Khaled Attieh turns professional amid Saudi Golf boom

As one of Saudi Arabia’s newest professional players, Khaled Attieh was recently announced as a new ambassador for Golf Saudi.

The 30-year-old, who recently completed his ascent to play at the professional level, took a moment to reflect, not only on his own rise in the game, but at the speed of golf’s growth within Saudi Arabia, driven largely by Golf Saudi.

Last year was a record 12 months for Golf Saudi, who hosted eight elite golf events at home and abroad – including the returning $5million PIF Saudi Ladies International, which offers the biggest prize fund on the Ladies European Tour outside of Major events. A vast number of on-ground initiatives have also seen the number of golfers in Saudi Arabia reaching record numbers.

“I take great pride in being one of the early adopters of golf in the country,” commented Khaled. “Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the significant developments in the sport here, both in terms of infrastructure and the growing number of players.

“Thanks to the dedicated work of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, the game is evolving rapidly, building a solid foundation for its future. Golf has truly transformed my life, and I believe it will do the same for many others, especially as the sport continues to gain more fans and followers globally.”

Speaking about the headline tournaments held at Riyadh Golf Club: “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi for their continuous efforts in hosting these world-class tournaments, providing Saudi players with the opportunity to compete and represent the Kingdom at such a prestigious level.

“Events like these are also a fantastic opportunity for young and aspiring golfers to witness elite competition up close, learn from some of the world’s top golf stars, and be inspired to pursue the sport.”

In his new ambassadorial role, Attieh will join the ranks of both Golf Saudi’s global names and local star players – including Othman Almulla, Saud-Al Sharif, Faisal Salhab and Shergo Kurdi – who will help further drive the growth of golf in Saudi Arabia. Working closely with local players and the country’s National Teams, they will deliver coaching and training expertise to golfers of all ages and abilities. Supporting Saudi’s growing demand for the sport and leveraging Golf Saudi’s ambition to elevate the sport’s accessibility, his success story is set to encourage even more Saudi golfers than ever before.

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, Qatar, denying the host nation’s Saleh Al Kaabi a hat-trick of victories.

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 – showcasing Saudi golfing ability on a truly global stage and highlighting the crucial role of international competitions in providing exposure to emerging golfers.

Golf Saudi’s mission to develop the game has been instrumental in Attieh’s rise. Through elite player development programs, grassroots initiatives, and the hosting of top-tier international tournaments, the organisation is creating a lasting legacy for golf in the Kingdom.

Main Image: Golf Saudi