Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the most ambitious new golf destinations on earth. Backed by billions in Public Investment Fund capital and the strategic vision of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism transformation, the Kingdom is building world-class championship courses at a pace unmatched anywhere in the Middle East. From the floodlit fairways of Riyadh Golf Club — home to the LIV Golf season opener — to the links-style coastal layout of Shura Links on the Red Sea, there are now compelling reasons for golfers of every level to book a trip. Whether you want to attend a marquee LIV Golf event, play a round under desert stars, or combine golf with a broader Saudi Arabia itinerary, this guide covers every course, tournament, and practical detail you need.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (cooler temperatures, tournament season)
Getting There: Fly into Riyadh (RUH) for most courses, or Jeddah (JED) for Royal Greens and Red Sea courses
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa available for 60+ nationalities
Budget: $150–400/day including green fees, accommodation and meals
Must-See: Riyadh Golf Club (night golf), Royal Greens (Red Sea views), Shura Links (island course)
Avoid: Playing midday June–August — temperatures exceed 45°C; book twilight or floodlit sessions instead
Why Saudi Arabia for Golf?
A decade ago, the idea of a Saudi golf trip would have drawn blank stares. Today the Kingdom hosts LIV Golf’s season-opening event, has opened the Middle East’s first island golf course, and plans to triple its number of championship-level layouts by 2030. Golf Saudi — the national federation backed by the PIF — has invested heavily in course development, coaching programmes, and international tournaments to position the country alongside the UAE and Bahrain as a Gulf golf powerhouse.
The numbers tell the story: Saudi Arabia recorded over 6,200 active golfers at Golf Saudi facilities as of 2025, up from negligible participation a few years earlier. The Saudi International tournament saw 72,000 registered spectators in 2025, compared with just 8,000 the previous year. A new national programme called Go Golf, launching in 2026, will offer 12 free lessons to any Saudi citizen along with discounts on green fees and equipment — a sign of how seriously the government treats golf as both a tourism magnet and a domestic sport.
For visiting golfers, the appeal goes beyond novelty. Night golf under floodlights is available at multiple courses around Riyadh. Coastal courses along the Red Sea offer views that rival anything in the Algarve or Phuket. Green fees remain significantly cheaper than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and the broader tourism infrastructure — from luxury resorts to the expanding Haramain High Speed Rail — makes multi-destination golf trips increasingly practical.
Top Golf Courses in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Golf Club — The Pearl of the Desert
Named Saudi Arabia’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards in 2022, 2024 and 2025, Riyadh Golf Club is the Kingdom’s flagship golfing venue. This GEO-certified 18-hole, par-72 championship course sits just 20 minutes from central Riyadh and measures 7,000 yards from the back tees. Wide fairways and Paspalum grass greens make it accessible to mid-handicappers, while lakes, streams and wadis create scenic variety across a layout that earned the nickname “Pearl of the Desert.”
The standout feature is full floodlighting across all 18 holes, making Riyadh Golf Club one of the few courses in the world to offer complete championship-standard night golf. Public night golf sessions run on Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and the spectacle of playing under lights in the desert is worth the trip alone. The club ranked 15th in the expanded Middle East Top 25 for 2025. If you are planning a Riyadh Season visit, combining it with a round here is an obvious pairing.
Visitor tip: Riyadh Golf Club accepts visitor green fees but availability is limited during LIV Golf week (February) and Saudi International week (December). Book at least two weeks ahead during tournament season. Night golf slots fill quickly — reserve through the club’s website.
Royal Greens Golf & Country Club — The Red Sea Championship Venue
Located in the Al Murooj district of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), approximately 100 km north of central Jeddah, Royal Greens is a par-72 layout measuring 7,201 yards, designed by European Golf Design and managed by Troon Golf. The course hosted every edition of the Saudi International from its inaugural 2019 event through 2023, with winners including Dustin Johnson (2019, 2021), Harold Varner III (2022) and Abraham Ancer (2023). It remains the most internationally recognised course in the country.
The setting is superb — several holes run alongside the Red Sea coastline with panoramic water views. The clubhouse offers a Mandara spa, multiple dining venues, a golf-view ballroom and the exclusive Oryx Club. Reach it from Jeddah via the Haramain High Speed Rail in about 20 minutes, making it feasible as a day trip from the city.
Dirab Golf & Country Club — Saudi Arabia’s Pioneer Course
Established in 1994, Dirab is the first 18-hole championship grass course ever built in the Kingdom. Located 35 km southeast of Riyadh in the rolling hills of Dirab, this par-72 layout stretches to 7,280 yards with undulating terrain that makes it the most challenging play near the capital. Nine holes are floodlit for evening rounds, and the club includes a driving range with 16 bays, putting and chipping greens, and an equestrian centre.
