As the early months of 2024 unfold, the sands of Saudi Arabia are witnessing a transformation that extends well beyond its rich oil legacy—a transformation shaped by the fairways and greens of golf courses. The Royal Diriyah Golf Club, nestled in the tranquil Wadi Safar and an integral part of the ambitious Diriyah Gate project, stands as Riyadh’s shining new golfing jewel, unveiled by none other than the illustrious Greg Norman.
It was in 2019 that Diriyah Gate Development Authority signed the landmark deal with the Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) Company, the world’s premier signature golf course design firm, at the Open Hearts, Open Doors event that introduced the splendours of Diriyah to the world. The 27-hole Golf Course is part of an exclusive new residential district (developed by DGDA) known as Wadi Safar in a valley 30 minutes north-west of the centre of Riyadh, in Diriyah.
Finally, it was the recent Bashayer event in Diriyah that served as the stage for enthusiasts to experience the driving range and the first nine holes of what promises to be a 27-hole masterpiece. This development is not an isolated endeavour but a segment of a larger blueprint by Golf Saudi, with aspirations to enrich the nation with over a dozen new courses by the dawn of 2030.
At the event, Norman expressed a palpable sense of pride, noting the careful preservation and integration of Diriyah’s natural essence into the golf course’s design. He is confident that this endeavour will significantly contribute to positioning Saudi Arabia as a preeminent golfing destination globally.
Philip Vaughan, Chief Development Officer for Diriyah Company, highlighted the course’s unique design, which complements the area’s distinctive terrain. The course promises to offer a championship experience, with a visual identity so unique it will be instantly recognisable to those who behold it. Anticipated to be completed by 2025, it is set to host the prestigious Saudi Open.
In a broader context, Saudi Arabia is actively promoting sports, tourism, and heritage as pillars of its economic reforms. The aim is to move beyond the oil-dependent economy, attract international investments, and generate employment opportunities for its burgeoning population, now over 32 million strong.
This synergy between the DGDA and Golf Saudi is anticipated to bolster sports and leisure pursuits for the nation’s citizens, residents, and visitors. Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of DGDA, remarked that Diriyah is on a journey to becoming a global cultural icon, offering an immersive urban community that honours the nation’s cultural patrimony.
Moreover, the Kingdom’s dedication to sustainability within golf is commendable. In a significant announcement made during the Aramco Team Series-Jeddah in 2022, Golf Saudi revealed that three of its golf clubs in Riyadh and Jeddah had received certification from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, reflecting their adherence to the international standards of golf’s sustainability.
This accolade is part of Golf Saudi’s overarching National Golf Sustainability Strategy, an initiative aimed at nurturing an innovative and ambitious ethos across the sport’s environmental, economic, and social facets. The certification is not just a badge of honour but a commitment to continual improvement over the coming years.
His Excellency Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation, expressed elation over this achievement, considering it a testament to the Kingdom’s resolve and leadership in sustainability. The endeavour aligns with the UN Sport for Climate Framework and furthers Saudi’s Vision 2030 for a sustainable low-carbon future.
The GEO Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director, Jonathan Smith, commended Golf Saudi’s progress within their national sustainability strategy, highlighting the commitment of the four certified facilities towards continual environmental improvement.
Each certified club, including the prestigious Safaa Golf Club at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, has undertaken significant measures to enhance their sustainability profile. These measures range from ecological conservation, renewable energy utilisation, water resource management, to circular supply chain practices, all contributing to a greener footprint for the sport in Saudi Arabia.
As Saudi Arabia embraces this green revolution, the Royal Diriyah Golf Club emerges not merely as a sporting venue but as a symbol of the Kingdom’s forward-looking vision. It represents a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary innovation, a place where the past and the future coalesce on the rolling greens of a golf course that’s set to captivate the world.
