World Golf News, London (2025)

30/09/2025

The Europeans broke the Ryder Cup duck. Never expecting to shake off the bizarre distraction of a squeaky duck toy.

Never imagining the Americans would make them fight so hard on the final day in New York.

What had been shaping up to be a record-breaking win instead turned into a desperate scrap to avoid throwing it all away.

So ultimately, everything the American crowd did to antagonise the visitors backfired.

A raucous crowd is the Ryder Cup's appeal. Why no away team has won the biennial since 2012 - until now.
But the bitterness and toxicity were off the scale at Bethpage Black. Europe overcame it to win the 45th edition of golf's most prestigious team prize.
After the putt that retained the trophy and a roar of relief, Ireland's Shane Lowry said: "I've been so lucky to experience amazing things in this game.
"That was the hardest couple of hours of my life."

It was tighter, tenser, and far more stressful than anyone imagined after Europe began Sunday's singles session with a 12-5 lead.

Humiliation was avoided for the Americans after Donald Trump became their first sitting president to attend the Ryder Cup on Friday.

POTUS saw Europe start to build a commanding lead.
Maybe that's why the home crowd was so riled and rattled by Saturday. It wasn't just rowdy. This became the most abusive Ryder Cup in almost a century of matches.

There is firing up the home crowd and what unfolded at the first tee - a course announcer hurling a vulgarity at Rory McIlroy.

The tone was set for spectators goading the Northern Irishman with abuse about his private life and performances.

"Guys, shut up," he eventually told hecklers.
It was an understatement when he later described conditions as "really challenging".

So by the time Day 3 began, and the foul-mouthed announcer had apologised and stepped down, maybe it was no coincidence Aretha Franklin's "Respect" was the morning soundtrack in the grandstand.

But there was a new tactic to disturb and antagonise - the ducks given out with cherry fairway fizz drinks.

Repeatedly squeaked as Europeans took their shots, McIlroy finally complained.

The insults had crossed the line.
But eventually, as the hosts fought back, reeling off wins in the singles to put more red on the board, Europe made it over the line, scraping over the line with a salvage job.

"It's been one of the hardest days I've ever experienced on a golf course," said Tyrrell Hatton after drawing the penultimate match to secure the win.

"Those last five, six, seven holes were horrible."
Instead of a record victory margin, 15-13 was the tightest since Europe won by a point at Medinah, Illinois, in 2012.

The weekend produced more drama, more discord, and disturbances in New York than imagined by Luke Donald, the first captain since fellow Englishman Tony Jacklin to win back-to-back editions since the 1980s.

"It's got to be the most stressful 12 hours of my life," he said. "We knew they'd be tough, we didn't think they'd be this tough."

Beyond taunts aimed at him, when wife Erica was even hit by a cup of beer, where, for McIlroy, was the etiquette that is a virtue of golf?

Breaking off from the celebrations, McIlroy spoke out on the hostility that crossed the line.

"This should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup," he said.

"I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week."

https://news.sky.com/story/insults-expletives-and-squeaky-ducks-the-most-abusive-ryder-cup-in-almost-a-century-of-matches-13440736

29/09/2025

The 2026 DP World Tour calendar has been released, offering golf enthusiasts a thrilling season of tournaments spread across five distinct global swings. Players will travel to some of the most prestigious golf courses, competing for a record total prize fund of $157.5 million. The 2026 season will consist of 42 tournaments in 25 countries, ensuring a diverse and exciting lineup that attracts both seasoned professionals and passionate fans. From the breathtaking landscapes of Dubai to the historic courses of Scotland and Spain, the tour will cover a wide range of cultural and geographical destinations.

The season kicks off with a series of tournaments in far-flung regions, and it ends with the prestigious DP World Tour Play-Offs in Dubai. The tour not only highlights the skills of the world’s best golfers but also showcases a variety of destinations that will appeal to golf fans and travelers alike.

Key Highlights of the DP World Tour 2026 Calendar
A New Event in Catalunya
One of the most notable additions to the 2026 schedule is the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship. Set in Barcelona at the Real Club de Golf El Prat, this tournament marks the return of a DP World Tour event to this venue after more than a decade. This event holds special significance as it coincides with Spain’s successful bid to host the 2031 Ryder Cup, making the event even more memorable.

