Saudi Arabia's Shura Links launches first-ever island golf course by the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia has taken another bold step in its push to become a global tourism and sports hub with the launch of its first-ever island golf course. The new course, Shura Links , opened this week on Shura Island, the centerpiece of the Red Sea development , one of the Kingdom’s flagship projects under Vision 2030 .
Spread across 18 holes and stretching 7,400 yards, Shura Links isn’t just another championship course. Designed by American architect Brian Curley, it is spread across natural mangroves, sandy dunes, and along a stretch of untouched Red Sea coastline. The idea was to create a world-class facility without bulldozing over the very environment that makes the place special.
The project that is opening doors for new ventures “This is more than a golf course—it’s proof of how The Red Sea can become an engine for investment, tourism, and long-term opportunity,” said Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi , during the opening.
The course is built with plenty of extras for players and visitors. There’s a beachfront clubhouse with sweeping views, a casual but elevated dining area, and even a family-friendly adventure putting course. Players can also book sessions with PGA-certified coaches or pick up gear at the boutique pro shop stocked with premium Callaway practice balls and merchandise.
For John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global , the course is about raising the bar. “It’s not just a sporting venue,” he said. “It’s a place where people can challenge themselves, relax, and take in the full beauty of this part of Saudi Arabia.”
Also Read: On the edge of desert cliffs, Saudi Arabia is engineering Golf's most daring destination
Preparations are in peak for guests acrossShura Island itself is gearing up for the upcoming months, which are expected to be extremely busy. Alongside the golf course, several luxury hotels will soon open their doors. Four Seasons, Rosewood, Jumeirah, and Fairmont are all part of the first development phase.
The Red Sea development is one of a series of mega-projects the Kingdom is rolling out to diversify its economy away from oil, sitting alongside projects like NEOM and Qiddiya. With the Red Sea International Airport already up and running, and Qatar Airways preparing to launch direct flights next month, access is being smoothed out for international visitors.
Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, summed it up best: “Shura Links is a starting point. It’s the first step in building a golf tourism trail that will put Saudi Arabia on the global golfing map.”
Spread across 18 holes and stretching 7,400 yards, Shura Links isn’t just another championship course. Designed by American architect Brian Curley, it is spread across natural mangroves, sandy dunes, and along a stretch of untouched Red Sea coastline. The idea was to create a world-class facility without bulldozing over the very environment that makes the place special.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOspJUiB6H/?igsh=bmxobndoeDN0bHJ5 https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOspJUiB6H/?igsh=bmxobndoeDN0bHJ5
For John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global , the course is about raising the bar. “It’s not just a sporting venue,” he said. “It’s a place where people can challenge themselves, relax, and take in the full beauty of this part of Saudi Arabia.”
Also Read: On the edge of desert cliffs, Saudi Arabia is engineering Golf's most daring destination
Preparations are in peak for guests acrossShura Island itself is gearing up for the upcoming months, which are expected to be extremely busy. Alongside the golf course, several luxury hotels will soon open their doors. Four Seasons, Rosewood, Jumeirah, and Fairmont are all part of the first development phase.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOi4WVCDok/?img_index=2&igsh=ZjJsOTcxM3FkanZ6 https://www.instagram.com/p/DPOi4WVCDok/?img_index=2&igsh=ZjJsOTcxM3FkanZ6
The Red Sea development is one of a series of mega-projects the Kingdom is rolling out to diversify its economy away from oil, sitting alongside projects like NEOM and Qiddiya. With the Red Sea International Airport already up and running, and Qatar Airways preparing to launch direct flights next month, access is being smoothed out for international visitors.
Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, summed it up best: “Shura Links is a starting point. It’s the first step in building a golf tourism trail that will put Saudi Arabia on the global golfing map.”
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