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Golf around Riyadh

MaserMan

Thought I would give a bit of feedback on the two 18 hole grass courses close to Riyadh.

The courses are Dirab which is south of the city and can take up to an hour to get there if you are living in the north where a lot a of the compounds are. The other is Riyadh Greens which is on the Qassim road about 20 - 25 minutes from the city.

Having now had a chance to play both courses my impressions are as follows:

Dirab

Clubhouse and restaurant are getting a bit tired and have not changed in the last 8 years when I was last a member. Neither has the menu and food is pretty basic and can be hit and miss.

The driving range, putting green and chipping area are fine and are fit for purpose.

The most important part is the course where they have changed the layout and is better balanced. Good tough course where you have to think your way around on a number of holes. Greens are generally in good condition and are pretty constant for pace. Probably prefered by the lower handicapper because of its length and challenge.

Also has a swimming pool, tennis courts and horse riding

Cost: SAR400 plus SAR60 for buggy

Riyadh Greens

The newer of the two courses and it shows in the amenities. Has a lovely large clubhouse, restaurant and area to sit outside. Also has a spa, gym and games room.

The driving range, putting green and chipping area are good as well although the driving range tends to always be quite busy.

The course is of medium length and is very enjoyable to play, even the par 6 that is just under 700 yds. Wayward shots are not punished the same way as at Dirab, which could be looked upon as a positive! One thing that needs looking at are the par 3's which are really far to short to be a challenge. The greens are strange in that the speed varies massively on each one and there are far to many undulations which makes putting a lottery.

Cost: SAR300 which includes the cost of a cart.

Final thought is that if you took the course from Dirab and the clubhouse from Riyadh Greens you would have a superb golf club.

Happy golfing :top:

See also

Things to do in Riyadh alone or with your crowdLeisure activities in RiyadhEating out in RiyadhOutdoor activities in RiyadhTelevision/Cable Networks in KSASports activities in RiyadhInterior decorators in Riyadh
slyshooter

Great info, thanks for sharing MM(# not sure) :one

Alliecat

Good info, maserman.. so good, in fact, that I posted it under your name in the GUIDE (Leisure section)!!!

the_blade

Excellent stuff Maserman, should be very useful or me in the future. I'm presently training at the Intercontinental with a very good instructor, Anwar. It's a 9 hole course, nothing great but good for a start.

AndiB

Thank you very much for this usefull information! I would love to play at least one round of Golf in Saudi Arabia. Two more questions: Are there any handicap restrictions? And do you need an international Golf-Club membership card?

MaserMan

I have seen notices saying that you need a handicap cert but have never been asked for one.

CivEngr

Back in the USA.  Bringing back w/ me my Ping Eye 2's.  Up for a round when I get back.  Here in San Diego, and they say it never rains in So Cal.  Raining since I arrived (Sat night) and still raining till Thurs.  Miss all of you, one in particular.