The National Golf Club at Qiddiya: Championship Golf Beneath the Tuwaiq Cliffs
Designed by Sir Nick Faldo and shaped around three six-hole loops, The National Golf Club brings a new kind of golf experience to the edge of Riyadh: a full championship course with a more flexible way to play, dramatic desert scenery and public access without a membership requirement.
The National Golf Club at Qiddiya gives Riyadh a new golf destination beneath the Tuwaiq Mountains. Sir Nick Faldo designed the 18-hole course around three loops of six holes. As a result, golfers can enjoy a shorter format or plan a full round. The club also welcomes public visitors without a membership requirement. Its desert setting, flexible layout and visitor facilities make it one of Saudi Arabia’s notable new golf venues.
Golf in Qiddiya, beneath the Tuwaiq Mountains
The club sits within Qiddiya City, about 45 kilometres from Riyadh. Here, the Tuwaiq escarpment frames the fairways with long sandstone cliffs. The contrast gives the course a strong sense of place. Green playing surfaces, sculpted bunkers and sandy routes sit within the rugged central Saudi landscape.
That setting does more than create a striking view. It connects the golf experience to the natural character of Qiddiya. For visitors looking for golf in Riyadh, the club offers a different setting from the capital’s established urban courses.
A championship course designed by Sir Nick Faldo
Sir Nick Faldo, a six-time major champion, designed the National Golf Club with Faldo Design. The layout responds to Qiddiya’s terrain and gives golfers a varied test. It aims to challenge experienced players while keeping the overall experience welcoming and enjoyable.
Its most distinctive feature is the routing. Faldo divided the 18 holes into three separate six-hole loops. This structure gives the club more choice when it schedules play. It also lets visitors plan a round around their time, rather than treating 18 holes as the only option.
Three loops create more ways to play at The National Golf Club at Qiddiya
Each loop contains six holes. Golfers can therefore ask about a shorter session or book the full 18-hole round. The format may suit visitors with limited time, regular players who want a focused practice round, and groups with different schedules.
The club’s announcements describe the loops as a way to offer shorter or full rounds. However, they do not publish separate scorecards or a detailed hole-by-hole route for each loop. Ask the Golf Shop which combinations it offers on your chosen date. That way, you can plan around confirmed options.
More than a place to start and finish a round
The clubhouse gives golfers a place to prepare, relax and meet after play. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with light meals and refreshments. Visitors can also enjoy the 19th Hole, which looks across the course. During play, a mobile food and beverage cart serves golfers on the course.
Non-golfers can visit the dining facilities too. In addition, the club provides golf carts, lockers, showers, club rental and an on-site Golf Shop. Premium rental sets come in right- and left-handed options, with different shaft flex choices. For footwear, the club accepts soft-spike golf shoes or sneakers. Metal spikes are not permitted.
Guests should also wear golf clothing that respects local culture. Check the club’s visitor guidance before arrival, especially when organising a group.
Who can play at the National Golf Club?
The National Golf Club is open to the public. Visitors do not need a membership to book a round. This policy makes the venue accessible to residents, tourists and golfers who want to try a new course in Saudi Arabia.
There is an important distinction, though. The club’s current visitor FAQ says players need previous golf experience to use the 18-hole National Course. It also prefers a handicap or other proof of playing experience. Therefore, first-time golfers should contact the club before travelling and ask about suitable coaching or introductory options.
Golf Saudi operates the venue under an agreement with Qiddiya Investment Company. The club also connects with wider player-development activity in the Kingdom, including the Faldo Series and junior competitions.
How to reach the Qiddiya golf course from Riyadh
Qiddiya City lies about 45 kilometres from Riyadh. Visitors can travel by private car, taxi or ride-hailing service. The official visitor guide also outlines car rental and a possible public-transport route using the Riyadh Metro and a Qiddiya shuttle.
Expect an indicative journey of around 90 minutes from central Riyadh. Traffic and your starting point will affect the actual trip. It lists the shuttle as a planned service, so check its operating status before relying on the Metro connection. Visitors arriving at King Khalid International Airport should also review the airport route in the official Plan Your Visit guide.
Before setting out, check the route again. This is especially useful when you are coordinating a group or combining golf with other Qiddiya attractions.
How to book a round at The National Golf Club at Qiddiya
The club accepts bookings online, by telephone and in person at the Golf Shop. Walk-in visitors are welcome, but the club recommends booking ahead. Use the official National Golf Club website to reach its booking service and check the latest visitor information.
Before you confirm, check whether the available booking covers six holes or 18. Also confirm the number of players, rental equipment and any documents required for a special rate. Players booking the full course should review the club’s experience requirements.
Green fees and tee-time availability can change. We have not quoted a price because we could not verify a current public rate list on the official pages reviewed for this guide. Check the live booking service for the price that applies to your date.
Golf Saudi’s role and the next phase at Qiddiya
On 5 November 2026, Qiddiya Investment Company and Golf Saudi announced a five-year operating agreement. Golf Saudi manages the course, daily golf operations, events and the visitor experience. It also supports player development. This agreement links the club to the wider growth of golf across Saudi Arabia.
The opening phase includes a dedicated clubhouse. Qiddiya has also outlined a later development phase for 2028. Plans include a new landmark clubhouse, a modern driving range and an academy designed by Patterson’s. These facilities belong to the future phase; visitors should not assume they are open today.
The project also carries a sustainability focus. Qiddiya and the Saudi Press Agency have reported GEO Certified Development status. They have also highlighted recycled-water irrigation, smart water management, refill points and electric golf carts. Together, these measures form part of the club’s approach to its desert setting.
How Qiddiya fits into Saudi Arabia’s golf scene
The National Golf Club adds a new public-access championship venue to Riyadh’s golf offer. For golfers comparing courses in the capital, The National Golf Club at Qiddiya stands out for its three-loop format and public access. It also gives visitors another course to consider when planning a golf trip in Saudi Arabia. Nearby options include Dirab Golf & Country Club, an early landmark in Saudi grass-course golf, and InterContinental Palms Golf Club, a nine-hole course in the capital.
For a wider view, explore the MENA Golf Course Guide. You can also read about Saudi golf pioneer Othman Al Mulla and the growth of the game in the Kingdom.
Qiddiya is developing as a destination for sport, entertainment and culture. Within that vision, the National Golf Club has a clear role: it brings Faldo design, a flexible six-hole loop structure and public access together in a dramatic Saudi landscape.
Visitor details checked against The National Golf Club’s official FAQ and Plan Your Visit pages, plus Qiddiya Investment Company and Saudi Press Agency announcements dated 29 October and 5 November 2026. Confirm live booking, prices, transport and operating details before travel.
