Golf Courses in Egypt: Top Courses & Golf Holidays Guide
Egypt is emerging as one of the most exciting golf destinations in the Middle East and North Africa. With championship courses designed by legendary golfers, year-round sunshine, and the chance to play with views of ancient pyramids or the stunning Red Sea, Egypt offers a truly unique golfing experience that combines sport with history and luxury.
Why Choose Egypt for Your Golf Holiday?
Year-Round Perfect Weather: Egypt boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, with mild winters and warm summers making it an ideal destination for golf throughout the year. While European courses battle rain and cold, Egyptian fairways remain pristine and playable.
World-Class Course Design: Egypt's golf courses have been designed by some of the biggest names in golf, including Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Nicklaus Design. These championship layouts transform desert landscapes into lush green oases.
Exceptional Value: Compared to European golf destinations, Egypt offers significantly better value for money. Green fees, accommodation, and dining are all reasonably priced, with all-inclusive packages widely available.
Rich Cultural Experience: Where else can you play a round of golf in the morning and explore the Pyramids of Giza in the afternoon? Egypt uniquely combines world-class golf with 5,000 years of fascinating history.
Best Golf Courses in Cairo
1. Katameya Dunes
Designed by six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo alongside architects Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt, Katameya Dunes is widely considered one of Egypt's premier golf destinations. The course features palm tree-lined fairways that create a verdant oasis in the desert landscape. With extensive water features and challenging layouts, this championship course offers two distinct 18-hole experiences: the Lakes Course and the Palms Course.
Location: New Cairo City, approximately 20km from downtown Cairo
Highlights:
- Design by Nick Faldo
- Two championship courses
- Professional golf academy with PGA instructors
- Practice facilities including 300-yard driving range
- Luxury clubhouse and spa
2. The Allegria Golf Club
Greg Norman's first North African design project, The Allegria opened in 2010 and quickly established itself as Egypt's most prestigious golf development. The 18-hole championship course is managed by Troon Golf and features natural lakes, streams, rock features, and undulating fairways that create a visually stunning experience.
Location: Sheikh Zayed City, about 20km west of Cairo
Highlights:
- Greg Norman signature design
- Part of an exclusive residential community
- Large greens with challenging slopes
- Allegria Country Club with restaurants, pools, and spa
- Stunning landscaping with mature trees
3. Dreamland Golf Resort - Championship Course
Measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, the Dreamland Golf Resort offers one of Egypt's most challenging layouts. Originally designed by Karl Litten, the course features tight fairways and strategic water hazards that demand accuracy and course management.
Location: 6th of October City, just 15km from Cairo and near the Pyramids
Highlights:
- Multiple tee boxes for all skill levels
- Stretches over 7,200 yards from back tees
- Well-maintained greens and fairways
- Close proximity to Great Pyramids
- Full resort facilities
4. NewGiza Golf Club
Opening in 2019 as one of Cairo's newest additions, NewGiza Golf Club was the final design by architects Thomson Perrett & Lobb. Built on the site of a former quarry, the course showcases impressive landscaping and clever use of elevation changes.
Location: Next to Dreamland, 6th of October City
Highlights:
- Modern championship layout
- Part of large residential and commercial development
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Practice areas and golf academy
- Convenient location near major Cairo attractions
5. Palm Hills Golf Course
A collaboration between Sanford Golf Design and Nicklaus Design, Palm Hills features 27 holes with spectacular views of the Pyramids. The course includes three nine-hole circuits named after the great pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
Location: 6th of October City, less than 30km from the Great Pyramid of Giza
Highlights:
- 27-hole layout designed by Nicklaus Design
- Panoramic Pyramid views
- Six man-made lakes connected by creeks
- Measures 7,264 yards from championship tees
- Multiple tee options for different skill levels
6. Mena House Oberoi Golf Club
Egypt's oldest golf course, dating back to 1899, Mena House offers an unparalleled experience of playing golf just 700 meters from the Great Pyramid. Though modest in length at 5,315 yards, it ranks among the world's top courses for breathtaking scenic views.
Location: Giza, directly beside the Pyramids
Highlights:
- Historic course established in 1899
- Every hole frames the Pyramids differently
- Renovated in 2007 by Robert Trent Jones II
- Premium Sea Isle Supreme Paspalum grass
- Luxury five-star hotel adjacent to course
Red Sea Golf Resorts
Pickalbatros Golf Beach Resort - Sharm El Sheikh
The premier golf destination in Sharm El Sheikh, Pickalbatros offers an 18-hole championship course along the stunning Red Sea coastline. The course provides dramatic views of the Sinai Mountains and Ras Mohamed National Park.
Location: Um Marikha Bay, Sharks Bay, Sharm El Sheikh
Highlights:
- Championship 18-hole course on the Red Sea
- Private beach access
- All-inclusive five-star resort
- Water slides, lazy river, and pools
- Practice facilities with driving range
El Gouna Golf Club
Located in the stylish resort town of El Gouna, often called the "Venice of Egypt," this course offers a unique golfing experience in a sophisticated Mediterranean-style setting. The area is known for its upscale atmosphere and water sports facilities.
