Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club opened in 2021 as Abu Dhabi's latest golf destination, designed by Dana Fry and Jason Straka on a remarkable 156-acre site—larger than many championship 18-hole venues. Located on Yas Island alongside the established Yas Links, this desert-style 9-hole layout showcases the American architects' bold "Big Dirt" philosophy, transforming flat sand into dramatic golfing terrain.

Why Play Yas Acres Golf & Country Club?

Experience innovative desert golf architecture featuring a 30-foot man-made ridge system with wide playing corridors carved from pure sand. The floodlit par-36 layout offers year-round evening play with exceptional conditions.

History of Yas Acres Golf & Country Club

Developed by Aldar Properties, construction began in 2019 with the first nine holes opening in September 2021. Fry completed the entire design remotely during COVID-19 travel restrictions, relying on detailed construction documents and live video consultations with on-site shapers. Desert Group handled construction with Pure Dynasty seeded paspalum supplied by Atlas Turf International. Troon Golf manages the facility. A second nine holes remains planned but not yet under construction.

Course Layout & Playing Experience

The 3,700-yard par-36 layout occupies 156 acres—Fry notes this exceeds the 108 acres used for all 18 holes at Merion Golf Club. Every hole interacts with a central man-made ridge reaching 30 feet in height, creating elevation changes rare in desert golf. Before construction, the entire site was raised 5 feet to protect turf from fluctuating groundwater levels caused by proximity to the Arabian Gulf.

Notable Architectural Features

The defining characteristic is the meandering ridgeline running through the property, extensively vegetated with native desert plants to create natural visual integration. Lakes and streams flow throughout the layout, supporting indigenous flora while providing strategic hazards. The pure sand base allows for wide playing corridors, with Fry describing the site as "catnip to any architect."

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Travel & Planning

Regional Golf Context

Yas Acres sits 7-10 minutes from Yas Links, Kyle Phillips's acclaimed links course that opened in 2010. Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club lie within 30 minutes, creating excellent multi-course itineraries on Yas Island and the wider Abu Dhabi region.

Practical Planning

Book through Viya Golf for guaranteed tee times. The floodlit facilities enable evening play during summer months when daytime temperatures exceed comfortable levels. Managed by Troon Golf with full practice facilities including driving range and short game area.

Transport Information ✈️

Abu Dhabi International Airport: 10km (6 miles), approximately 15-20 minutes driving via Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street. Major car rental facilities with direct motorway access.

Dubai International Airport: 130km (81 miles), approximately 90 minutes for alternative international connections.

Ground Transport: Direct access via Al Falah Road and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street connecting Yas Island to mainland Abu Dhabi.

Seasonal Timing

Autumn-Spring (October-April): Optimal conditions with temperatures 20-30°C. Peak booking period requiring advance reservations.

Summer (May-September): Floodlit evening play essential when daytime temperatures exceed 40°C. Lower rates typically available.

Yas Acres Golf & Country Club: The Verdict

Yas Acres demonstrates Fry/Straka's expertise in creating dramatic landforms on flat sites. The 156-acre scale allows generous playing corridors whilst the engineered ridge system provides elevation variety uncommon in desert golf. Its proximity to Yas Links enables compelling same-day combinations of links and desert styles.