Global Tournaments Across Five Regions
The tour will be divided into three phases: five ‘Global Swings,’ the ‘Back 9,’ and the DP World Tour Play-Offs. Each phase promises a unique experience for players and fans. Among the standout tournaments is the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a highlight of the International Swing, and the prestigious BMW PGA Championship in England, which will be part of the Closing Swing. Players will also take part in several co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour, providing a broader competitive stage.

Amgen Irish Open Moves to a New Venue
The 2026 edition of the Amgen Irish Open will be held at the stunning Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Ireland. This marks a new chapter for the tournament, which has traditionally been hosted in different locations across Ireland. The event will also be part of the ‘Back 9’ phase, bringing together world-class golf and the charm of the Irish coast.

Scenic Destinations Await Golf Enthusiasts
Golf fans have much to look forward to, with the tour covering various breathtaking locations. Not only will participants showcase their skills on some of the world’s best golf courses, but travelers can also enjoy unique cultural experiences in the host cities. From the vibrant atmosphere of Dubai to the tranquil beauty of Mauritius, each location brings its own flair to the competition.

What Should Travelers Do When Visiting These Destinations?
For golf enthusiasts planning to attend some of these tournaments, each destination offers more than just the thrill of the game. Here are some tips for making the most of the experience:

Dubai, UAE: Apart from witnessing top-tier golf at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic or the DP World Tour Championship, visitors can explore Dubai’s iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall. The city’s blend of modernity and tradition makes it a perfect destination for tourists.
Barcelona, Spain: The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship offers an opportunity to explore the rich culture of Barcelona. From the architectural wonders of Antoni Gaudí to the beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean, there’s plenty to do when you’re not watching the tournament.
Ireland’s Doonbeg: Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg provides a picturesque backdrop of Ireland’s rugged coastline. Beyond golf, visitors can immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage, with historic castles, lively pubs, and the dramatic landscapes of the Cliffs of Moher.
Scotland: The Genesis Scottish Open is set against the backdrop of the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, one of Scotland’s most scenic courses. Scotland is also home to numerous other world-renowned golf courses, including St. Andrews, and is a perfect destination for history buffs, with its castles and ancient sites.
South Africa: The Investec South African Open Championship offers an exciting opportunity to experience the beauty of Stellenbosch. Travelers can enjoy the scenic vineyards, local wildlife, and cultural landmarks, along with incredible golf action.
The Road to the Play-Offs
The season culminates with the DP World Tour Play-Offs in Dubai, where the top players will battle it out for the coveted Race to Dubai crown. In addition to the thrilling action on the course, the Play-Offs provide a unique opportunity to experience the luxury and hospitality of Dubai.

DP World Tour 2026 Calendar (Summary)
Opening Swing
Nov 27-30, 2025: BMW Australian PGA Championship (Royal Queensland GC, Brisbane, Australia)
Dec 4-7, 2025: Australian Open (Royal Melbourne GC, Melbourne, Australia)
Dec 4-7, 2025: Nedbank Golf Challenge (Gary Player CC, Sun City, South Africa)
Dec 11-14, 2025: Alfred Dunhill Championship (Royal Johannesburg Club, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Dec 18-21, 2025: AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open (Heritage La Réserve GC, Mauritius)
International Swing
Jan 16-19, 2026: Dubai Invitational (Dubai Creek Resort, UAE)
Jan 22-25, 2026: Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE)
Jan 29-Feb 1, 2026: Bahrain Championship (Royal GC, Bahrain)
Feb 5-8, 2026: Middle East Event (TBA)
Feb 19-22, 2026: Magical Kenya Open (TBA, Kenya)
Feb 26-Mar 1, 2026: Investec South African Open Championship (Stellenbosch GC, South Africa)
Mar 5-8, 2026: Joburg Open (Houghton GC, Johannesburg, South Africa)
Asian Swing
Mar 19-22, 2026: Hainan Classic (Mission Hills, China)
Mar 26-29, 2026: Hero Indian Open (TBA, India)
Apr 9-12, 2026: The Masters (Augusta, GA, USA)
Apr 23-26, 2026: Volvo China Open (Shanghai, China)
Apr 30-May 3, 2026: Turkish Airlines Open (TBA, Turkey)
European Swing
May 7-10, 2026: Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship (Barcelona, Spain)
May 14-17, 2026: PGA Championship (Aronimink GC, PA, USA)
May 21-24, 2026: Soudal Open (Rinkven GC, Antwerp, Belgium)
May 28-31, 2026: Austrian Alpine Open (Kitzbühel, Austria)
Closing Swing
Jul 9-12, 2026: Genesis Scottish Open (The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland)
Jul 9-12, 2026: ISCO Championship (Hurstbourne CC, Louisville, KY, USA)
Jul 16-19, 2026: The 154th Open (Royal Birkdale GC, England)
Jul 16-19, 2026: Corales Puntacana Championship (Puntacana, Dominican Republic)
Back 9
Aug 27-30, 2026: Betfred British Masters (The Belfry, England)
Sep 3-6, 2026: Omega European Masters (Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Switzerland)
Sep 10-13, 2026: Amgen Irish Open (Trump International, Doonbeg, Ireland)
Sep 17-20, 2026: BMW PGA Championship (Wentworth Club, Surrey, England)
Sep 24-27, 2026: FedEx Open de France (Le Golf National, France)
DP World Tour Play-Offs
Nov 5-8, 2026: Abu Dhabi Championship (TBA, Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Nov 12-15, 2026: DP World Tour Championship (Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE)

