Saadiyat Beach Golf Club awarded Audubon International certificate for wildlife and habitat management
Saadiyat Island’s signature golf course, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, has been awarded certification from Audubon International in recognition of its efforts to preserve and encourage wildlife on the course and surrounding areas. In order to be awarded certification, US-based Audubon International required evidence of the club successfully implementing and carrying out activities that significantly protect and encourage natural wildlife and habitation.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s documentation of wildlife and habitat value, nurturing of natural habitat areas and restoration of degraded habitats were commended by Audubon International, the leading environmental organization for golf courses.
The club’s Director of Agronomy, Marcus Hartup, said: “Since opening in 2010, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has made a significant investment in protecting the magnificent wildlife which is native to the area. Over the past two years we have seen an increase in migrating birds as well as a noted increase in Gazelle activity.
“Approximately 20 gazelles frequent the golf course in our native areas, which are strictly no-play zones. Although these animals are very timid, they now appear to realize which areas are the no-play zones and enjoy feeding on native forage.”
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club hosts many rare bird species, such as Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush species, which the club’s agronomy team have been monitoring closely.
“The influx of birds to Saadiyat Island has been great to witness. Each morning we venture out to the course never knowing what we’ll find that day. Birds particularly love the area and we regularly conduct wildlife inventories to monitor which breeds are visiting the course. Salt water lakes on hole five also provide homes to an abundance of marine life, including fish, jelly fish, muscles and crustaceans.”
The certificate brings Saadiyat Beach Golf Club one-step closer to becoming a fully certified Audubon International golf course. The not-for-profit organization was formed in 1987 to provide education on environmental issues, and the organization encourages golf courses in particular to operate in environmentally friendly methods.
Troon Golf Middle East’s Group General Manager, Ken Kosak, said: “Wildlife on Saadiyat Island has been a top priority for the club since day one. In the construction of the course every effort was made to ensure natural habitats, wildlife and fauna would be preserved and protected.
“Our vision for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is to successfully operate a world-class golf course in full harmony with its natural environment.”
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the only golf course in the Middle East to boast stunning beachfront views, with visitors often surprised to see hawksbill turtles and dolphins off the shore’s coast near Hole 5 and Hole 6. The gazelles can be seen in the designated native areas of the course, which comprise of natural foliage and fauna and are strictly ‘no-mow zones.’ Over 50 different species of bird have been identified to date on the golf course, including the Siberian Stonechat, European Bee Eater, Yellow Wagtail, Woodchat Shrike and European roller amongst others.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a haven of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of old town Abu Dhabi, and offers visitors an unrivalled golf experience like no other.
