Saudi Arabia Opens Its First Island Golf Course: Shura Links Debuts in The Red Sea

Saudi Arabia has just added a bold new feather to its tourism cap with the launch of Shura Links — the Kingdom’s first island golf course — on Shura Island, part of The Red Sea development.

A Course That Blends Ambition with Nature

Designed by acclaimed golf architect Brian Curley, the course is a par-72 stretching about 7,400 yards. It weaves through native mangroves and dunes before tracing a classic links-style route along the Red Sea coastline.

What sets Shura Links apart is its low-impact ethos: it was planned to harmonize with the island’s terrain, minimizing interference and embracing regenerative tourism principles championed by the developer, Red Sea Global (RSG).

Anchoring the Destination Experience

At the center of it all is a beachfront clubhouse, thoughtfully designed around local flora and fauna. Panoramic views of the 18th green, indoor and terrace dining, retail and lounge areas all aim to make it more than just a place to tee off — it’s a social hub.

Other amenities include:

• A family-friendly putting course
• Premium practice facilities (grass driving range, short game zone, putting green)
• Retail boutique carrying well-known golf brands and Shura merchandise
• Coaching and lessons via PGA-qualified pros
• Flexible green fees for both 9-hole and 18-hole rounds

As Curley put it: “From the onset, Shura Links was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings … a course built to challenge seasoned pros … yet also engaging for newcomers.”

Strategic Vision & Regional Impact

RSG and its partners view Shura Links as more than a golf asset — it’s a signaling device. According to industry leaders, the project embodies Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitions to become a global sports and tourism magnet.

Phase 1 openings in the area include hotels under the SLS, EDITION, and InterContinental brands, with additional resorts from names like Four Seasons, Jumeirah, and Rosewood to follow. On the residential side, the first properties are slated for handover by the end of 2025.

Geographically, Shura Links is well-positioned: the nearby Red Sea International Airport is already connected to an expanding schedule of domestic and international flights, with Qatar Airways among the carriers offering direct service.

Industry voices emphasize that this course is part of a larger “golf tourism trail” — a strategic pathway to shift Saudi’s image toward a high-end, experience-oriented destination.