Royal Greens Golf Club, Al Murooj, Jeddah

A few years ago I heard about the ongoing construction of an 18 hole grass course that was being built in Al Murooj, Jeddah. After a bit of research I found that it was going to be a Troon course called Royal Greens (or Al Murooj Golf Course to some). This was exciting as it was going to be the first major recognized golf course in Saudi Arabia, and the first 18 hole grass course in the Jeddah region. I was constantly monitoring the website for updates and asking anyone I knew in Jeddah about the status!

Royal Greens in Jeddah is a course in great condition and definitely worth playing
Royal Greens in Jeddah is a course in great condition and definitely worth playing

On December 1st 2017 the course had its first opening. As soon as was possible I wanted to get to Jeddah and play the course and see what it was like. I had big expectations and was eager to try it out!

So I booked a flight for that weekend, two weekends after the first opening, and I flew to Jeddah with my clubs and camera in hand.

Below is my review of Royal Greens Golf Club.

 

Course layout (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆)

The layout is similar to the Troon course in Bahrain; there is a lot of water and undulations on the course. The greens have a lot of humps and mounds, and you need to hit the right section of the green to have a possibility of a one or two putt. There are not a lot of trees, and fairway bunkers can be easily avoided. However the water does make the course tricky. The pin placement was very tight to the edges of the greens, and this made it very dangerous especially if there was water around the greens.

The second hole tee shot has water in play which happens in a few holes on the course
The second hole tee shot has water in play which happens in a few holes on the course

Some of the par 4’s are short, and with long drives it was easy to leave less than a hundred yards to the greens. Two of the par 4’s were drivable for long hitters. The par 5’s were all reachable in two but again the water made me reach for a six iron instead of my 4 wood for the second shots. I felt it safer to lay up and leave a hundred yards to the green instead of reaching into my bag for another ball! The par 3’s were not overly long but the greens made you need to have a good iron selection. Otherwise what seemed like a sure par quickly turned into a daunting bogey hole.

The 9th is an example of where you can hit the par 5 in two but you have water in play so you might be better to choose a lay up shot
The 9th is an example of where you can hit the par 5 in two but you have water in play so you might be better to choose a lay up shot

The layout was nice. There was a nice mix of being able to be adventurous, and also of having to know when to be sensible and just make sure you hit the fairways. It was forgiving with the drives once you were not too wild. I did think that there was maybe too many short par 4’s, but off the back tees these would become normal par 4’s. So perhaps for longer hitters they could play off these to make the course more challenging.

 

Course condition (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

The condition of the course was immaculate and worthy of hosting the European Tour (which they have done).  

The fairways were similar to the greens on other courses. Hitting the fairways in the right places allowed your ball to run off the slopes and you could get a lot of extra distance on your drives.

The fairways are beautiful to hit from and maintained extremely well
The fairways are beautiful to hit from and maintained extremely well

The greens were beautiful. They were very fast which is something I like and rolled true. You had to be really careful if you’re not used to fast greens, especially with the long downhill putts. There seemed to be a break in every putt so care really had to be taken on the greens.

The greens were top class with a lovely roll to them
The greens were top class with a lovely roll to them

The bunkers had good sand in them and were nice to hit out of. If you happened to be in the desert area you could still hit from there without having a fear of damaging your club as these areas were nice and clean. All in all I couldn’t have expected better condition out of the course. 

The desert areas are kept nice and clean which makes the green fairways stand out more
The desert areas are kept nice and clean which makes the green fairways stand out more

 

Facilities (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

As with most courses, it has a good pro shop and a lovely restaurant and dining area. The food is quite good, but I felt it was very expensive. The view from the clubhouse is looking down the 9th and 18th fairways and the lake in between.

The changing rooms were very luxurious and had some private locker rooms for members. There was everything available including razors if you wanted a shave after your game!

The clubhouse has seen from the 18th fairway is impressive both inside and out
The clubhouse has seen from the 18th fairway is impressive both inside and out

The driving range and putting green are good for loosening up beforehand. There is also a nice short game practice area close to the putting green. 

