QATAR
2 Courses
Golf in Qatar: Desert Oasis of Modern Championship Golf
Golf in Qatar represents a striking fusion of cutting-edge course design, ambitious sporting vision, and the stark beauty of the Arabian Desert.
The sport’s history in the country is relatively young, with the first course, Doha Golf Club, opening in 1998 as a sand-based course before transitioning to grass in the early 2000s.
This shift marked Qatar’s commitment to establishing world-class golfing infrastructure, aligning with its broader strategy to become a global sports hub.
The influence of international architects and the country’s rapid development have shaped a golfing landscape that thrives in an arid environment, relying on advanced technology to maintain lush fairways.
Key regions highlight Qatar’s golfing diversity.
Doha, the capital, is the epicenter, home to championship courses like Education City Golf Club, a sustainable marvel with floodlit fairways for night play.
The Pearl-Qatar, an artificial island, offers a unique urban golf experience at the 9-hole Academy Course, while Lusail City’s upcoming golf district promises futuristic integration with the city’s smart infrastructure.
The desert outskirts, such as the areas surrounding Dukhan Golf Club, provide a raw, windswept challenge with panoramic dunes.
Signature courses showcase Qatar’s ambition.
Education City Golf Club, designed by JosĂ© MarĂa Olazábal, features a 7,400-yard championship layout with eco-friendly paspalum grass and hosted the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters from 2020.
Doha Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course, redesigned by Peter Harradine, is a parkland oasis with water hazards and palm-lined fairways, a stark contrast to its desert surroundings.
The newest addition, Lusail Golf Club, set to open in 2025, is expected to be a centerpiece of Qatar’s golf tourism, with a Greg Norman-designed course emphasizing sustainability.
Player development is a priority, with initiatives like the Qatar Golf Association’s (QGA) junior programs nurturing talents such as Jaham Al-Kuwari, the first Qatari to compete in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
Academies like the one at Education City offer world-class coaching, while partnerships with European Tour events provide local players with exposure to elite competition.
Tourism thrives on luxury, with golf packages combining rounds at top courses with stays in five-star hotels and desert safaris.
The peak season runs from October to April, avoiding the summer heat, and coincides with cultural events like the Doha International Book Fair.
Non-golf attractions include the Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq Waqif, blending sport with heritage.
Sustainability is critical in Qatar’s golf scene, with courses using recycled water and solar energy.
Education City Golf Club is GEO-certified, emphasizing water conservation and native flora.
Future projects include the Lusail Golf Club and potential bids for major tournaments like the Ryder Cup, leveraging Qatar’s proven ability to host global events.
With golf tourism growing at 8% annually, Qatar is poised to become a premier golf destination in the Middle East..