ABU DHABI — Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has achieved its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Corey Finn, senior assistant superintendent, completed the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is one of over 900 courses in the world to hold the title of Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas. These categories include: Environmental Planning; Wildlife and Habitat Management; Outreach and Education; Chemical Use Reduction and Safety; Water Conservation and Water Quality Management.

An observation made during the visit, was that the course inhabits over 150 bird species and a thriving gazelle population. It was apparent that staff were always conscious about protecting the threatened and endangered species that also inhabit the course.

The course has also reduced its water consumption by over 30% over the past 3 years and with a local community partnership to allow for the use of recycle water, water consumption will be reduced even further. It was noticeable that management is dedicated to continuous improvement.

Commenting on the recent achievements, Clinton Southorn, cluster director of agronomy, said: “Saadiyat Beach Golf Club was designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment of Saadiyat Island. Through this certification, we demonstrate our responsibility when it comes to environmental stewardship, and in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the wildlife that inhabit the golf course, and are vital to Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem.

“I'm proud of the dedication and work of Corey Finn, who led the certification effort in collaboration with our teams. We look forward to continuing our work with Audubon International to drive sustainable and positive impact in our local community and across the globe.”

Praising Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International, said: "Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property."

Francisco de Lancastre David, cluster general manager at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, said: “Our vision for Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is to successfully operate a world-class golf course in full harmony with its natural environment. The club is immensely proud to be a certified Audubon International golf course and we will continue to assess our ongoing practises to ensure we are operating at the most efficient levels.”

The breathtaking Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club was the Arabian Gulf’s first beachfront course. Designed by golfing legend, Gary Player, the 18-hole championship course and top of the range practice facilities harness the beauty of Saadiyat Island and create an unparalleled golfing experience with views of the Gulf’s glittering ocean.

Host venue of the first Ladies European Tour event in Abu Dhabi, the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, and voted ‘Best Course in the UAE’ in 2015 and ‘Best Course in Abu Dhabi’ in 2019, World Golf Awards, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is recognized globally as a world class golfing destination.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, along with Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links Golf Club, form a key part of Aldar Properties’ hospitality portfolio. Aldar Properties is committed to embedding a culture of sustainability across its entire business, under the key pillars of economy, community, people, environment, and governance.

In 2019, Aldar published its first sustainability report outlining the Company’s sustainability focused accomplishments as well as its strategy in this regard.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources.

Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program. — SG