Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Rising Golf Scene: Courses, Tournaments, and Unique Experiences

From Niche Sport to Growing National Passion

Golf in Saudi Arabia has rapidly transformed from a rarely played pastime to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. This surge is fueled by a vibrant calendar of premier tournaments, world-class golf courses, and remarkable investment in both facilities and talent development. Saudi Arabia is carving its niche on the global golf map, attracting elite players, fans, and tourists eager to experience golf excellence set against breathtaking landscapes.

Top Golf Courses to Visit in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia boasts several cutting-edge golf clubs that blend challenging play with stunning settings, each offering unique features that appeal to different players.

Golf Course	Locatie	Course Details	Opmerkelijke functies	Major Events
Royal Greens Golf & Country Club	King Abdullah Economic City, north of Jeddah	18-hole, par 72, GEO certified	Wind-exposed challenging layouts, views of water on holes 15 and 16	Saudi International, Aramco Team Series, Ladies European Tour, LIV Golf Jeddah
Riyadh Golf Club	Central Riyadh	18-hole, par 72, GEO certified, fully floodlit	Undulating terrain, manicured greens with scenic man-made waterways	LIV Golf League opener, PIF Saudi Ladies International, Saudi International (Men’s), Saudi Open (Asian Tour)
Nofa Golf Resort	Riyadh Province, southwest of Riyadh	18-hole course with integrated mini safari park	Safaris between holes featuring ostriches, Arabian oryx, gazelles, antelopes	Annual Nofa Golf Tournament (amateur)
Dirab Golf & Country Club	Dirab Valley, near Riyadh	GEO certified, environmentally sustainable	One of Saudi’s oldest golf destinations	N.V.T.
Shura Links	Shura Island, Saudi Red Sea	Luxury coastal course opening late 2025	Designed by Brian Curley with strong sustainability focus	Upcoming new addition to Saudi golf landscape

Additional notable courses contributing to the nation’s golf footprint include Rolling Hills, Ain Nakhl, and Safaa Golf Club at KAUST.

The Appeal of GEO Certification

Many leading golf courses in Saudi Arabia carry GEO certification, emphasizing sustainable course design and environmental responsibility. This distinction promotes golf tourism by demonstrating commitment to eco-friendly practices and enhancing golf’s compatibility with the surrounding natural habitats.

Key Golf Tournaments Setting the Stage

Saudi Arabia’s golf calendar is punctuated by several major international competitions that draw world-class players and enthusiastic audiences alike.

• LIV Golf Riyadh (Feb 5–7, 2026): Opens the LIV Golf League season at Riyadh Golf Club with floodlit rounds featuring stars such as Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Bryson DeChambeau.
• PIF Saudi Ladies International (2026, dates TBC): The Ladies European Tour event in Riyadh showcases the strongest competition in women’s golf, boasting a record $5 million prize fund—the highest ever in the series.
• PIF Saudi International (Nov 19-22, 2025): Hosted at Riyadh Golf Club and backed by the Asian and European Tours, attracting top talent including Joaquín Niemann.

Golf’s Growing Community and Accessibility

Beyond the professional scene, Saudi Arabia is fostering grassroots growth through programs like GoGolf, which provides free training to new players, encouraging broader participation and nurturing local talent in tandem with international exposure.

Golf’s Role in Saudi Arabia’s Tourism and Lifestyle

Golf courses here aren’t just sporting venues—they are lifestyle destinations combining sports, entertainment, and cultural heritage. Situated near vibrant cities and scenic sites, these courses offer visitors the chance to enjoy exceptional views and a distinct blend of tradition and modernity. This rising golf tourism trend naturally enhances the demand for reliable, comfortable transfers, especially for international guests who value seamless transport services to and from airports or hotels.

Traveling Smart Around Saudi Golf Destinations

Getting around can make or break the experience, especially for visitors keen to explore multiple courses or attend tournaments. Platforms like GetTransfer.com provide travelers with the ability to select exact vehicle types, view detailed car specs including make, model, and driver ratings, and secure transparent pricing in advance. This level of control and clarity surpasses many traditional booking methods, ensuring a smooth ride whether visiting Riyadh, Jeddah, or other golf spots.

Samenvatting en slotopmerkingen

Saudi Arabia’s golf landscape is flourishing, marked by world-class courses, significant international tournaments, and a growing community of enthusiasts. Its courses stand out not only for competitive challenge but also for sustainable design, scenic diversity, and unique experiences like integrated wildlife safaris. Meanwhile, a burgeoning tournament scene highlights Saudi Arabia’s increasing global prominence in golf.

While reviews and official accolades provide useful insights into these venues and events, the true allure remains in personal experience. Thanks to platforms like GetTransfer.com, golf visitors can hire cars with verified drivers at fair prices, enabling spontaneous visits without the usual hassles or unexpected expenses. Their wide range of vehicles and additional services fit perfectly with the diverse needs of golf travelers—from solo players to families or groups.

Start planning your next trip to Saudi Arabia’s golf courses and ensure dependable transfer services that match your expectations. Book your ride with GetTransfer.com and enjoy the convenience, affordability, and extensive choices that make your golfing adventure both memorable and comfortable.

Looking ahead, the rise of golf in Saudi Arabia may not dramatically shift global tourism patterns overnight, but it certainly reinforces the Kingdom’s appeal as a multifaceted destination. By staying ahead of these developments, GetTransfer remains committed to supporting travelers in adapting smoothly to exciting new experiences. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.