The buggies all have GPS showing the distances around the courses. They also have ball washers and club cleaners which is a nice touch.

Going around the course is a drinks buggy. I did however feel that these were very overpriced in relation to the prices of drinks from the local shops.

 

Price (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆☆)

The weekend rate for the course is approx. SAR650. This is quite a high price and because it is the only golf course on the Western coast of Saudi Arabia open to the public I feel this is why they are pricing it so high.

One of the only gripes I had though was also involving the price. The price of soft drinks in the restaurant was SAR20, which is 10 times more expensive than it is in the local shops. I really feel that this is an unfair price to be expecting people to pay and it needs to be brought down.

 

Setting & Course location (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)

The location is in the King Abdullah Economic City, which is about 100km north of Jeddah. If you don’t have a car hired or a company driver, then it is a very hard place to reach. In time, once the KAEC is fully up and running then it will be a great location for the residents.

At the moment, anyone living in Jeddah or Yanbu will be able to make great use of the course. It is basically in between the two cities so in this way it is perfect. As it is the only 18 hole grass course on the west side of the country I can see it being busy.

For the location on Google Maps please click here.

 

Conclusion

My experience in Royal Greens Golf Club was definitely a positive one. From talking to the pro and some of the staff they are professional and I had a good chat about other courses and their feelings about the future.

Hitting into the 15th green you get your first view of the Red Sea
Hitting into the 15th green you get your first view of the Red Sea

The condition was outstanding, and the course itself was a very enjoyable. Even though the greens were hard to deal with due to breaks and speed, this is part of the enjoyment. This is where the difference between a good score and a bad score lies. And on this course you really need to be on top of your short game.

The 16th par 3 runs along the Red Sea and is a gorgeous hole to play
The 16th par 3 runs along the Red Sea and is a gorgeous hole to play

From start to finish, I felt relaxed on the course. Even after hitting a bad shot, I still felt I had a chance to make up for it on my next, which is nice. I felt rewarded after a good shot and just thoroughly enjoyed the game and the course.

The view down the 18th fairway from the clubhouse showing the tough final hole
The view down the 18th fairway from the clubhouse showing the tough final hole

If you are in Jeddah or Yanbu and feel like a game then this course is definitely to be tried. Even if you are in Riyadh or some other city, then it’s well worth a visit too!

OVERALL RATING – (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆)

 

Contact Details for Royal Greens Golf Club, Jeddah

Website: Click here
Telephone: +966 124 22 7800
Email: info@royalgreens.net

 

Hole-by-Hole

All distances are from the gold tees which I played from. Indexes are men’s indexes.

 

Hole 1: Par 4, 344yds, index 11

The first hole is a straightforward par 4, slightly up hill. The fairway is quite wide once over the lake. Take care of the desert area on the right and the fairway bunkers on the left are easy to catch. A quite easy opening hole to settle the nerves.

Off the first tee there is water in front and the desert on the right of the fairway (E2).
Off the first tee there is water in front and the desert on the right of the fairway (E2).
The approach to the sloping green on the first which is guarded on the front right by a bunker
The approach to the sloping green on the first which is guarded on the front right by a bunker

Hole 2: Par 4, 366yds, index 7

This is a bit tougher. There is water to the right hand side of the fairway so stay to the left side. If you get a good drive away then you will have a short iron into the green.

The second hole turns slightly right and water to the right off the tee (E2).
The second hole turns slightly right and water to the right off the tee (E2).
After a good drive you still need to contend with the water right of the green (E)
After a good drive you still need to contend with the water right of the green (E)

 

Hole 3: Par 3, 197yds, index 13

A par 3 with water to the right hand side again. Catch the green on the left hand side and it will bring your ball into the middle.

The par 3 third guarded by two bunkers front of the green and water on the right (E2).
The par 3 third guarded by two bunkers front of the green and water on the right (E2).

