WINTER 2012I sea&iI43topfiveYAS LINKS, ABU DHABI, UAEThe 18-hole championship Yas Links Course, by leading designer Kyle Phillips, has become a firm favourite with golfers around theworld since it opened in 2010. It is the first of its kind in the Middle East and boasts views over the Arabian Gulf. Afterenjoying a round on the desert course, visitors can make the most of the Yas Island development, which includes a new Formula1 motor racing circuit, the Yas Hotel and a slick marina accommodating more than 140 yachts.SIGNATURE HOLERecently voted the best par 3 in the UAE by Golf Digest, the 17th is the Yas Links' signature hole. The tees are arranged at various angles, playing across an inlet that forms a tranquil bay along the coastlineON COURSE FOR A HIT CHARTER sea&iselects five of the most appealing golf courses that can easily be included as part of a charter itineraryByMiriam Cain ultimate golf

44Isea&iIWINTER 2012PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS, CALIFORNIA, USThe famous Pebble Beach Golf Links has been attracting golfers since 1919. Designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, and tweaked over the years bymasters the likes of Jack Nicklaus, the 18-hole course has hosted many of golf's most prestigious tournaments and sits right on the Monterey coastline. SIGNATURE HOLEThe 17th hole earned itself a place in golfing history when Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson played key shots there to win their US Open titles in 1972 and 1982 respectivelyTHE GREEN MONKEY, BARBADOSBarbados has three notable courses on its popular west coast,one of which is The Green Monkey - part of the legendarySandy Lane hotel. Designed by Tom Fazio, this 18-hole courseis carved out of an old limestone quarry, with fairways runningthrough open canyons and sweeping up to dramatic elevations.The challenging layout has made this one of the most popularcourses in the Caribbean. SIGNATURE HOLEThe 16th features a playful Green Monkey (indigenous to Barbados) icon in the bunker. This scenic and challenging hole plays into the depths of the limestone quarry from an elevated tee