Qiddiya's National Golf Club to open October 30 with Nick Faldo-designed course

Public access and flexible rounds

About 45 kilometers from Riyadh, the club sits beneath the 200-meter-high Tuwaiq cliffs. Its layout consists of three six-hole loops, giving golfers the option of a shorter round or all 18 holes. Coaching and practice facilities will cater to both newcomers and experienced players.

Golf Saudi's five-year management agreement covers day-to-day operations, events, course upkeep and player development. The club will open with a dedicated clubhouse, while a larger clubhouse, driving range and golf academy are scheduled for 2028.

Faldo said his design aims to challenge golfers without putting the course out of reach for players of differing abilities.

A layout shaped by cliffs and wadis

Andrew Haggar, Faldo Design's lead golf course architect, said the proposed site was moved farther east to place the course within the "amphitheatre" of the Tuwaiq cliffs and incorporate its network of wadis, or dry riverbeds.

Among the holes Haggar highlighted are the 419-yard, par-4 17th, where a split fairway presents a risk-reward choice, and the long par-3 third. The latter requires a carry across a significant wadi to reach a green positioned at its edge.

Golf Course Architecture reported that Saudi Salco Contracting Company built the course with Flagstick Golf Course Construction Management, supervised by Jasara Program Management Company. Atlas Turf Arabia supplied the Platinum TE paspalum used to grass the course; the turf was chosen for its tolerance of heat, salt and drought.

Water, energy and the next phase

QIC's October 29 announcement, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, describes a design intended for sustainable play over extended hours. It combines irrigation using recycled water with smart water management and energy-efficient LED floodlighting for night golf. Other measures include water refill points, green roofs and electric golf carts, along with a maintenance fleet that is predominantly electric.

The club has received GEO Certified Development status from the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, a sustainability accreditation.

The facilities planned for 2028 were designed by New Zealand-based architecture firm Pattersons, according to Golf Industry Asia and Golf Course Architecture. The green-roofed structure connects the Golf Clubhouse, a Social & Wellness Hub and the Academy. Open to the public, it is to house fitness and wellness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, dining venues and social spaces.

Junior golf and Qiddiya's sports plans

Junior competitions and the development of emerging Saudi golfers will be supported through the club's partnership with the Faldo Series. Under an agreement announced in 2025, Qiddiya City became a global partner of the series and will host its regional youth events in Saudi Arabia, Golf Industry Asia reported.

Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Faisal linked the project to Vision 2030's efforts to broaden sporting opportunities. He said the club would bring new players into golf, nurture Saudi talent and improve the country's capacity to stage major international tournaments. QIC also said the facility would help increase sports participation and draw international visitors.

The golf club is part of Qiddiya City's wider entertainment, sports and cultural development. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia are already open. Planned venues include the National Tennis Centre, Speed Park Track, Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium and a Horse Racing Venue.