Jack Nicklaus, with a record 18 professional major championships to his name, has confirmed that he is designing a championship golf course for Qiddiya. His first ever course in Saudi Arabia is under design and is awaiting commencement of construction, 40 minutes from the Saudi capital of Riyadh.
Jack and Nicklaus Design are creating the championship course for a private golf and country club. It is set within an upmarket residential community in the heart of the Qiddiya development. The golf course will be framed by the majestic Tuwaiq mountain range, and ground is expected to be broken later this year.
“I am excited by this project and my first golf course design in the Middle East. To be selected as one of the first international designers to work in the Kingdom is a great honour. I’ve already spent time looking at the topography of the land, images of the backdrop and terrain, and discussing with our design team a strategy for the course. The design will fully integrate the natural environment and the beautiful Qiddiya landscape, bringing together green spaces and mountainous terrain to form a picturesque canvas for both a beautiful and challenging golf course,” Nicklaus commented in a press release.
Construction began in 2019
Construction on the Qiddiya project began in 2019. The golf development will include a high-end resort hotel and spa, as well as exclusive residences. The aim is to position the development as the premier Golf and Country Club and number one course in the Kingdom. It will be constructed with a view to hosting prestigious international championships in future years. The course will challenge elite golfers while providing casual players with an opportunity to enjoy the sport.
“By being involved in this project, we hope to promote the development and enjoyment of the game in the Kingdom. We not only want to entice Saudi residents to take up the great game of golf, but we also hope this presents employment opportunities for citizens of the Kingdom that are within or related to the golf industry. This mirrors the vision of Qiddiya,” Nicklaus added.
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