations.'

Troon Golf says it is fully committed to delivering on TDIC's huge 'vote of confidence.'

'We are very excited to build upon our partnership with TDIC and the emirate of Abu Dhabi,' said Bruce Glasco, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Troon Golf, Europe Middle East &Africa.

'Our high standards and exceptional service combined with TDIC's unmatched vision in master planning will draw international acclaim to the region's leisure and sport activities.'

Industry professional DJ Flanders, who served for 18 months as General Manager of Abu Dhabi Golf Club, has been appointed General Manager of the new alliance and will oversee the development of all the company's golfing assets from a technical and operations perspective, including the Saadiyat Island courses.

Flanders started his career with Troon Golf in 1999, and has managed international facilities including the Phoenix Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki, Japan - a 99 hole complex, of which resides Japan's premier club, The Phoenix Country Club which plays host to the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.

Golf has been identified as a key element in Abu Dhabi's tourism product development strategy with a major supporting role in the emirate's overall aim of becoming an internationally recognised leisure and business travel destination.

'Golf tourism is a significant revenue producer with golfing visitors,' said Tabler.

'Industry research shows that for every dollar spent on green fees, a golfing tourist spends an additional $4 within the local economy.

'Troon Golf, with its global club management pedigree, brings both international operational expertise and huge cross-marketing opportunities to the alliance.'