Rolling in the greens: where to play golf in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia is known more for rolling dunes than rolling greens, but in recent years the kingdom’s golf scene has fast transformed from dusty desert courses to lush fairways fit for international play.

For decades, players used to lug grass mats around the sand, until Dirab Golf and Country Club introduced the kingdom’s first grass course in 1994 and started the sport on the road to popularity. Since then, the game has boomed, with events like the prestigious Saudi International on the European Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

From upscale 18-hole retreats to uniquely challenging settings where players share the fairways with free-roaming Arabian oryx, the desert kingdom has firmly planted itself on the global golfing map. Here are the best places to play while visiting Saudi Arabia with Cathay Pacific’s new direct flights from Hong Kong to Riyadh, which launch on 28 October 2024.

Arizona Golf Resort 

In the northeast of Riyadh, within one of the city’s most popular American-style compounds, the Arizona Golf Resort is a haven for expats seeking a taste of home on the fairways. Offering a mix of challenging par three and four holes, the course is surrounded by tranquil lakes and shaded by swaying palm trees. Golfers here enjoy top-notch amenities including a practice putting green complete with chipping and bunker facilities, a well-stocked pro shop and a fleet of buggies ready for hire to navigate the expansive course comfortably. Adding to the experience, a British-qualified PGA professional is available onsite to provide lessons, whether in private or group settings, at the state-of-the-art 18-bay driving range. To beat the scorching Riyadh heat, a roving drinks cart delivers ice-cold beverages and complimentary chilled face towels, ensuring golfers stay refreshed and focused on the game. Post-round, the compound’s onsite restaurant beckons with a poolside setting, offering hearty meals to cap off a day on the greens. 

Dirab Golf and Country Club 

This peaceful par-72, 18-hole championship layout is the oldest grass course in Saudi Arabia. Flanked by rocky hills and tall palm trees that wave in the breeze, it couldn’t feel further from the city, despite being only a 45-minute drive from the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh’s southwest . The golf range beside the clubhouse measures more than 280 yards and has multiple targets, enabling longer hitters to improve their driving game. If you’re staying in Riyadh for long or plan to visit frequently, keep an eye out for seasonal membership offers, particularly during the summer. After hitting the course, hop on horseback for a ride in the surrounding mountain range or to the on-site restaurant for salads, soups and sandwiches – the Saudi sticky date pudding, drizzled in butterscotch sauce, is an excellent twist on a clubhouse classic. 

InterContinental Palms Golf Club

Stumbling upon a tranquil golf oasis just moments from the bustling centre of Riyadh is a delightful surprise. Within the expansive 40 hectares of gardens and rolling greens of the InterContinental Hotel, adjacent to the futuristic Ministry of Interior building in Al Mutamarat, is a charming nine-hole golf course . For those seeking a longer game, players can complete a full 18 holes by starting from the blue tees and finishing on the white tees. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate the small yet effective driving range available for honing their swings. Additionally, the property boasts a wealth of leisure amenities with ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation, including a bowling alley, tennis courts and one of Riyadh’s largest swimming pools. Conveniently located just a five-minute drive from the city centre, it’s an ideal spot to unwind without straying too far from Riyadh's urban life.

Nofa Golf Resort

Approximately 60 miles southwest of Riyadh, Nofa Golf Resort offers a uniquely atmospheric experience amid red sand dunes, adjacent to a sprawling safari park teeming with wild animals. As you play the course, designed by renowned course architect Barrie Gregson, you’ll encounter a picturesque landscape where free-roaming Arabian oryx, gazelles and ostriches wander between holes eight and nine. Gregson’s design, influenced by his previous projects in the UK, Spain and Bahrain, seamlessly integrates the natural beauty of the surroundings with the challenges of the game. For non-members looking to tee off, rates vary throughout the week. This fee includes a shared cart, access to the driving range and refreshing complimentary beverages (golf club rentals are available at the pro shop). After a satisfying round, golfers can replenish at the Clubhouse Grille and savour a variety of salads, pastas, burgers and more. The resort also features the racetrack and grandstand of the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud equestrian centre.

Riyadh Golf Club 

A quick 30-minute drive from the skyscrapers of King Abdullah Financial District, this top-notch par-72 championship golf course offers beautiful rolling hills, wide open fairways and manicured greens framed by spectacular views of Riyadh’s rugged terrain. Take on the tricky 162-yard hole among the club’s lakes and streams, where crosswinds and water hazards add to the challenge. The front nine holes are floodlit on weekdays, for cooler evening matches in the warm summer months. Riyadh Golf Club also has its own 18-hole mini golf course, a two-tiered driving range and several putting practice areas suitable for all skill levels. Non-members are welcome and tee times are bookable online. There are also four padel courts and a club lounge serving seasonal menus of international cuisine mixed with Middle Eastern favourites. 

Royal Greens Golf & Country Club

In the burgeoning King Abdullah Economic City just north of Jeddah, the prestigious Royal Greens Golf & Country Club has a breathtaking setting overlooking the shimmering Red Sea coastline. A standout feature is several holes that hug the water’s edge, alongside meticulously designed wadis (dry riverbeds) and lakes adorned with indigenous flora, making precision off the tee crucial. The club boasts extensive practice facilities, including a comprehensive driving range, swing studios and meticulously maintained putting greens. Visitors benefit from convenient online tee time bookings, while annual membership grants unlimited access to the course, health club facilities and carts, as well as exclusive privileges like access to meeting rooms, offices and a sumptuous cigar lounge. 

Renowned globally, the world-class course has hosted some of the best in the game, including Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed, during the prestigious Saudi International. For those seeking relaxation beyond golf, the club offers a lavish Elemis spa and a fully decked out gym featuring state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, a salon provides a wide array of spa treatments and beauty services, catering to every need post-game or for those simply looking to unwind in style. 

Safaa Golf Club

Located near Jeddah, the golf course at King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) welcomes everyone to its scenic grounds. Spanning a maximum length of 3,575 yards, this nine-hole course winds gracefully around curved greens, natural-style lakes and strategically placed bunkers, all beneath the cool shade of gently rocking palm trees. Facilities are plentiful, with a well-appointed pro shop complemented by a dedicated team of professionals ready to offer lessons tailored to every skill level. For those seeking a unique golfing experience, floodlight night golf is available until 8pm from Monday to Saturday, providing cooler temperatures and extended play hours under the stars. After a rewarding round, the 10th Hole restaurant beckons with its enticing fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, providing the perfect setting to unwind and relish a delicious meal overlooking the course.