Green fees range from SAR 200 to SAR 325 (approximately $53–$87 USD) for 18 holes — visitors are welcome daily. The course has hosted the Saudi Arabian National Amateur Championship, the Pan Arab Golf Championship, and MENA Golf Tour events. It is the best value championship course in the Riyadh area.
Nofa Golf Resort — Safari Between the Fairways
Southwest of Riyadh (about 100 km from the city centre), Nofa Golf Resort offers an experience unlike any other course in the Gulf. Designed by Barrie Gregson, this 18-hole, par-73 championship layout spans 6,920 yards and weaves through the desert with 12 water-hazard holes and strategically placed bunkers. Between holes 8 and 9, the course borders a safari park where golfers may spot Arabian oryx, gazelles, ostriches and antelopes roaming freely — a genuinely surreal golfing moment.
The resort is operated by Radisson Collection and includes luxury accommodation, making it ideal for a weekend golf-and-nature escape from Riyadh. Combine it with a day trip from Riyadh to make the most of the drive south.
Shura Links — The Middle East’s First Island Golf Course
Opened on 30 September 2025, Shura Links on Shura Island at The Red Sea is the most exciting new course in Saudi Arabia. Designed by Brian Curley, this par-72 layout stretches 7,400 yards through native mangroves and sweeping dunes before running along the Red Sea shoreline in true links fashion. Only 20% of the 140-hectare site is maintained turf — the rest is natural landscape — and the course is irrigated entirely with recycled wastewater, making it one of the most sustainable championship courses anywhere.
A beachfront clubhouse overlooks the 18th green with elevated dining and retail spaces. Shura Island is part of Red Sea Global’s broader regenerative tourism destination, located approximately 350 miles north of Jeddah. Phase one hotels include SLS, EDITION and InterContinental properties. For golfers who also want to explore the marine environment, the Red Sea destination is adjacent to world-class diving and snorkelling sites.
The Golf Club at Sindalah — Ultra-Luxury on NEOM’s Island
Part of the ambitious NEOM gigaproject in northwest Saudi Arabia, the Golf Club at Sindalah opened in 2024 as the first island golf course in the Middle East (before Shura Links). Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this 9-hole, par-70 course uses an innovative dual-tee system — 18 different tee positions create a varied experience across two rotations, making 18 holes feel like playing two distinct courses. It measures 6,474 yards and features NorthBridge Bermudagrass fairways set against Red Sea cliffs.
Managed by IMG, facilities include a 280-metre driving range, practice suites with ball-tracking technology, an Olympic-size swimming pool, spa and sports courts. This is an ultra-exclusive venue aimed at the luxury travel market — rates and access reflect that positioning. If you are considering the broader Tabuk and NEOM region, Sindalah offers a genuinely unique golf experience.
Courses Opening Soon
Qiddiya City — Nick Faldo Signature Course (2026)
Sir Nick Faldo has designed an 18-hole championship course for Qiddiya City, the massive entertainment and sport development 35 km southwest of Riyadh nestled against the dramatic 200-metre cliffs of the Tuwaiq escarpment. The course features full floodlighting for extended play hours and a unique three-hole return layout system that allows golfers to play flexible 6-, 9- or 18-hole rounds. The course is scheduled to open to the public in 2026, with a state-of-the-art clubhouse, academy and practice facilities following from 2028.
Qiddiya is an official global partner of the Faldo Series and will host future Faldo Series youth events, positioning itself as a regional hub for junior golf development. The broader Riyadh area entertainment complex will include Six Flags Qiddiya, a speed park, and a 45,000-seat stadium.
Laheq Island — Championship Course in the Red Sea (2028)
Designed by Brian Curley and Jim Wagner (who also designed Shura Links), Laheq Island will feature an 18-hole championship course as part of a 400-hectare luxury resort community designed by Foster + Partners. The development, centred on a dramatic 800-metre diameter ring structure in a lagoon, includes two resort hotels, a 115-berth marina and a wellness centre. Located in the Red Sea destination area, Laheq is scheduled for 2028 and will run entirely on renewable energy.
Other Courses in Development
The PIF’s Future Fairways initiative spotlights several additional courses in the pipeline. Greg Norman, Ernie Els and Cynthia Dye McGarey all have courses in various stages of design and construction across the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia currently has seven courses accessible to the public and aims to expand to over 20 championship-level layouts by 2030.
LIV Golf in Saudi Arabia
LIV Golf Riyadh — The Season Opener
Since 2025, Riyadh Golf Club has hosted LIV Golf’s season-opening event, replacing Jeddah as the Saudi Arabia venue. LIV Golf Riyadh 2026, presented by ROSHN Group, took place from 5–7 February 2026, with all three rounds played after dark under the club’s floodlights — a format that has become a signature of the event. The combination of night golf, a festival atmosphere and the star-studded LIV Golf roster makes it the biggest golf event on the Saudi calendar.