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/dp-world-tour-2026-from-the-hero-dubai-desert-classic-to-the-scottish-open-a-global-golf-journey-across-iconic-locations-and-sports-tourism-hotspots/

29/09/2025

Rory McIlroy has hit out at the "unacceptable and abusive behaviour" at the Ryder Cup after his wife Erica was hit by a drink thrown by an American fan in New York.

The incident happened on the 17th tee at Bethpage during McIlroy's Saturday afternoon match alongside his good friend Shane Lowry.

"It should be off-limits, but it wasn't this week," said the Northern Irishman after Europe's 15-13 win over the United States on Sunday.

"Erica is fine. She's a strong woman. She handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we're going to have a good time celebrating [this win]."

Lowry added: "I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing."

McIlroy, the world number two, said the Ryder Cup victory capped "the best year of my career" after also winning the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam of all four major titles, plus the Irish Open.

He is normally adored by American fans, given he plays on the PGA Tour, but this week he bore the brunt of the barbs.

A hostile crowd in New York had been anticipated and after a reasonably quiet opening day on Friday, the abuse began to fly on Saturday as Europe opened up a seven-point lead.

McIlroy eventually snapped and swore at a spectator who called out while he was addressing the ball.

"I chirped back because it got to me a few times, but we tried to handle everything that came our way with class and poise, and for the most part, I felt like we did that," he said.

"It was a rough week for all of us. But at the same time, we shut them up by our performance."

The next Ryder Cup, in 2027, will be held at Adare Manor in Ireland and McIlroy is adamant that the abuse he suffered will not surface when the contest marks its 100th anniversary.

"Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week," he said.

"Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.

"Sometimes this week we didn't see that. So no, this should not be acceptable in the Ryder Cup.

"We will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable."

McIlroy added that he would be "annoyed" if he was an American at the level of support directed towards the home players.

"I didn't hear a lot of shouts for Scottie [Scheffler - McIlroy's opponent on Sunday], but I heard a lot of shouts against me," he said.

"Support your players. The amount of security presence was insane. Nothing was going to happen, there wasn't going to be a physical altercation but there was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour.

"It's a minority. The majority are true golf fans and respectful and let both teams have the same chance to hit the shots and play a fair contest.

"But there was a small subset of people that behaved a little bit differently than that."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/articles/c1jzkjkd283o

29/09/2025

By the time Europe finished the job, finally, on Sunday, the golf had the last word. But until the thrilling denouement, the lasting memory of this Ryder Cup threatened not to be a single swing of the club so much as the ugly backdrop: galleries that drifted from partisan into venomous and the organizers who let the line slide until it snapped.

It didn’t happen all at once. For the first day and a half of golf’s most intense rivalry, it was New York-loud without being unruly. Then Saturday afternoon arrived and the tenor shifted. Rory McIlroy, the visiting lightning rod, kept stepping off shots as volleys of abuse landed in the quiet of his pre-shot routine. Shane Lowry played teammate and minder. Justin Thomas, not exactly a shrinking violet, began shushing his own end of the grandstand so his opponents could putt.

There’s a difference between atmosphere and interference, and Bethpage spent too much of the weekend blurring the two. Boos during practice swings and the sing-song “YEW-ESS-AY! YEW-ESS-AY!” after a European miss were tiresome, but survivable. What crept in on Saturday was different: insults aimed at players’ wives, homophobic slurs, cheap shots at McIlroy’s nationality dripping with tiresome stereotypes, gleeful reminders of Pinehurst the moment McIlroy crouched over anything inside five feet.

