Why Oman is the Next Big Golfing Destination

Oman is posed to become a hotspot for golfing holidays with the multiple green and mixed 18-hole golf courses cropping up within the capital, Muscat, and the interest of local populace piqued by the number of international golfing events taking place and being heavily promoted within the country, such as the European Challenge Tour between 2013 and 2017, and the Oman Open along with national participation in the GCC Championship.

Muscat is also a great place for those wanting to learn how to play golf, as most of the golfing courses in Oman have academies or are at least staffed by qualified golf instructors who are happy to guide learners discover the intricacies of the sport. While it is possible to go golfing throughout the year the most popular golfing season is during the months of September to May when the climate lends itself to an ideal golfing experience in Oman.

The most popular golf courses in Muscat, Oman are found in the Al Mouj Golf Club, the Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, the Ghala Valley Golf Club, the Ras Al Hamra Golf Club, and the Jebel Sifah.

The Al Mouj Golf Club

This Greg Norman designed golf course is located within Muscat and acts as the annual host of the European Tour for the Oman Open where some of the top golf players compete for the number one rank. It is therefore no surprise that this course is considered to be the best golf course in Oman, ranked second among all the golf courses within the Middle East.

The Al Mouj golf club with its 18 hole Championship Course spread across 7,342 yards is a haven of lush green grounds, accentuated with the bunkers, water hazards and natural dunes present alongside. The club is set on a 2km long stretch along the coast , flanked by the Indian Ocean, with the stunning Hajjar mountain range in the background throwing the course into sharp relief. The Al Mouj Golf Club is Oman’s first links style course that presents both amateurs and professionals with satisfying challenge. The club’s world-class facilities include a teaching academy, a floodlit par-3 nine-hole course, and a retail shop, along with a floodlit driving range and restaurant making for a fun experience for all.

Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club

The first 18 hole grassed golf course to be built in the Sultanate of Oman, the Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club was envisioned by the late His Highness Kais Bin Tarik Al Said and designed by the internationally acclaimed golf course designer Paul Thomas of David Thomas and Associates.
Offering spectacular views of the sea and the Al Hajar Mountains the 72-par, 6383 meter golf course is spread across 45 hectors of land with the landscaping of the course leaving undisturbed the original Wadi terrain as it curves in and around the natural contours of the land offering generous fairways and challenging shots over the wadi escarpments.
Muscat Hills offers options for those with varied expertise from beginners to professionals with its five teeing ground options among which the most challenging possibility coming from three of the par-3 holes that are played over the dramatic wadi escarpment. In addition to the course, there is comfortable club house with an outdoor seating option and state-of-the-art practice facilities including a 400-meter floodlit driving range with undercover tee off area and a putting green for golfers to practice on throughout the day and into the late evenings. The Academy offers top of the line equipment along with qualified PGA professionals offering a range of training options.The Muscat Hills Pro Shop situated in the hub of Muscat Hills adjacent to ‘The Club’ also offers a variety of equipment, accessories and apparel along with host of rental options among golf sets.

Ghala Valley Golf Club

Situated in the heart of Muscat, with narrow fairways and sea views, it is a challenge for all skill levels. Originally designed by renowned British golfer, Bill Longmuir, this iconic course recently went through a major redesign that was carried out by Dellanzo Group in collaboration with landscape designer Beatrice Franceschi. The clubhouse at Ghala Golf Club, with its popular “19th hole,” is newly renovated providing panoramic views of the 9th, 15th and 18th holes. There is a members-only clubhouse, with a comfortable outdoor terrace.
The putting green is situated right next to the driving range, which has only recently been landscaped and grassed over, making for some challenging targets and as one is shaded from the sun and the surrounding floodlights, golfers can practice their drives at any time of the day. Our on your way to the course so you can get that final practice in before you Tee-off. 

Ras Al Hamra Golf Club

This 18 Hole golf facility situated smack dab in the center of the capital of Oman, is open throughout the year with its daily timings being from 7am to 11pm. Designed by Graham Marsh Golf Design, The Ras Al Hamra Golf Club has a desert style course set amid arid wadis and coastal hillsides, just next to the Gulf of Oman. While during its launch in 1969 it was originally envisioned as a sand course, it has now been redesigned as a grass course with trees and native shrubs planted throughout so as to resemble the Omani environment.
This Floodlit golf course in Oman offers golfers the option to experience playing golf at night. The ingenious placement of multiple tee boxes along with the large double greens, with alternative locations create a par 71 layout varying from 5,400 to 6,500 yards for 18 holes which makes for a great space to play in.

Jebel Sifah

Designed by Peter Harradine, this course can be played as a varied 18 hole par 72 course by utilising second pin flags. Surrounded by spectacular scenery of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other with varied natural landscapes, the Jebel Sifah’s nine hole par 36 golf course is truly something special. This inviting golf course in Oman is managed and operated by golf luxury experts Troon, and they have ensured that the Golf Course, with its natural wadis and strategic green side bunkers, while remaining a challenge for more experienced golfers, still makes for a great golfing experience for beginners to enjoy. There is a Proshop that stocks golf apparel, equipment and gift items along with providing rental clubs.