Top 5 golf courses in the Middle East

We have talked about golfing in the best destinations countless times. However, our focus has been on Europe. Thus, if you have been wondering whether Middles East would make for a great golfing stopover this holiday, here is your chance to find out. The Middle East is an expansive part of the world, partly extending to Africa in Egypt. But while you may have thought that only oil runs these countries, there is more to satisfy your curiosity. 

Golf holidays are becoming increasingly popular. Come to think about it. How else would you want to spend this festive season if not playing golf in beautiful courses around the world? The catch about it is that the best courses do not only host the biggest world tournaments but also provide vacationers with top-notch social amenities. You would have more fun in golf holiday destinations than biking in the streets of Paris. Take, for example, the Algarve Golf Packages. If Golf sounds like something you want to try this holiday, you will not go wrong in the Middle East. We sampled the best destinations in this post to help you start making travel arrangements. Take a look.

1. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai

Dubai is not only popular because of its man-made palm islands and breathtaking skyscrapers. It is also a popular vacation destination for golfers looking to create lasting memories in excellent courses. Jumeirah presents a monumental golfing stature. Take, for example, the Earth and Fire golf courses. Their big sizes and styling make them ideal for every golfer-novice and the experienced teeter. Jumeirah Golf Estates play host to more than 60 top European golfers every November.

2. Yas Links

Still, In Dubai, Yas Links if a golfing destination worth mentioning. Yas Links was designed by Kyle Philips, the same man who stamped The Grove and Kingsbarns courses in England and Scotland respectively. Kyle also designed Verdura Golf and Spa in Sicily. It is an iconic golf course we couldn’t afford to ignore when exploring the best ones in Dubai having featured in Golf Magazine severally.  Stretching along a 1.8 swath along Dubai’s coastline, the 7450-yard course is one the best in the Arabian Gulf.

3. Al Mouj Golf Course in Oman

Al Mouj course in Oman was designed by Greg Norman. In 2018, it was voted one of the best-golfing destinations in the world.  It is an 18-hole course that stretches along the Gulf coastline, offering golfers a breathtaking glimpse of Hajja Mountain Ranges, bunkers and sand dunes. It has an academy that trains golfing enthusiasts but something that is even more rewarding about this place is its world-class facilities.  Greg Norman, the designer of Al Mouj is a legend in golfing circles.

4. Saudi Arabia’s Nofa Golf Resort

In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, you find another breathtaking golf course. Nofa Golf Resort is an upscale destination that has also featured in Golf Magazine. Its meticulous design depicts beauty and admiration. It is an 18-hole course with natural canvas and contours.  Its size of 6920 yards always presents a real championship challenge to a golfing maverick. 

5. The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain

In Bahrain, another golf course reigns supreme. The Royal golf club crowns this post in style. It is the only 18-hole championship course in the country. The designer, Colin Montgomerie who is also a golfing legend, designed this par 3 9 course with the future in mind. The Royal golf club hosts excellent facilities that include a leisure shop, a golf academy and conference halls. It also doubles as a stay-play destination hence the perfect place to be this holiday.

Final Thoughts

Golf remains a prestigious sport and for those who are looking to play it for the first time, it’s never too late to learn a few tricks. With the best courses explored in this post and many others in the Middle East, you should never run out of options and playtime.