 

Hole 4: Par 5, 536yds, index 3

A par 5 slightly uphill. A fairly wide fairway and a good drive up the middle will leave you a pretty easy second shot to lay up. Longer hitters can go for this in two, and as there is no real danger on this hole apart from the desert valley on the right it is worth a shot.

The fourth is the first par 5 of the round and the tee shot is pretty straight forward out the middle
The fourth is the first par 5 of the round and the tee shot is pretty straight forward out the middle
The green is reachable in two (C) but the safe option is to up the left hand side where there is no trouble (A).
The green is reachable in two (C) but the safe option is to up the left hand side where there is no trouble (A).
If you lay up on the right side of the fairway theres a few large bunkers to get over to hit the green
If you lay up on the right side of the fairway theres a few large bunkers to get over to hit the green

 

Hole 5: Par 4, 388yds, index 5

A short par 4 which is a slight dog leg to the left. Again a good drive will leave less than 100 yards into the green.

The fifth is a slight dog leg left, aiming for (A) will leave you a good line in.
The fifth is a slight dog leg left, aiming for (A) will leave you a good line in.
The safe shot is to the left of the bunker to make sure you hit the green
The safe shot is to the left of the bunker to make sure you hit the green

 

Hole 6: Par 4, 443yds, index 1

A straight forward par 4. Not a lot of danger in this one. A good drive will leave just over 100 yards to the green. This is the index 1 but I can see this changing.

The sixth is a pretty straight forward hole but watch out for the fairway bunkers
The sixth is a pretty straight forward hole but watch out for the fairway bunkers
The green is slightly elevated and distance can catch you
The green is slightly elevated and distance can catch you

 

Hole 7: Par 4, 317yds, index 15

This is one the longer hitters can get close to off the tee. Or you can play it safe to the left hand side of the fairway and leave yourself a short shot into the green.

On the seventh tee you can take a fairway wood out the middle (A) or long hitters can go for (C) to leave a short pitch to the green
On the seventh tee you can take a fairway wood out the middle (A) or long hitters can go for (C) to leave a short pitch to the green
H07B - Laying up leaves a pitch into the green
H07B – Laying up leaves a pitch into the green

 

Hole 8: Par 3, 142yds, index 17

A nice par 3. Not the longest but the wind had a big effect here. Being short leaves a tough chip onto the green.

A short par 3 protected by bunkers
A short par 3 protected by bunkers

 

Hole 9: Par 5, 498 yds, index 9

A par 5 with water coming into play on the right hand side. A good drive will leave the green easily reachable in two. For shorter hitters its more advisable to use a mid iron to lay up to 100 yards.

A narrow fairway to hit on nine with desert areas to left (E1) and right (E2)
A narrow fairway to hit on nine with desert areas to left (E1) and right (E2)
The green is reachable in two but the water right (E2) is danger if you slice or fade
The green is reachable in two but the water right (E2) is danger if you slice or fade
With a lay up you still have the water right of the green to worry about so hang left
With a lay up you still have the water right of the green to worry about so hang left

 

Hole 10: Par 4, 350yds, index 12

Another one for the long hitters, where they can get close to the green on the drive. Or else take a fairway wood and leave a short iron or pitch into the green.

The tenth is a straight hole and long hitters can get close to this off the tee
The tenth is a straight hole and long hitters can get close to this off the tee
If laying up the approach shot needs to be aware of the bunkers left and right
If laying up the approach shot needs to be aware of the bunkers left and right

 

Hole 11: Par 3, 142yds, index 18

A very similar par 3 to the eighth. Again it seems like an easy green to hit but of course this is not always the case when you stand on the tee! Going into the bunker on the left leaves a tough shot out.

The eleventh is another short par 3 but with a tricky green
The eleventh is another short par 3 but with a tricky green

 

Hole 12: Par 4, 432yds, index 2

Long par 4 which is a slight dog leg to the left. A good drive will leave about 150 yards into the green.

