List of Golf Courses in Saudi Arabia (grass courses only)
Having completed all grass golf courses in Saudi Arabia, I can now put together my list of Saudi Arabia Golf Courses. The list is going to hopefully increase in time as there are developments underway to build more courses here. This is a very positive step and one which I hope will go smoothly.
In this article I will give a brief run-down of the golf courses in a numerical sequence from best to worst. How I position the courses in the rating will be based on a few factors; value for money, layout, condition/maintenance, and enjoyment factor are the main things I look for in a course when playing it. (Enjoyment factor is how easy it is to find your way around the first time playing, is it easy to find balls in the rough, those sort of things).
So onto the list.
NOTE: There is one other grass golf course in Saudi Arabia which is not on my list as it is very difficult to play, therefore I have omitted Safaa Golf Club which is located in KAUST from my map, rankings and lists.
1. Royal Greens Golf Club, Jeddah
At present, Royal Greens Golf Club is the newest course in Saudi Arabia and the only one run by an international franchise in Troon. Being a host of the Saudi International, a lot of focus was on Royal Greens Golf Club in 2019 as it was the first professional golf tournament in the Kingdom. Being in excellent condition from tee to green, and even in the off course desert areas, it is a joy to play. The layout has a variety of holes with the signature holes being the 15th and 16th along the Red Sea. Royal Greens Golf Club just about takes top spot on the list.
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Royal Greens Golf Club, Jeddah.
2. Dirab Golf Course, Riyadh
Once upon a time, Dirab Golf Course was at the top of every list for Saudi Arabia golf courses. Then, about ten years ago, due to a severe lack of maintenance and water it fell dramatically from its perch. In the last few years, the course was taken over by Golf Saudi, and brought back to pristine condition. With narrow tree lined fairways, a good variety of holes, and some tough shots, it is a great test to your game. Thankfully, Dirab Golf Course is now back as a contender for my favorite course in Saudi Arabia.
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Dirab Golf Course, Riyadh.
3. Riyadh Golf Club, Riyadh
Riyadh Golf Club is another course that has benefitted from a takeover by Golf Saudi. It had started to deteriorate but is now in excellent condition again. The course is quite long but off the white tees it’s much more enjoyable for shorter hitters. Wide forgiving fairways mean you can be a little wayward but not too much otherwise you will be paying from the compacted desert areas. Holes worth mentioning are the par 3 8th hole similar to the 17th hole in Sawgrass and the drivable par 18th hole, albeit over a lake.
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Riyadh Golf Courses, Riyadh.
4. Nofa Golf Resort, Riyadh
The condition in Nofa Golf Resort is superb, especially since the greens have been worked on. There is now a great roll to the ball. With the back nine holes set within the limits of the racetrack, some people find it a little confined. However the holes are still set out well and it is hard to find two that are similar. Passing the 8th hole and the 9th hole look out for the small safari park to your left. Signature holes are the par 5 3rd hole and the par 3 12th hole which are both very daunting tee shots!
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Nofa Golf Resort, Riyadh.
5. Rolling Hills Golf Course, Dhahran
Rolling Hills Golf Course is only accessible with an invite by a member as it is a private course for employees. If you get an invite it is definitely worth playing. It would rank higher on the list but for some minor things such as the water hazards having no water and therefore not having as much of an impact on your shot selection as they should. Each member seems to have their own buggy and I found that it was too packed on the course because of this when I played; it’s also not good for the course itself! However, as a private company course, they do a good job of maintaining it and it’s an enjoyable round.
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Rolling Hills Golf Course, Dhahran.
6. Arizona Golf Resort, Riyadh
Arizona Golf Resort is a short nine hole course within Arizona compound itself. You can play the course aggressively trying to hit all the par 4’s with your driver, or play it strategic by taking irons off the tees. The course may be a bit short for some golfers but with narrow fairways you can’t spray the ball all over. It can also feel a little ‘up and down’ or linear as space is limited on the course.
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Arizona Golf Resort, Riyadh.
7. Palms at The Intercontinental Hotel, Riyadh
The Palms Golf Course is basically a par 3 course set in the Intercontinental Hotel Riyadh. There is one par 4 on the course but this is still reachable with a long iron or fairway wood off the tee. Condition wise the course is suffering a lot. If the course was maintained nicely then it would be a great little course for practicing your short game or iron play.
Click here for the full review and hole-by-hole walkthrough of Palms at the Intercontinental Hotel, Riyadh.
Other Information on Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country which is on the up in relation to tourism since the introduction of the tourist visa. It has a rich culture and history and is worth exploring. Many expats have called the country home for many years and some that have left have returned there.
On my travel website, Breaking Barriers, I have many posts detailing things to do in Saudi Arabia, with many more in the process of being written. Ancient places like Hegra, where the rock tombs of Mada’in Saleh are located, and the more modern skyscrapers of Riyadh offer tourists lots of opportunities to make the most of their stay in the country.
For information on more things to do in Saudi Arabia other than golf, please visit my other website Breaking Barriers for various posts showing some things to do in Saudi Arabia.
For information on the country itself and how to enter please visit the link here.