Golf on the Red Sea: Yes, It Exists

It surprises a lot of visitors: amid the diving, deserts, and beaches, the Red Sea coast is also home to genuine championship golf. Lush green fairways rolling beside turquoise water and desert mountains make for some of the more unexpected — and memorable — rounds you can play. If you're a golfer who'd love to swing a club between snorkels, or planning a golf-focused escape, here's a guide to golf on the Red Sea.

The short answer: yes, the Red Sea has real golf — notably championship courses in Soma Bay, El Gouna, and the Hurghada area — set against a striking sea-and-desert backdrop. It's a surprising, scenic addition to a beach holiday or a destination in its own right.

Golf by the desert sea

Golf on the Red Sea is a study in contrasts: manicured green fairways and water features set against arid desert and the deep blue of the sea. The courses are designed to thrive in the climate, offering well-kept greens and dramatic scenery. Playing here means year-round sunshine, striking views, and the novelty of golfing where desert meets sea. It's a genuinely distinctive golfing experience, and the courses are of real quality, including championship-standard designs.

Where to play

Golf clusters around a few key areas on the coast:

• Soma Bay — home to a notable championship course on its peninsula, a highlight for golfers and part of what makes Soma Bay a well-rounded resort destination.
• El Gouna — the stylish lagoon town offers golf among its many activities, with a course set in its distinctive landscape.
• Hurghada area — courses in and around Hurghada add to the options, making the region a viable golf base.

These give the Red Sea a real golfing scene, often attached to or near quality resorts.

Who it's for

Golf on the Red Sea suits keen golfers who want to play on holiday, couples or groups where some want to golf while others dive or relax, and travellers seeking a golf-and-beach combination. The year-round warm weather makes it appealing as a winter-sun golf escape too. It's a great way to add variety to a Red Sea trip, or to build a holiday around the sport in a sunny, scenic setting.

Combining golf with the rest

One of the joys of golf here is how easily it pairs with everything else the coast offers. You can golf in the cooler morning, dive or snorkel in the afternoon, enjoy the spa, take a desert safari, or relax on the beach — all from a resort base near the course. This flexibility makes the Red Sea ideal for golfers travelling with non-golfing partners or families, since there's so much else to do.

How to plan a golf trip

• Choose a resort near or with a course — Soma Bay, El Gouna, and the Hurghada area are the main options.
• Book tee times in advance, especially in peak season.
• Check whether your resort offers golf packages or partnerships with courses.
• Confirm equipment — whether to bring your clubs or rent locally.
• Consider the season — the coast is warm year-round, but cooler months may be more comfortable for a full round.

Practical tips

Book tee times ahead and confirm any dress code and rules. Decide whether to bring or rent clubs. Play in the cooler parts of the day and stay hydrated — the sun and heat are significant. Use sun protection. Combine golf with the coast's other activities for a varied trip. And consider a golf-and-beach resort base to make the most of both.

Golf on the Red Sea is one of the coast's best-kept secrets — championship courses set spectacularly between desert and sea, with year-round sunshine and the freedom to combine a round with diving, spa, and beach time. Whether you're a dedicated golfer or just fancy a scenic round on holiday, it's a delightful and unexpected option.

Fancy a round by the sea? Find Red Sea golf resorts and courses on packnplan, and tee off against a backdrop of desert and turquoise water.