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Amazing photos show a top golf course with bunkers submerged in water, just one day before a professional tour event

A revamped golf course in Abu Dhabi was turned into a lake after heavy rain hit Abu Dhabi this week.

The course is due to host The Challenge Tour on Thursday with a host of professional golfers geared up to play.



ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 17: A view of the flooded area on the course is seen prior to the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 17, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The new and improved course has been left flooded


Spanish golfer Alejandro Canizares attempts to play a shot on the 12th hole in practice

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 17: Grounds Staff drain water from the flooded bunker area on the course prior to the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 17, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Multiple bunkers turned into lakes amid the heavy rainfall

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 17: Player plays a shot on the 16th hole prior to the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 17, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The 16th hole has been left completely underwater

The course at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club promises to be a true test for this week’s field.

The green – which is a first-time venue for the Challenge Tour – was flooded after torrential rain submerged the stunning landscape.

Flooding and murky water has completely swamped bunkers on the majority of the 18 holes.

A latest post on X, formerly Twitter, indicates that the tour is set to go ahead as planned on April 18.

Ground staff have been hard at work draining muddy water via pumping machines from various obstacles around the course.

But despite their best efforts, golfers will be still be forced to navigate huge puddles in the desert.

The players include several winners on the DP World Tour, headlined by 2012 Ryder Cup winner Nicolas Colsaerts.

Colsaerts last won in the 2019 Amundi French Open, while the Kolkata Challenge champion Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen joins.



ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 17: Geenral view of the 1st tee box is seen prior to the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 17, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
The course was left flooded before the Challenge Tour

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - APRIL 17: Grounds Staff drain water from the flooded bunker area on the course prior to the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club on April 17, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Ground staff were forced to drain bunker areas on the course prior to the start of play


Staff continue to drain bunkers BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER

The Challenge Tour is the second tier tour in Europe, below the DP World Tour, but holds events around the world.

Despite the weather storms, Abu Dhabi is set to continue to build its status as a global sporting hub with upcoming competitions.

The two upcoming events are part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation.

Golf fans in the region are being encouraged to attend both events, with entry free of charge and no ticket required.

The United Arab Emirates was reeling today after the heaviest rain ever recorded left at least one person dead in Dubai.




Work began early in the morning to sort the mess out


The Challenge Tour will still go ahead this week