Location: El Gouna, approximately 25km north of Hurghada
Highlights:
- European-style resort atmosphere
- Championship course design
- Marina setting with restaurants and shops
- Kitesurfing and water sports nearby
- Boutique accommodation options
Cascades at Somabay
One of the first championship courses in North Africa designed by a world-renowned architect, Cascades at Somabay opened in 1998 and set the standard for Red Sea golf. The course features strategic design that challenges golfers while showcasing stunning coastal scenery.
Location: Somabay, south of Hurghada
Highlights:
- Historic North African golf course
- Built to USGA specifications
- Stunning Red Sea views
- Luxury resort setting
- Premier diving and water sports nearby
Planning Your Egypt Golf Trip
Best Time to Visit
October to April: Peak season with comfortable temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). This is ideal for golf, though courses may be busier.
May to September: Hotter months with temperatures reaching 35-40°C (95-104°F). Early morning or late afternoon tee times are recommended. Courses are typically less crowded with better rates.
What to Expect
Green Fees: Prices vary from approximately EGP 600-2,000 ($20-65 USD) depending on the course and season. Many resorts offer package deals that include multiple rounds.
Dress Code: Smart casual golf attire is expected. Most courses require collared shirts and appropriate golf shoes.
Equipment Rental: Quality clubs and equipment are available for rent at major courses, though bringing your own is recommended for serious golfers.
Caddies and Carts: Both walking and riding options are typically available. Caddies are offered at most championship courses.
Combining Golf with Sightseeing
Egypt's compact geography makes it easy to combine golf with cultural exploration:
Cairo-Based Golf Trip:
- Morning: Play 18 holes at Katameya Dunes or Allegria
- Afternoon: Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
- Evening: Cruise the Nile River with dinner
Red Sea Golf Holiday:
- Morning: Golf at Pickalbatros or El Gouna
- Afternoon: Snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea
- Evening: Relax at all-inclusive resort
Extended Tour:
- Days 1-3: Cairo golf courses and historic sites
- Days 4-5: Luxor for Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple
- Days 6-8: Red Sea golf and beach relaxation
Getting to Egyptian Golf Courses
International Access
Cairo International Airport (CAI): Main gateway for Cairo courses, with connections to all major international hubs. Transfer time to most courses: 30-60 minutes.
Hurghada International Airport (HRG): Serves Red Sea resorts and El Gouna area. Many European charter flights available.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH): Direct access to Sharm El Sheikh courses and Sinai Peninsula resorts.
Transportation
Most golf resorts offer airport transfers and shuttle services. For Cairo-based golfing, hiring a private driver or using resort transportation is recommended as courses are spread across different areas of the greater Cairo region.
Accommodation Options
Luxury Golf Resorts
- JW Marriott Cairo: Adjacent to Mirage City Golf Club
- Fairmont Nile City: Five-star property on the Nile, close to multiple courses
- Pickalbatros Golf Beach Resort: All-inclusive with on-site championship course
- Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna: Golf-focused resort on the Red Sea
Five-Star City Hotels
- Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo: Central location with easy access to Cairo courses
- Four Seasons Cairo: Luxury option along the Nile
- Mena House Hotel: Historic property overlooking the Pyramids, next to golf course
Golf Tourism in Egypt: Economic Impact
Egypt attracts approximately 20,000 golf tourists annually, with each spending an average of $750 per week—more than double what typical tourists spend. This positions golf as a valuable niche market supporting Egypt's tourism sector and economic development.
The Egyptian Golf Federation actively promotes the country as a year-round golf destination, working with the Ministry of Tourism to attract international players and tournaments.
Tips for Golf Travelers
- Book Tee Times in Advance: Especially during peak season (October-April), popular courses fill up quickly.
- Stay Hydrated: Even in cooler months, Egypt's dry climate requires extra water intake. Most courses provide water stations.
- Sun Protection: Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The sun is intense year-round.
- Consider All-Inclusive Packages: Many Red Sea resorts offer excellent value with unlimited golf included.
- Hire a Local Guide: For Cairo sightseeing between rounds, knowledgeable guides enhance the cultural experience.
- Try Multiple Courses: With Egypt's compact layout, it's easy to sample different courses during one trip.
- Learn Basic Arabic Phrases: While English is widely spoken at golf facilities, locals appreciate the effort.
Egypt's Golfing Renaissance
Egypt has successfully positioned itself as a premier golf destination that offers something truly unique: the chance to combine world-class championship golf with ancient history, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine. Whether you're teeing off with the Pyramids as your backdrop in Cairo or enjoying coastal breezes along the Red Sea, Egyptian golf courses deliver unforgettable experiences.
From Greg Norman's Allegria to Nick Faldo's Katameya Dunes, from historic Mena House to modern NewGiza, Egypt's golf courses showcase the best of contemporary design while respecting the land's ancient heritage. With excellent value, exceptional weather, and unmatched cultural attractions, Egypt deserves serious consideration for your next golf holiday.
Pack your clubs, practice your swing, and prepare for a golfing adventure unlike any other in the land of pharaohs. Egypt's fairways are waiting.
