Abu Dhabi, UAE – As the world’s top golfers descend on Yas Links for the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the iconic venue today announces the launch of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA) – marking a new era for player development in the UAE capital.
Following the recent significant upgrade of its state-of-the-art training facilities, the academy will now operate fully under the Tommy Fleetwood Academy brand, expanding the partnership between Viya and one of the sport’s most admired figures. The launch cements Yas Links Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre of excellence for golf performance and education in the region.
The opening of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Yas Links Abu Dhabi brings TFA’s proven player-development philosophy to the UAE capital for the first time. The new facility complements the existing TFA location at Jumeirah Golf Estates, creating a connected performance network across the Viya portfolio.
Tommy Fleetwood, Professional Golfer and Founder of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy, said: “The UAE has always felt like a second home for me and my family. We’ve built something truly special with the academy in Dubai, and it just keeps growing. To now be building in Abu Dhabi and giving something back to the region that has given us so much means a lot to us.”
Golfers at Yas Links will benefit from cutting-edge coaching technology and an elite-level performance environment, including two swing studios with advanced simulators, a dedicated indoor putting studio, and world-class training systems such as PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab.
The move follows a major upgrade completed earlier this year, which positioned the Yas Links’ practice facilities among the most advanced in the Middle East. The relaunch under the TFA brand now brings Fleetwood’s signature approach to player development to Abu Dhabi, combining elite insight, data-led performance tools, and a passion for growing the game at every level.
Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Tommy Fleetwood Academy to Yas Links. Abu Dhabi continues to play a leading role in growing the game, and this partnership elevates that vision even further. TFA brings world-class expertise, technology, and inspiration to golfers across the capital.”
Christopher May, Chief Executive Officer of Viya Golf, added: “Viya is committed to offering the best golf and leisure experiences across the UAE. The Tommy Fleetwood Academy represents excellence, professionalism, and a passion for player development – values we share across our venues. With the TFA now operating at both Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates, we’re proud to offer golfers two of the finest coaching destinations in the region.”
Marc Arnold, Director of Instruction at Viya, said:
“We’re proud to welcome the Tommy Fleetwood Golf Academy to Yas Links Abu Dhabi. This partnership reflects our commitment to world-class coaching and to growing the game across the UAE. Being associated with Tommy’s name and legacy is a privilege, and we’re excited about the impact this will have in further enhancing our programmes and inspiring more people to play.”
The launch of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Yas Links Abu Dhabi comes amid rising participation across the emirate, supported by expanded junior and ladies’ programmes and the club’s largest-ever team of PGA professionals.
As the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship showcases the venue on the global stage, the new academy underscores Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven throughout the Middle East.
About Viya:
Viya is the UAE’s leading golf and hospitality management group, operating a portfolio of championship golf courses, award-winning restaurants, premium leisure and recreation facilities, innovative entertainment concepts, and digital platforms. Since launching Emirates Golf Club in 1988, the region’s first all-grass course, the group has expanded to include Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Topgolf Dubai, Tiger Strikes, and recreation brands such as Viya Fit and Viya Padel.
As part of wasl Hospitality & Leisure, Viya is recognised as a guardian of golfing heritage and a leader in modern hospitality. Its operations are underpinned by the Viya App, a loyalty-driven platform that integrates bookings, rewards, and spendable benefits across the portfolio. Dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, Viya connects communities to extraordinary experiences and continues to shape Dubai and the UAE as global destinations for sport, leisure, and lifestyle.
For more information, contact:
Leonardo Izzi
Head of Destinations
GMS Agency
E: leo@gmagency.com
T: +44 (0) 1438 718 399
M: +351 96 840 3811