Saudi Arabia is taking a monumental leap in its luxury tourism ambitions with the imminent soft opening of Shura Island, a centerpiece of the Red Sea Global destination. While the island will host an array of high-end resorts and amenities, the golf industry is buzzing with the debut of Shura Links, the Kingdom's first-ever island golf course.
Developed as a key component of Saudi Vision 2030's economic diversification agenda, Shura Island is designed with a profound focus on sustainability and regenerative tourism. This commitment is evident in every aspect of the development, including the 18-hole championship golf course.
Designed by renowned golf architect Brian Curley, Shura Links is not just a golf course; it's a testament to the seamless integration of sport and nature. The par-72 course stretches to a championship length of 7,500 yards, offering a challenging yet playable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The layout features wide, expansive fairways with subtle movements, and many holes are angled to encourage multiple lines of play, a strategic advantage particularly in the island’s coastal breezes.
Sustainability is at the core of the course's design and operation. Shura Links utilizes eco-sensitive practices such as water-wise irrigation and a minimal turf footprint, with only 20% of the 140-hectare site featuring turfgrass. The course uses Platinum TE Paspalum, a turfgrass variety known for its resilience in hot, arid climates and its ability to thrive with fewer inputs. An innovative irrigation system, managed by soil sensors, ensures water is used with extreme efficiency.
The course's design embraces the natural landscape, with irregular turf lines and transitional bunkering that blend into the surrounding dunes. According to Curley, the design aims to create a "great 'find your ball' experience where shots that miss turf... will be playable and recoverable off a hard packed, sandy expanse."
The golf course's most stunning feature is its integration with the Red Sea. Holes four through seven hug the coastline, while the final holes, 14 through 18, provide a dramatic crescendo with spectacular views of the open sea and channel. The 18th hole finishes below the iconic clubhouse, a striking architectural marvel designed by Foster + Partners that mirrors the island's overall "Coral Bloom" concept.
The opening of Shura Links, managed by Golf Saudi, is a significant moment for golf tourism in the Middle East. It will be accessible to guests staying at any of the 11 luxury resorts planned for the island, including the initial phase one hotels—SLS Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, and InterContinental The Red Sea Resort.
The development of Shura Island is part of a broader vision to create world-class, sustainable travel destinations in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to generate an estimated 120,000 jobs in hospitality, tourism, and related sectors. As Shura Links takes its place as a premier golf destination, it will not only attract high-end travelers but also help solidify the Kingdom's position as a new frontier for luxury and responsible golf tourism.