The event draws major names: former world number ones, major champions, and the team-based format (12 four-man teams competing simultaneously for individual and team prizes) creates an electric atmosphere quite different from traditional stroke-play tournaments. For spectators, the night-golf format means comfortable temperatures and a unique visual spectacle.
Getting tickets: LIV Golf Riyadh tickets typically go on sale in late November or early December through livgolf.com. General admission and premium hospitality packages are available. The event is broadcast on FOX Sports, but attending in person — particularly the Saturday night final round — is an experience worth planning around.
PIF Saudi International
The Saudi International, now a flagship Asian Tour event backed by the PIF, has been held annually since 2019. After five years at Royal Greens in KAEC (2019–2023), the tournament moved to Riyadh Golf Club from 2024 onwards. The 2025 edition drew 72,000 registered spectators across four days — a ninefold increase on the previous year — signalling that golf fandom in the Kingdom has reached genuine scale.
The tournament typically takes place in December, making it a good anchor for a late-year golf trip that can combine tournament spectating with your own rounds at nearby courses. Past winners include Dustin Johnson, Graeme McDowell, Harold Varner III and Abraham Ancer.
Other Golf Events
Beyond LIV Golf and the Saudi International, the Kingdom hosts Aramco Team Series events (part of the Ladies European Tour), the Faldo Series for junior golfers at Qiddiya, MENA Golf Tour stops, and various amateur championships. The Riyadh Season entertainment calendar sometimes incorporates golf exhibitions and clinics. The broader events calendar makes it easy to combine golf with other Saudi experiences.
Golf Course Comparison
| Course | Location | Holes / Par | Yards | Night Golf | Green Fee (approx.) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh Golf Club | Riyadh | 18 / 72 | 7,000 | Yes (all 18) | SAR 300–500 | Full floodlit championship; LIV Golf venue |
| Royal Greens | KAEC (near Jeddah) | 18 / 72 | 7,201 | No | SAR 400–600 | Red Sea coastal views; former Saudi International host |
| Dirab Golf & CC | Riyadh (south) | 18 / 72 | 7,280 | Partial (9 holes) | SAR 200–325 | Best value; Saudi Arabia’s oldest championship course |
| Nofa Golf Resort | Riyadh (SW, 100 km) | 18 / 73 | 6,920 | No | SAR 300–450 | Safari park between holes 8 and 9 |
| Shura Links | Red Sea coast | 18 / 72 | 7,400 | No | Resort guest rates | Island links; first in Middle East; mangroves and dunes |
| Sindalah Golf Club | NEOM (Tabuk) | 9 (18 tees) / 70 | 6,474 | No | Ultra-luxury rates | RTJ Jr. design; dual-tee island course |
Planning a Golf Trip to Saudi Arabia
Best Time to Play
The Saudi golf season runs from October through March, when daytime temperatures in Riyadh sit between 20–30°C — ideal playing conditions. November to February is peak season, coinciding with both the Saudi International (December) and LIV Golf Riyadh (February). The Red Sea coast courses (Royal Greens, Shura Links) are playable year-round thanks to coastal breezes, though summer still brings 38–42°C heat.
If you must visit during summer months (June–August), take advantage of floodlit night golf at Riyadh Golf Club or Dirab — temperatures drop to a manageable 30–35°C after sunset, and playing under lights is a unique experience regardless of the season.
Getting There and Around
Most golf courses cluster around two hubs:
- Riyadh hub: Riyadh Golf Club, Dirab Golf & CC, Nofa Golf Resort, and the upcoming Qiddiya course. Fly into King Khalid International Airport (RUH). A rental car is essential — courses are spread across the metro area and beyond. See our Riyadh airport guide for terminal details.
- Jeddah / Red Sea hub: Royal Greens (KAEC), Shura Links, and Sindalah. Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Royal Greens is reachable by Haramain High Speed Rail; Shura Links and Sindalah require longer transfers or domestic flights.
You will need a tourist e-visa to enter Saudi Arabia. Citizens of over 60 countries can apply online — the process takes minutes and the visa is valid for one year with multiple entries of up to 90 days each.
What to Pack for Golf in Saudi
Standard golf attire is expected at all courses — collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, golf shoes. Beyond that, pack for the climate:
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) and a wide-brimmed hat — the UV index is extreme
- At least 3 litres of water per round (most clubs provide water stations, but carry your own as backup)
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking layers for evening rounds when temperatures can drop quickly after sunset
- A windbreaker for coastal courses like Royal Greens and Shura Links, where Red Sea breezes can be brisk
For a complete list, see our Saudi Arabia packing guide.
