The National Golf Club opens in Qiddiya City, no membership needed
Qiddiya City's 18-hole course by Sir Nick Faldo opened on 30 October, 45 km from Riyadh, and anyone can play it without joining a club.
Riyadh has a new public golf course on its doorstep. The National Golf Club at Qiddiya City opened on Friday 30 October, and unlike most championship courses in the region it asks for no membership: it is open to beginners, families, visitors and experienced players alike.
The 18-hole course was designed by Sir Nick Faldo, the six-time major winner, and runs beneath the Tuwaiq cliffs, which rise about 200 metres above the fairways. It sits about 45 km from Riyadh, next to the National Tennis Centre that is still being built. The layout is split into three loops of six holes, so a round can be six, twelve or the full eighteen holes, which suits anyone short on time or new to the game.
Qiddiya Investment Company, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund, announced the club's name and look on 29 October. Golf Saudi, the national body that runs the sport in the kingdom, will operate it under a five-year agreement covering the course, events and player development. Qiddiya first showed the course plans in July 2025. The club is also a partner of the Faldo Series, which runs junior competitions, so young Saudi players will have tournaments to aim for here.
For now players use a temporary clubhouse. The permanent clubhouse, a driving range and a golf academy, designed by Patterson's, are due in 2028. The course already has practice and coaching areas and beginner programmes. It carries GEO certification for sustainable golf, is watered with recycled water, uses electric carts, and LED lighting is planned so play can continue after dark.
Golfers who want to try it should know that green fees, opening hours and the booking method had not been published when the club opened. Golf Saudi, the operator, takes bookings for its courses on its own website, so that is the place to check first, along with Qiddiya's own channels. Plan on about 45 minutes by car from central Riyadh, bring water and sun protection for daytime rounds, and pick a six-hole loop if it is your first time on a full-size course.