Tuesday 26 / November / 2024
Muscat: Almouj Golf has moved up two spots from fourth to second in the top ten golf courses in the Middle East, according to a study conducted biennially by Golf Digest magazine. The Sultanate’s first 18-hole PGA standard Links course has beaten competition from some of the most prestigious courses and elite layouts in the region.
“On behalf of Almouj Muscat, it is my pleasure to congratulate the management and staff of Almouj Golf on this well-deserved recognition from its peers in the international golfing community. It is a tribute to the world-class venue’s uncompromising delivery of the highest standards of service every single day and to the key role it plays in developing sports tourism in Oman. I am proud to say that this accomplishment is also a resounding endorsement of Almouj Muscat’s on-going success in realising its vision of delivering Oman’s premium lifestyle destination,” enthused Nasser Al Shiebani, Acting CEO of Al Mouj Muscat.
“This acknowledgment is a testament to Almouj Golf’s distinct character, intricate signature design by Greg Norman, unique coastal setting and the magnificent backdrop of Al Hajjar Mountains. All these elements came together to attract the best-of-the best golfers, enthusiasts and tournaments such as our flagship NBO Golf Classic Grand Final,” Mubarak Hill, Club Manager at Almouj Golf, said.
Mubarak Hill added: “Our ethos from the outset was to position ourselves as a world-class golfing destination that reflects the rich hospitality and traditions of Oman. It brings me great pleasure to say that in only three years, that vision is becoming a reality.”
Twenty-eight experts selected by Golf Digest magazine from around the world ranging from editors to decorated Golf Tour professionals ranked the Top Ten Golf Courses in the Middle East.
The judging process was based on seven criteria including shot values, design variety, resistance to scoring, memorability, aesthetics, conditioning and ambiance.
Robbie Greenfield, Editor at Golf Digest Middle East said: “Almouj Golf was a new entry at No. 4 in our 2013 ranking and this time around it ascends two places, only narrowly missing out on the top spot. This Greg Norman design is an absolute belter of a golf course. There are no gentle crescendos and it is drama all the way.”
Central to the sports tourism allure of Almouj Golf is its position at the heart of Almouj Muscat, a flourishing cosmopolitan integrated tourism development and Oman’s premium waterfront community.
A magnet for international visitors, Almouj Muscat also boasts the award-winning eco-conscious 124-berth Almouj Marina, an increasingly popular destination for the international boating community. And The Walk, Almouj Muscat’s landmark commercial gateway, is one of the Sultanate’s most popular social hubs and family entertainment centres.
Constantly innovating and adding to its assets and amenities, the vibrant community will shortly welcome the five-star hotel Kempinski Hotel, the first of four planned luxury hotel experiences, which will feature serviced apartments and a dynamic mix of dining and leisure options.
The 2015 Top Ten Golf Courses in the Middle East:
1. Yas Links Golf Club – Abu Dhabi
2. Almouj Golf – Oman
3. The Majlis, Emirates Golf Club – Dubai
4. Earth, Jumeirah, Golf Estates – Dubai
5. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – Dubai
6. The National, Abu Dhabi Golf Club – Abu Dhabi
7. The Els Club – Dubai
8. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – Abu Dhabi
9. Doha Golf Club – Qatar
10. Al Zorah Golf Club – Ajman