A long par 4 with desert area to the left (E1) nd right (E2) so the drive needs to be accurate
A long par 4 with desert area to the left (E1) nd right (E2) so the drive needs to be accurate
After a good drive you still have a long shot to hit the slightly elevated green
After a good drive you still have a long shot to hit the slightly elevated green

 

Hole 13: Par 5, 492yds, index 6

Another par 5 with water on the right hand side. Again with a good drive and second it is reachable in two. But like the rest it is a daunting shot with the water. It is very similar to the 9th hole and the sensible option for shorter hitters is to lay up with a mid iron to leave 100 yards in.

The thirteenth is another par 5 reachable in two but you need to take care of the water on the right hand side (E2)
The thirteenth is another par 5 reachable in two but you need to take care of the water on the right hand side (E2)
After missing the fairway bunkers and the water can lay up to (A) or go for the green (C)
After missing the fairway bunkers and the water can lay up to (A) or go for the green (C)
If chosing to lay up on the thirteenth the approach shot is still coming in over water
If choosing to lay up on the thirteenth the approach shot is still coming in over water

 

Hole 14: Par 4, 366yds, index 10

Long hitters can get very close to this one by cutting the corner. It is a dog leg to the right and is very slightly uphill. The alternative is to take a fairway wood or long iron out the middle of the fairway.

Long hitters can take a line to (C) to get close to the green or else lay up to (A)
Long hitters can take a line to (C) to get close to the green or else lay up to (A)
If taking a fairway wood or long iron off the tee this is the view to the slightly elevated green
If taking a fairway wood or long iron off the tee this is the view to the slightly elevated green

 

Hole 15: Par 4, 399yds, index 4

One of the signature holes. The 15th is a dog leg to the left. However there is no short cut here and cutting the corner is not an option. With an excellent drive out the middle you will be left with a mid to short iron into the green.

The fifteenth is a dog leg left and your line is (A) being mindful of the desert valley at (E1)
The fifteenth is a dog leg left and your line is (A) being mindful of the desert valley at (E1)
After a good drive you will still have a small piece of the corner to cut to this scenic green
After a good drive you will still have a small piece of the corner to cut to this scenic green

 

Hole 16: Par 3, 159yds, index 16

The second signature hole. This is a par 3 along the coast. Some beautiful views of the Red Sea here, (which I would have liked to have seen more of during the round). Even with a good iron shot to hit the green your work isn’t done yet. The green is tricky and a two putt is a good result.

NOTE: I believe the building in the photograph has now been removed to make the views more pleasing.

The signature sixteenth hole running alongside the Red Sea.
The signature sixteenth hole running alongside the Red Sea.

 

Hole 17: Par 4, 334yds, index 14

Another short par 4 where you can get within a very short iron in with a good drive. Stay to the right of the fairway and the slopes will bring the ball in towards the middle.

Hit a good tee shot to (A) and the slopes will bring the ball in
Hit a good tee shot to (A) and the slopes will bring the ball in
The view back to the fairway from the seventeenth green
The view back to the fairway from the seventeenth green

 

Hole 18: Par 5, 541yds, index 8

And so to the final hole. Another par 5 with water on the left hand side. Like the rest of the par 5’s it is reachable in two, but again like the other par 5’s the sensible shot is a lay up with a mid or long iron. Even laying up will leave you feeling nervous about the approach shot into the green, and if you get within range of a birdie putt you can feel very happy with yourself!

The line for the tee shot on the last is to (A) taking care of the desert valley left (E1) and right (E2)
The line for the tee shot on the last is to (A) taking care of the desert valley left (E1) and right (E2)
You can hit the green on your second shot to the last (C) but you need to navigate the water. Alternatively play a lay up to (A)
You can hit the green on your second shot to the last (C) but you need to navigate the water. Alternatively play a lay up to (A)
Laying up leaves you an approach towards the clubhouse. Take care of the water (E).
Laying up leaves you an approach towards the clubhouse. Take care of the water (E).

 

For more courses in Saudi Arabia please click here!

For information about Saudi Arabia please click here.