Nico Colsaerts in his own words: ‘Slower pace, bigger rewards: life's good in Abu Dhabi'

Khaleej Times

25-02-2025

Life is good here in the UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi. It's one of those places that makes it easy to settle down. For someone like me, the pace of life in Abu Dhabi is perfect—slower than in Dubai, which suits me just fine.
I live near the Saadiyat Golf Course and let me tell you, there's something special about playing on these courses. The greens are always in top condition, and the atmosphere is laid-back, but with a touch of competition in the air. Everyone's just happy to be here.
I also have a lot of good memories with my long-time friend and coach, Jerome Theunis. Jerome and I go way back. We've known each other since we were nine years old. He's a successful coach now, having transitioned from playing professional golf to mentoring players like the Molinaris, Thomas Detry, Adrian Meronk, and Thomas Peter.
Funny enough, Jerome always dreamed of moving to Abu Dhabi, and now he's here with his family. His kids even go to the same school as my second son, which, back then, we would've never imagined.
It's surreal how life has worked out, but it just goes to show how much we both love it here. His wife, multilingual and incredibly versatile, fits right in. She's done so much back in Belgium, and I know she's found her happiness here too.
In terms of fitness, I'm doing well. I'm headed to South Africa soon to play in the SA Open in Joburg, but just last week, I took the kids skiing in Dubai.
Rachel (my wife) and I had always wanted to share that experience with them, and it was incredible. Skiing is something I've loved since I was a kid. It was the perfect escape—mountains, fresh air, and of course, the thrill of carving down the slopes.
But I have to admit, skiing never took away my love for golf. I fell in love with both at the same time, and while I've dedicated my life to golf, skiing will always hold a special place in my heart. I've been skiing since I was six, and I've never had an injury (touch wood!). It's a sport that allows me to switch off completely—clear my mind and recharge.
I know some people might ask if I could've been a better skier had I focused on it more, but I wouldn't trade my journey for anything. You don't win three European Tour titles and get picked to play in the Ryder Cup without putting everything into golf.
I turned pro the day I turned 18, and in the years that followed, I found myself constantly striving to improve. I've been lucky to have had great moments, but I'll never forget where I came from.
When I'm in Dubai, I like to play some rounds of golf with the guys from Jumeirah Golf Estates. It's a small thing, but it's my way of showing my appreciation for them. We all work hard, but we have to remember to take time for the things we love—whether it's golf, skiing, or simply enjoying the incredible life we've built here in the UAE.