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Saudi’s newest pro reflects on his humble beginnings, the rise of Arab golf, and what it means to represent the Kingdom on tour.
When Khaled Attieh talks about his journey into professional golf, you can sense the gratitude — and a little bit of disbelief. The Saudi Arabian golfer, who turned pro just over six months ago, is still adjusting to the idea that the dream he’s chased since childhood is now a full-time career.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said the 30-year-old. “But honestly, I think the timing was right. It feels good to finally take that step. I’ve had a few solid finishes, played in some great events… and now I just want to keep that momentum going and keep working on my game.”
Khaled Attieh – Octavio Passos
Attieh’s story isn’t your typical golf fairytale. He didn’t grow up with manicured fairways or private coaches. Instead, his introduction to the game came on a sand course in Jeddah, where he learned to play with a mat in his bag and a rake for the ‘browns’.
“It was called Jeddah Golf Club, near the airport. Just sand everywhere,” he laughs. “I’d hit shots off a mat, and the ball would run like 380 yards on the hard surface. Then you’d rake the green before you putt. It was wild — but it’s where it all started.”
His father was the one who brought him into the game, thanks to a South African friend who introduced them both to golf in Jeddah. At first, young Khaled was just tagging along for the buggy rides. But slowly, he started swinging a club — and getting the bug!
His game took a big leap when he moved to neighbouring Dubai for high school. With access to grass courses and better facilities, Attieh’s potential started to show. Later, he headed to the US to attend the University of Southern California, playing college golf and competing with some of the top amateur golfers in the world.
“College golf was huge for my development,” he says. “You’re out there playing against the best, week in, week out. That experience really set me up for the professional side.”
Khaled Attieh – Octavio Passos
With a glittering amateur career, Attieh’s ascent in the golfing world has been driven by significant milestones. In March 2024, he clinched the Senior Individual title at the GCC Golf Championship in Doha, denying the host nation’s Saleh Al Kaabi a hat-trick of victories.
Plus, earlier last year, he made history by becoming the first Saudi amateur to make the cut in a professional tournament during the Asian Tour’s International Series Oman. So, when the time finally came to turn pro, was it intimidating?
“There’s always pressure,” he admitted. “Whether you were a top amateur or you’re just starting out, that pressure’s real. But the way I see it, you just keep your head down, stay committed, and learn from every event. There’s no shortcut.”
Now competing on global tours across the Asian Tour, DP World Tour and HotelPlanner Tour, Attieh is starting to feel more at home among his fellow pros — many of whom he competed against during those memorable amateur days.
“It’s cool seeing familiar faces out there. You realise, okay, we’ve all been on this journey together in some way. Now we’re just doing it for a living.”
But none of these opportunities, he says, would be possible without the support of Golf Saudi.
“They’ve been incredible,” he says. “Their support means the world. It’s not just about funding — it’s the belief, the opportunities, the infrastructure they’re building. And it’s not just in Saudi. Through LIV Golf, the LET’s Aramco Team Series, and other events, they’re making a real global impact. Without the support of Golf Saudi and my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Khaled Attieh – Octavio Passos
Golf in the Arab world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, is on the rise — and Attieh is proud to be part of it.
“It’s grown so much in just the last few years,” he says. “We’re seeing more young players, better facilities, more events. I think they’ve looked at what’s worked in places like Dubai and said, ‘Let’s do that — and more.’ And it’s working.”
Right now, there are five Saudi professionals competing internationally — Othman Almulla, Saud Al-Sharif, Faisal Salhab, Shergo Kurdi and Khaled — and they’ve built a real brotherhood.
“We’re all good friends,” says Attieh. “We travel together, compete, push each other. It’s a great environment. Everyone wants to improve and represent Saudi in the best way.
“I’d love to be a mentor — if not now, then in the future,” he says. “I’m still early in my pro journey, but if I can help inspire or guide the next wave of Arab golfers, that’d be a real honour.”
Just one of a host of Arab golfers proudly carrying the Arab flag around the globe, Attieh is always aware of what it means to represent something bigger than himself.
“A few years ago, you didn’t see many Arab professionals out there,” he says. “Now, it’s starting to change — but it’s still rare.
“So, to be one of the few, and to share our culture and our story with the world… it’s something I don’t take lightly.”
For Khaled, the dream is no longer distant — it’s happening, one tournament at a time.
Main image: Octavio Passos
This article was featured in the May 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine
