Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah doesn’t do anything by halves. If he’s in, he’s in – all the way. He’s also a natural competitor in everything he does. Through the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, he is closely involved in the construction and development of golf course infrastructure in the Middle East. As a golfer he is fast becoming one of the most outstanding amateurs in the region.
Abdullah’s interest in golf is intriguing to say the least. He started playing seriously a three and a half years ago at the age of 30 and today he has an official handicap of 6. Not bad for a player whose first encounter with the Royal and Ancient art resulted in him walking off the golf course saying: “Guys, this is not my game – I’m off.”
“In February, 2006, I was in Switzerland skiing when an Australian friend, Josh Abood, asked me if I’d like to have a game of golf some time.
“When I got back to Dubai in March we went to the Creek and hit some balls on the driving range. I actually got some to go straight so I bought a set of clubs and had my first real session on the range. Despite the fact that I was wearing a kandura I hit the ball well – they were really taking off. I thought, ‘this is nice.’ Not only has Abdullah played some of the world’s great courses, he’s also played with many of the world’s great players.
“I played in last year’s Desert Classic Pro-Am with Tiger Woods and it was a roller-coaster ride but a wonderful experience. He’s a genuinely nice guy and he gave me a few tips on how to play certain shots. When we shook hands on the first tee he asked me what my handicap was. When I said ‘13’ he looked horrified and replied, ‘30! ’ ‘No, not 30 – but 13,’ I said and he looked really relieved.” Abdullah is passionate about the recently re-launched Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), of which he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Through my involvement with the EGF we are trying to promote the game in general and junior golf in particular, especially for nationals,” says Abdullah. “We’re pleased that Worldwide Golf is supporting our efforts to increase membership and the overall interest in golf – and our junior schemes.
Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah,
playing in the 2008
Desert Classic Pro-Am
