Yas Links Abu Dhabi invests heavily in state of the art golf academy to be one of only three clubs in the Middle East with Trackman technology

The highly acclaimed Yas Links Abu Dhabi is continuing to assert its ever-growing reputation as one of the world’s premier golfing destinations by investing heavily to create the Middle East’s ‘golf academy of choice’.

Yas Links – the UAE’s newest golf course and a Golf World ‘World Top 100’-ranked course – is expanding and upgrading its golf academy and existing practice facilities with state-of-the-art teaching tools.

This new equipment includes Trackman, a launch monitor system that uses the latest Doppler radar technology to monitor three-dimensional clubhead movement and the entire ball flight – from impact to landing – and which can be used as both a teaching tool and a custom-fitting solution.

Yas Links is one of only three facilities in the region to offer the multi-functional tool – also used by the R&A and USGA to monitor equipment and player performance, major equipment manufacturers during product research and development programmes, and PGA and European Tour fitters and coaches working with the world’s best players.

It is expected that the upgraded golf academy will be ready for use by October, 2011, and will include:
    •    SAM Force Plate – a 1/2 square metre pad containing 2,500 sensors that acquire and analyse weight transition during a swing and provide corrections   
    •    SAM PuttLab – the world’s first computer-aided analysis and training system for the short game based on accurate ultrasound measurements
    •    K-Vest – a 3D wireless biofeedback system that combines video, 3D animation and key swing data to correct alignment, posture, hip and shoulder rotation, and timing
    •    GASP Golf System – the market-leading video analysis software package that integrates with the Trackman, K-Vest, SAM PuttLab and SAM Force Plate solutions to give players and instructors the complete teaching system
“Our golf academy will be the only one in the UAE to offer such a wide range of options with such highly sophisticated training tools,” said Steven Morgan, recently appointed Head Golf Professional at Yas Links. “Members and visitors will have access to the latest in coaching and fitting technology – and with both Nike and TaylorMade integral parts of our academy offering, I have every confidence that we will become a one-stop-shop for any golfer, scratch player or a beginner, looking to improve their game.”

Chris White, General Manager of Aldar Properties (Golf Division), developer of Yas Links, added: “Over the past few months we have seriously concentrated our efforts on our golf academy, teaching equipment and our team of expert PGA Professionals to ensure we offer only the very best service to our customers.

“Steven’s high profile golf venue expertise coupled with Tom Rourke’s remarkable golf operations acumen, gained from working at The Belfry in England and at Dubai Golf’s Nad Al Sheba and Emirates Golf Clubs, provides us with a dedicated team committed to putting Yas Links and its academy firmly on the golfing map.

“With the addition of Liam Cregan, former Professional at The Belfry, and Craeg Deery, an experienced coach, we are building a team of unrivalled expertise and instructional know-how that, we believe, will create the ‘golf academy of choice’ – not just in Abu Dhabi but for the entire region.”