Budget Planning
Golf in Saudi Arabia is generally cheaper than in the UAE but pricier than Southeast Asian destinations. Here is a rough daily budget breakdown:
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green fees (18 holes) | $53–$87 (Dirab) | $80–$160 (Riyadh GC / Royal Greens) | $200+ (Sindalah / Shura Links) |
| Accommodation | $60–$100 | $150–$300 | $400–$1,000+ |
| Food & drink | $30–$50 | $50–$100 | $100–$200+ |
| Transport | $20–$40 | $40–$80 | $80–$150 |
| Daily total | $163–$277 | $320–$640 | $780+ |
Money-saving tip: Golf Saudi’s Go Golf programme (launching 2026) will offer digital passports with discounts on green fees, equipment and dining at participating courses. Register at golfsaudi.com before your trip to access deals.
Suggested Golf Itineraries
3-Day Riyadh Golf Weekend
- Day 1: Arrive Riyadh. Afternoon round at Dirab Golf & CC (best value, longest course). Evening in central Riyadh — dinner at a Kingdom Tower restaurant.
- Day 2: Morning at Nofa Golf Resort (combine with the safari park). Afternoon relaxation at the Radisson Collection resort.
- Day 3: Night golf session at Riyadh Golf Club (Tuesday evening, 6–9 PM). Afternoon free for exploring Edge of the World or Diriyah.
5-Day Cross-Country Golf Tour
- Day 1–2: Riyadh — play Riyadh Golf Club and Dirab. Attend a Saudi Pro League match in the evening.
- Day 3: Fly or take the train to Jeddah. Afternoon round at Royal Greens via Haramain HSR to KAEC.
- Day 4: Explore Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district and the Corniche. Optional second round at Royal Greens.
- Day 5: Transfer to Shura Links at The Red Sea for an island golf day. Depart from Jeddah.
LIV Golf Spectator Trip (February)
- Day 1: Arrive Riyadh. Attend LIV Golf Riyadh opening round (Wednesday evening under lights).
- Day 2: Morning round at Dirab Golf & CC. Afternoon LIV Golf second round.
- Day 3: LIV Golf final round (Saturday night). Post-event dinner in Riyadh.
- Day 4: Explore Diriyah or take a day trip from Riyadh. Depart.
Women’s Golf in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in women’s golf participation. Golf Saudi’s Go Golf programme reported that 23.3% of coaching lesson participants were female as of 2022, and the Aramco Team Series — a Ladies European Tour event held in Saudi Arabia — has become one of the highest-profile women’s professional golf events in the Middle East.
All courses listed in this guide welcome women players. There are no dress-code restrictions beyond standard golf attire (collared shirt, appropriate shorts or trousers). The Go Golf programme specifically recruits girls alongside boys, with over 1,300 girls participating in Riyadh alone in its early intake rounds.
Practical Tips for Golfers
- Club hire: Most championship courses offer rental sets from major brands (TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist). Quality is good at Riyadh Golf Club and Royal Greens; bring your own if you are particular about equipment.
- Caddies and carts: Electric carts are standard and usually included in or added to green fees. Caddies are available at Royal Greens and Sindalah but not universally at all courses.
- Alcohol: Saudi Arabia does not serve alcohol. Clubhouse bars serve mocktails, fresh juices and Saudi coffee. This is a significant difference from golf clubs in the UAE or Bahrain.
- Prayer times: Courses may briefly pause operations during prayer times, particularly for Friday noon prayers. Build 15–20 minutes of flexibility into your round schedule.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. SAR 20–50 for a caddie or cart attendant is generous.
- Coaching: Golf Saudi facilities at Riyadh Golf Club and Dirab offer PGA-qualified coaching. Lesson rates start around SAR 150–250 per hour.
- Health: Hydrate aggressively — even in winter, the dry desert air causes faster dehydration than you might expect. Check our health guide for broader travel health advice.
The Future of Saudi Golf
Saudi Arabia’s golf ambitions extend well beyond what exists today. The PIF Future Fairways initiative is developing courses across the Red Sea and NEOM regions. Golf Saudi’s CEO has publicly targeted a ninefold increase in golf participation — from 5,000 registered golfers to 46,000 by 2030. New courses by Greg Norman, Ernie Els, and Cynthia Dye McGarey are in various stages of design.
For the visiting golfer, this means the landscape is changing rapidly. Courses that are exclusive resort-only experiences today may be open to visitor bookings within a year. The events and entertainment infrastructure around Riyadh continues to grow, making golf trips increasingly easy to combine with motorsport, music festivals, and cultural tourism. Saudi Arabia may not yet rival Scotland or Spain as a golf destination — but it is building faster than either ever did.
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