Nestled in the heart of the Al-Murooj district, one of the most prestigious and upscale areas of King Abdullah Economic City, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club boasts a direct view of the Red Sea beaches along the western coast of Saudi Arabia, approximately 100 kilometers north of Jeddah. The district is the largest privately funded new city development in the world and the first dedicated golf community in Saudi Arabia.

This par 72 championship course plays just over 6,900 yards and comprises 18 meticulously designed holes, a luxurious clubhouse and panoramic views of the Red Sea coastline as its natural backdrop. Royal Greens hosted the PIF Saudi International in 2019 through 2023 and the PIF Saudi Ladies International from 2020 until the same year – the first professional men’s and women’s golf events ever played in Saudi Arabia. The club also played host to LIV Golf’s Jeddah events between 2022 to 2024, and the Ladies European Tour’s Aramco Team Series in 2021 and 2022, solidifying its status as a stand-out venue for international golf events.

Saudi Arabia is currently undergoing a significant transformation in the world of golf, driven by the initiatives of Golf Saudi. Supported by the creation of new courses, with a goal of 30 to be developed by 2030, designed by renowned architects, establishing golf academies and initiatives to nurture local talent, and hosting elite tournaments and events, Golf Saudi is on track to growing the game of golf across the Kingdom.

Hole 3. Image Supplied

Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, one of the best golf clubs in the Middle East, aims to create a unique destination for golfers, from amateurs through to the world’s best, while also attracting those seeking an exclusive lifestyle experience. This vision aligns perfectly with the luxurious lifestyle offered by King Abdullah Economic City. The club provides an ideal opportunity to connect business professionals with the perks that golf offers, creating a golfing experience in Saudi Arabia unmatched by any other club in the region.

Designed by highly skilled professionals, including by Dave Sampson of European Golf Design, Royal Greens offers a Jekyll and Hyde front and back nine. While going out offers a relatively steady challenge across some great golf holes, the way in is where the stiff Red Sea winds – especially later in the day – come into play, and where the course really comes alive.

It is an undulating par-72 desert-lined course, famed for its iconic par 3 16th which stands parallel to the Caribbean-blue waters of the Red Sea – and where the sea breeze can cause its most chaos. The course is meticulously maintained with wall to wall Paspalum Dynasty heat-tolerant grass, providing an optimal playing surface and preventing discoloration during changeable weather conditions, with Golf Saudi ambassador Dustin Johnson currently holding the course-record of 61, 11 under par.

The clubhouse, developed by architects KTGY and detailed by local Saudi architect HAK, features luxurious interiors designed by HBA, bringing a new level of elegance to the city and its surroundings.

Royal Greens offers a unique experience for all members, whether they choose to enjoy the golf course or simply appreciate the exclusive natural surroundings of the club. It provides a VIP membership that includes private dining, meeting spaces, a world-class cigar lounge offering a walk-in humidor and both an indoor and outdoor environment, billiards room, an executive business center, and other luxury facilities. Additionally, the club features training facilities, a golf academy, a prestigious club with VIP membership, a health club, a spa, and fine dining, making it the finest place for sports and recreation in the region.

Hole 7. Image Supplied

Key Holes

6th Hole
Known as the longest and toughest on the course with a very narrow green, this demanding 470-yard par-4 features a dogleg left to the target, requiring both precision and power from golfers to navigate its challenging layout.

12th Hole
Ranked as stroke index 1, this 459-yard par-4 is the hardest hole on the course. It tests golfers of all levels with its considerable length and strategic design, presenting a unique challenge after a stretch of birdie opportunities.

16th Hole
This breathtaking par-3 is situated directly on the Red Sea, playing between 120 and 180 yards. The massive green, nearly 15,000 square feet, is narrow and flanked by bunkers, with wind conditions adding to the difficulty of this picturesque hole. The last par-3 on the Kingdom’s most recognisable course is not only visually stunning but also deceptively challenging. During the inaugural Saudi International in 2019, Dustin Johnson nearly lost his lead here before producing a miraculous recovery shot from the drop zone to secure a bogey and hold off Li Haotong. Golfers should take par and run, appreciating the turquoise, Red Sea views while respecting the hole’s inherent difficulty.

Hole 18. Image Supplied

18th Hole
This 569-yard par 5 is the quintessential risk-reward challenge, enticing players with the tempting option of a long iron shot over water into an undulating two-tiered closing green. The hole has witnessed numerous tournament-defining moments across both the Saudi Men’s International and Saudi Ladies International, with birdies and eagles often paying dividends for those at the top of the leaderboard, and bogeys and higher not uncommon.  Playing directly down to the clubhouse, the 18th at Royal Greens presents a beautiful visual reward upon completion of a challenging back nine.

Royal Greens takes great pride in being a host venue for prestigious tournaments, attracting top talent and offering a true test of golf. The club’s commitment to excellence and luxury ensures that every visit is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re there to play, relax, or network.

This article was featured in the April 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

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