Europe answered with performance. So much for home advantage: for two years the Bethpage sales pitch was the snarling, uniquely American cauldron that would rattle Europe. Message received, but the idiots took it literally. Add the optics of Donald Trump’s fly-in on Friday – fist bumps, photo-ops, galleries dotted with Maga hats and a certain politics of humiliation playing to its base – and the swagger slid easily into license. That doesn’t make the Ryder Cup a referendum. It does explain how quickly the rope line starts to feel like a boundary you’re invited to test.

Given the guest of honor’s well-known aversion to losing gracefully, it was hardly a shock that the worst behavior broke out just as America’s chances were slipping away. But the tournament’s response to the ugly crowd conduct on Saturday was woeful. Extra security and a phalanx of New York state troopers materialized around McIlroy’s match at the turn. A couple of spectators were ejected near the main grandstands. The PGA of America said it bolstered policing and pushed more frequent spectator etiquette messages on the big screens. Fine, as far as it goes. But once a thousand people have decided a backswing is their cue, you can’t manage it with a graphic and a frown. Enforcement has to be swift, visible and consequential or it becomes permission by another name.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/28/usa-fans-ryder-cup-rory-mcilroy

29/09/2025

Team Europe won the Ryder Cup for the second successive time following an intensely dramatic afternoon of singles matches at Bethpage Black

The visitors were seemingly home and dry as a result of dominant performances over the course of the first two days, with the score at 11.5 - 4.5 on Saturday evening.

Heading into the 12 singles matches, Luke Donald's men only required 2.5 points to take the trophy back across the Atlantic.

Then, before a ball had even been struck, Europe's task was made marginally easier via unfortunate circumstances as Viktor Hovland was forced to withdraw from his match due to a neck injury. The Norwegian's clash with Harris English resulted in a tie and the score moved on to 12-5.

Although most experts and fans gave the USA little to no chance of overturning the deficit, based on what they had witnessed across Friday and Saturday, there were at least 12 men who blindly believed it was possible.

And Bradley's side made the best possible start as Cameron Young and Justin Thomas both won their respective matches over Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood via clutch putts on the 18th green.

Young and Thomas' matches had followed similar patterns to most of the others on Sunday - an even start made way for American dominance as the day wore on. Even matches where Europe were initially comfortable began to slide away thanks to the indomitable US spirit.

With the tide fully turned in America's direction and a sea of red appearing on the board later in the day, a prime example of the momentum switch saw Matt Fitzpatrick's 5up position go up in smoke down the back nine as Bryson DeChambeau started to catch fire.

Once the Scientist sealed a gritty half point at the last, European faces wore extremely concerned expressions.

Scottie Scheffler finally won a point at the fifth time of asking in a tense match with Rory McIlroy to heap more pressure on the visiting side, only for Ludvig Aberg to clinch Europe's only outright win of the day and drag the finishing line just a little bit closer.

Yet, wins for Xander Schauffele and JJ Spaun ensured the US continued to gain on Europe and brought matches which no one had expected to matter into the frame.

But, perhaps fittingly - given the next Ryder Cup is to be played at Adare Manor in Ireland - Shane Lowry secured the vital half-point Europe required and locked the projected score at 14-14 in a worst-case scenario.

And although Ben Griffin saw off Rasmus Hojgaard 1up late on, the true belief from America appeared to have disappeared once Lowry's putt dropped. That allowed Tyrrell Hatton to be the hero and seal the half-point Europe needed to win the Ryder Cup outright in the penultimate match.

Robert MacIntyre's 18th-hole success aided the Scot in taking yet another crucial half-point for the Europeans, and that was truly the cherry on top of the cake for Team Europe as they began to celebrate a 15-13 victory.

Speaking immediately after the final putt dropped, Donald said: "It's been the most stressful 12 hours in my life. Shout-out to the Americans, Keegan, his captaincy. I knew it would be tough. I didn't think they would be this tough on Sunday, they fought so hard, and all the respect to them.

