Saudi Arabia’s top five golf courses after investing $1billion into the sport on home soil

LIV Golf may have lost the funding from the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, but golf is still booming in the Gulf State. Saudi Arabia may not have traditionally been atop of everyone’s holiday destination list for a golf trip, but with heavy investment over the past decade or so, the country has started producing some world class courses. Riyadh Golf Club has been voted the country’s best for three of the past four years Nofa Golf Resort features a mini safari about half way around the course! Couple that with their top draw facilities and obvious good weather and the idea of a trip to Saudi to play might just be catching on. The destination would probably admit it is still in its infancy when it comes to developing the game on their own soil. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! But with their world-renowned resources, they are giving the game the attention it needs. Even grassroots initiatives like GoGolf have expanded local access and for tourism, they are strategically placing their courses near major cities in a bid to becoming more appealing for sports travel. Here’s the top five courses the country has to offer right now: Shura Links (Shura Island, Saudi Red Sea) This course hasn’t even been open for a year, but it is Saudi’s first island golf course. BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Shura Island has had perhaps the most heavy investment in the country Shura Links was built as a central recreational feature of Shura Island, which sits at the heart of The Red Sea giga-project which cost roughly £7.5billion to develop. Most read in Sport The course is The Red Sea’s first championship golf course and the largest in the country. This course is designed by the acclaimed designer Brian Curley and it’s packed with dramatic coastal holes that take full advantage of its breathtaking island setting. Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (King Abdullah Economic City): An 18-hole, par-72 championship course north of Jeddah, this GEO-certified course is known for its challenging layouts and wind exposure that will make you feel like you’re playing links golf. Signature holes are said to be the 15th and 16th, with stunning views of the water. Major events are held here, including the Saudi International, Aramco Team Series, Ladies European Tour events and LIV Golf Jeddah. Riyadh Golf Club(Riyadh) Located near the centre of the city that has become the home for major WWE events and boxing fights among other sporting events, this par-72 course is unique. Undulating terrain, manicured greens and man-made waterways in the city lend the course aesthetic beauty and strategic challenge. Its 18 holes are fully lit, allowing golfers to tee off after dark. The course has regularly been awarded “Saudi Arabia’s Best Golf Course” at the World Golf Awards in 2022, 2024 and 2025. This is the flagship venue for major tournaments such as the LIV Golf League opener, PIF Saudi Ladies International, Saudi International (Men’s) and Saudi Open (Asian Tour). Nofa Golf Resort (Riyadh Province) Located southwest of Riyadh, somehow this course is integrated with a mini safari park between holes 8 and 9, with ostriches, Arabian oryx, gazelles and antelopes often galloping about. Nofa Resorts was nominated for “Saudi Arabia’s Best Golf Course” at the World Golf Awards in 2024 and if nature is your thing, you should make the effort to go. Dirab Golf & Country Club (near Riyadh) Another course located close to Riyadh in the scenic Dirab Valley. This is one of Saudi’s earliest golf experiences. In fact, it was built in 1994 and was the country’s first ever grass golf course. Sounds insane to some, but playing on a type of sand was very common in the Middle East at the time. With sand dunes and plenty of palm trees for your surroundings, it’s very easy to feel like you’re playing in the desert (which of course, you kind of are!). OUR TOP GOLF OFFERS WE have teamed up with some of the UK’s top travel operators to bring you great deals. These include: Exclusive 20% discount on Ryder Cup venue The Belfry with 2 rounds and 1 night for £199 — MORE HERE Luxury Algarve trip with 5 nights and 5 rounds at 5-star Penina Resort Hotel from just £489 — MORE HERE World class golf in Marbella at exclusive price of just £459 per person at Rio Real for 3 nights — MORE HERE Treat yourself to a brilliant staycation at Abbey Hotel with golf, spa and dining for £135 — MORE HERE Comment now