This was my 3rd trip to Abu Dhabi in 9 weeks, the two previous trips were firstly to cover the newly finished Gary Player designed course on Saadiyat Island and secondly to shoot some new marketing material for The Abu Dhabi golf Course.

I absolutely love Abu Dhabi for many reasons, it’s classy, lively, has great hotels, fantastic dining, beautiful weather and really nice people. So I knew that although this 3rd trip was going to be hard work with long hours, it was still going to be a lot of fun.

I met Neil (tappers) Tappin from Golf Monthly at the Etihad business Class checkin early on the Sunday morning. We went through the brief on the flight, Neil along with Jed Moore from Professional Sports Group had arranged photoshoots and interviews with some of the World’s leading golfers, a daunting task which needed a quick glass of JD to settle the nerves.

We were graciously put up at the very modern Rotana Hotel on Yas Island, it’s a fantastic location right next to the newly built Formula 1 race track and no more than a 15 minute drive to both courses. Day one was a look at both locations to show Neil some possible spots to shoot the various pros. From then on in it was full on, non stop, get it in the bag, Muzza let’s move it we’ve got Rory to shoot next action!!!

In between shots I was also covering the action on course for Abu Dhabi Golf course. The Final Day was electric with McIlroy, Kaymer and Poulter making up the last group and all in contention. I followed them around for the last 3 holes and got some real close up material. Kaymer deserved to be the winner but being so close to all of this golf was making us all hungry to play, which we did the next day in the Sponsors day.

And so onto Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and also the brand new 5 star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel. Situated just outside the main part of the city, the Fairmont is by far the best Hotel I have stayed in, We were in Gold suites on the 7th floor, a very special place. I only wish I had some down time there to take it all in but this was a business trip, so back to the Golf and the next project. I had to shoot the new facilities at the Saadiyat  golf course and also the Gary Player Classic for TDIC. This also included a beach party for all of the guests, VIP’s and players that had been invited to play in the first major competition. Mr Player teed off and presented his driver to Ahmed Hussein the Chief Operating Officer of TDIC. It was straight from the course and off to the airport for the return flight home, Thankfully Etihad business class again, actually this was the first flight I’ve taken where I slept for the best part of the journey!!

And that was that, 12 days of adventure good friends hard work and hopefully some great images. Off to St Andrews in the morning!!!