"But this means a lot obviously to me and the team. We came here knowing that the task was very difficult. I couldn't be more proud of these guys and what they have done through, how they have come together, how they are playing for history, how they are playing for the people that came before them, and now there will be talk for generations to come as someone going down in history. Couldn't be more proud."

https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/live/ryder-cup-2025-scores-final-day-sunday-singles

28/09/2025

The fate of the 2025 Ryder Cup lies firmly in European hands following two days of utter domination from Luke Donald's men at Bethpage Black.

Leading 5.5 - 2.5 at the end of day one, the away side won both of Saturday's sessions by a 3-1 scoreline and put themselves within touching distance of a first away victory by either side since 2012.

Cameron Young and Bryson DeChambeau plus JJ Spaun and Xander Schauffele were the only US players able to put their name on an outright success during Saturday, with Tommy Fleetwood starring for Team Europe as the visitors answered every question their hosts asked of them and then some.

The quality of the Europeans' play was made all the more impressive given a minority of US fans' behaviour crossed the line throughout the day and extra security was brought in for the afternoon matches.

The stress of the situation also possibly played a part in a flashpoint involving Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Rose late on, although the incident was quickly dealt with by both parties and the match finished in amicable circumstances.

Heading into Sunday's singles session, the men in blue and gold will be attempting to complete the job quickly before ploughing on in an attempt to create even more history.

https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/ryder-cup-schedule-tee-times-results-2025

25/09/2025

Harold Wilson, a British prime minister in the 1960s and 1970s, is credited with the saying: “A week is a long time in politics,” implying that governments, prime ministers even, can fall within seven days.

Wilson died years ago but versions of his saying regularly reappear in conversation. Here is another: “A week, specifically the Ryder Cup week, is a long time in golf.”

Arrive on Monday morning fresh-faced and keen to cover an event that does not start until Friday and you face a long haul of hours and days that must be filled. Sometimes, though, a story comes to you. Sometimes an incident, first reported in the buildup to Ryder Cup week, gets blown up into more than it deserves.

Question: Do we need to hear more about money at the Ryder Cup and the payments made to the U.S. players? This issue was the seventh question put to American captain Keegan Bradley at his first press conference of the 45th Ryder Cup. It is hardly a new subject. Payments began for U.S. men in 1999 when players received $200,000 to be given to two charities, one of their choosing and one of the PGA of America’s.

It bubbled up again early in Keegan Bradley’s current captaincy because he was asked by the PGA of America to “… bring the Ryder Cup into the present day. The charity dollars hadn’t changed much since 1999 and [the PGA of America] asked me to sort of shepherd their way into making it into 2025,” Bradley explained on Monday.

The answer was to increase the payment to $500,000 to each player, with $300,000 designated for charity and $200,000 as a stipend. Some, such as Scottie Scheffler, said his entire payment would go to charities with which he was associated without naming those charities. “The guys on our team are incredible people who do incredible things with charity dollars and their foundations,” Bradley said. “A lot of them aren’t comfortable sharing that sort of information, and I feel the same way.”

The Europeans resolutely decline payment for participating in a Ryder Cup, pointing out how well paid they are already and how much it means to them. One dozen former U.S. Ryder Cup captains, including Tom Watson, have opposed the PGA of America’s pay-for-play plan.

In taking payments for the biennial event in which they represent their country and repeatedly talk about the honour of doing so, the Americans are seen by some as ceding the moral high ground to the Europeans.

https://www.globalgolfpost.com/featured/ryder-cup-pay-registers-low-on-controversy-meter/

25/09/2025

The Ryder Cup 2025 is just 24 hours away from starting with the course known as ‘The Beast’ at Bethpage set to challenge both the USA and Europe over three fiercely-contested days of golf.

After passionate speeches at the opening ceremony, captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley will reveal the opening four pairings for the Friday morning foursomes in one of the most anticipated days in golf.

One of the decisive factors will be the challenge of suppressing an expected raucous New York crowd, with Collin Morikawa making a plea for “chaos” to swing momentum to the home team.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau will both speak on Thursday, having fired shots at each other in the build-up, and could collide on Friday in the latest chapter to a compelling rivalry.

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/ryder-cup-2025-live-pairings-friday-foursomes-europe-usa-b2833153.html

23/09/2025

Ryder Cup 2025: The closest contest in a generation? What to expect as Team USA host Team Europe at Bethpage Black in New York
Team Europe look to claim the first away victory at the Ryder Cup since the 2012 'Miracle at Medinah'; Luke Donald chases back-to-back victories over the United States and a famous win at Bethpage Black.

