As top golfers prepare for the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, the venue has announced the launch of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy (TFA), signaling a new chapter in player development in the UAE capital.
The academy will operate under the Tommy Fleetwood Academy brand, following significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art training facilities. This initiative strengthens the partnership between Viya and Fleetwood, one of golf's most respected figures, positioning Yas Links Abu Dhabi as a center of excellence for golf performance and education in the region.
The opening of TFA at Yas Links introduces its proven player-development philosophy to Abu Dhabi for the first time. This 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, stated, “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 have access to advanced coaching technology and an elite performance environment, which includes two swing studios equipped with advanced simulators, a dedicated indoor putting studio, and top-tier training systems such as PLATFORM Golf, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and Sam PuttLab.
This development follows a major upgrade completed earlier this year, enhancing Yas Links’ practice facilities to some of the most advanced in the Middle East. The rebranding under TFA brings Fleetwood’s distinctive approach to player development to Abu Dhabi, combining elite insight, data-driven performance tools, and a commitment to promoting the game at all levels.
Karl Whitehead, Cluster Manager at Viya Golf, remarked, “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, 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 TFA now operating at both Yas Links and Jumeirah Golf Estates, we’re proud to provide golfers with two of the finest coaching destinations in the region.”
Marc Arnold, Director of Instruction at Viya, stated, “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 coincides with a surge in 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 highlights the venue on an international stage, the new academy reinforces Viya’s mission to make golf more accessible, inclusive, and performance-driven throughout the Middle East.