The last time a Ryder Cup has been won - by either team - on foreign soil, Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge of Manchester United, Andy Murray was reigning US Open champion and Team GB had just celebrated an Olympics to remember in London.

While for most of us those sporting landmarks may feel like recent memories, the reality is that some 13 years and five Ryder Cups have passed without any visiting team coming remotely close to an away success.

Since Europe recovered from being 10-4 down to deliver one of the all-time great sporting comebacks in 2012, snatching victory in such unlikely fashion that it is referred to as the 'Miracle at Medinah', every following Ryder Cup has been won by five points or more.

Europe are unquestionably a dominant force on home soil, with America losing on each of their last seven visits across the Atlantic, but replicating that in the United States has historically proven far more challenging.

Team USA have only lost four times at home in the 98-year history of this biennial event, with the last Ryder Cup held in the United States seeing them triumph 19-9 - the largest margin of victory since players from Continental Europe were allowed to feature.

Although home advantage and having the stronger team (based on the Official Golf World Ranking) will make Team USA slight favourites to regain the trophy, this year's eagerly-anticipated edition - live from September 26-28 on Sky Sports - has the potential to be the closest in a generation.

https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13434133/ryder-cup-2025-the-closest-contest-in-a-generation-what-to-expect-as-team-usa-host-team-europe-at-bethpage-black-in-new-york

23/09/2025

Saudi Arabia Opens Shura Links, Making Statement In Destination Golf

Shura Links, Saudi Arabia's first island golf course, has officially opened for play in the Red Sea, a noteworthy step in the Kingdom's ambitious transformation into a global golf destination. The groundbreaking course represents the most visible symbol yet of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy and establish itself as a premier destination for international tourism and sporting events.

"Having designed 20 courses for the massive Mission Hills Golf Club in China, I am certainly no stranger to bold and imaginative projects," said golf architect Brian Curley, whose firm has built courses in 25 countries, including projects in the U.S. and China as well as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Mexico, Sweden, and beyond. "The effort here by Red Sea Global is groundbreaking and monumental and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Curley designed Shura Links to seamlessly blend with its natural environment, but the 7,400-yard, par-72 championship course can also stretch to more than 7,700 yards in order to potentially host future professional tournaments. The layout winds through native mangroves and brilliant white dunes while hugging long stretches of Red Sea shoreline.

Sustainability is a focus, as Shura Links has just 70 acres of irrigated turf that features drought and salt-tolerant (Platinum TE Paspalum) grass and landscaping that integrates desert flora, palms, and flowering trees across sweeping sand expanses.

"Too many desert courses penalize golfers with lost balls in thick vegetation," Curley said. "Here, the course is framed by brilliant white sand and open expanses punctuated with bursts of natural dunes vegetation that inspire creativity while keeping the game moving."
The course features wide playing corridors, firm and fast fairways, and open approaches that invite varied angles of attack -- particularly valuable in windy coastal conditions. Signature holes include dune-framed par-3s on holes 6 and 15 that play directly toward the Red Sea, and a dramatic, driveable par-4 16th hole that offers late-round risk-reward opportunities.

Beyond the golf course, Shura Links anchors a destination that will feature 11 luxury hotels, including Four Seasons, Raffles, Rosewood, and Jumeirah properties, all opening in the coming weeks. Located just 30 minutes from Red Sea International Airport via, in part, a 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) causeway, the island development is intended to be accessible yet exclusive.

"This is another proud milestone in our mission to reshape global tourism through sustainability and design, and a significant step in building Red Sea Global's diverse sports portfolio, aligning perfectly with Vision 2030's goal of establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier global sporting destination," said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, which has recreational assets that also include ownership, sponsorship or partnerships with water sports, diving, and land-based adventure sports.

The course’s infrastructure is geared to support both resort play and professional tournaments, with an expansive practice range, short-game area, two-acre family putting course, and a very distinctive modernist clubhouse designed by Foster + Partners.

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a commitment to becoming a major player in global golf and the National Golf Foundation notes the nation is among the current world leaders in active golf development. Shura Links is among the first to reach the finish line, with a combination of world-class design, environmental consciousness, and luxury amenities set against a Red Sea backdrop that signals the Kingdom is willing (if not yet quite ready) to compete with established golf destinations on the worldwide stage.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikmatuszewski/2025/09/22/saudi-arabia-opens-shura-links-making-statement-in-destination-golf/

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