Best golf courses in Egypt

One of the most common questions when planning a golf holiday to Egypt is: what are the best golf courses in Egypt?

With championship layouts spread across Cairo and the Red Sea, and designs from some of the world’s leading architects, there is no simple answer. From modern desert courses shaped through natural dunes to coastal layouts overlooking the Red Sea, each course offers a very different golfing experience.

Whether you are planning a cultural trip in Cairo or a relaxed resort escape by the coast, below we have highlighted some of the best golf courses in Egypt to include on your next golf holiday.

Winner of the best course in Egypt & Africa in 2025 by the World Golf Awards Location: New Cairo | Designer: Robert Trent Jones II | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 7,300 | Opened: 2017

Why play here? Madinaty Golf Club delivers modern championship golf with wide fairways, bold bunkering, and immaculate presentation. Robert Trent Jones II’s design emphasises strategy, encouraging players to shape shots and think carefully about risk and reward.

The open layout allows the wind to influence play, while the greens are large, undulating, and well-protected, making approach shots crucial.

Course highlight: The long par-5s that offer birdie opportunities for brave players willing to challenge hazards from the tee.

Key features:

• Contemporary championship design
• Tournament-ready conditioning
• Wide fairways balanced by demanding greens
• Premium clubhouse and facilities

Bonus fact: Madinaty is frequently praised for its exceptional conditioning and is widely regarded as one of the best-maintained courses in Egypt, having won awards for Best in Egypt since opening five years ago and Best in Africa at the last three World Golf Awards.

Location: Sheikh Zayed City | Designer: Greg Norman | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 7,400 | Opened: 2009

Why play here? Designed by Greg Norman, Allegria is bold, expansive, and visually striking. Wide fairways invite aggressive play, but water hazards, waste areas, and undulating greens ensure strategy remains key.

The course has a polished, international feel and is a favourite for competitive golfers looking for a modern championship challenge.

Course highlight: The water-lined holes on the back nine that demand precision under pressure.

Key features:

• Greg Norman championship layout
• Modern design with strong visual appeal
• Risk-and-reward opportunities throughout
• Excellent clubhouse and practice facilities

Bonus fact: Allegria has hosted numerous high-profile amateur and professional events.

Location: New Cairo, Egypt | Designer: Nick Faldo | Par: 71 | Yards: approx. 7,400 | Opened: 2006

Why play here? The A & B layout at Katameya Dunes, known as the Lakes Course, is the club’s headline championship experience and one of the finest tests of golf in Cairo. Designed by Nick Faldo, the course blends modern desert golf with strategic water features, generous landing areas, and beautifully shaped fairways that flow naturally through the New Cairo landscape.

Water comes into play more frequently than on the other loop pairings, adding genuine risk and reward, particularly on approach shots and around the greens. Large, subtly contoured putting surfaces reward confident short game play, while smart positioning from the tee is often more important than raw distance.

Immaculate year-round conditioning, a peaceful setting, and excellent practice facilities make Katameya Dunes a standout choice for golfers seeking a premium Cairo golf experience.

Course highlight: Several water-guarded approach shots on the back nine that demand commitment and precise club selection, especially under tournament conditions.

Key features:

• Championship A & B layout, known as the Lakes Course
• Strategic water hazards and risk-and-reward holes
• Generous fairways framed by desert and lakes
• Large, well-protected greens with subtle movement
• Excellent practice facilities and modern clubhouse

Good to know: Katameya Dunes features three nine-hole loops A, B and C, with one loop closed daily on a rotating maintenance schedule. While A & B form the official championship layout, all loop combinations are maintained to the same high standard, ensuring an excellent playing experience regardless of configuration.

Location: Soma Bay, Red Sea | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 7,400 | Opened: 1998

Why play here? Set on a stunning peninsula surrounded by the Red Sea, Somabay Golf Course delivers a true championship experience with constant sea breezes and immaculate conditioning. Designed by Gary Player, the layout combines wide, forgiving fairways with cleverly protected greens, making it playable for all standards while still testing better golfers.

Water features, desert landscaping, and coastal views define the round, with the wind adding a strategic edge that changes the course daily. The contrast between emerald fairways and deep blue sea creates a visually striking and memorable experience.

Course highlight: The closing holes along the coastline, where the wind and water combine to demand smart club selection and confident shot-making.

Key features:

• Coastal championship layout with Red Sea views
• Strategic design that rewards positioning over power
• Excellent practice facilities and academy
• Part of the luxury Soma Bay resort

Bonus fact: Somabay regularly hosts international tournaments and is considered one of the most consistent-condition courses in North Africa.

Location: New Giza | Designer: Thomson Perrett | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 7,400 | Opened: 2016

Why play here? New Giza offers a refined, international-standard golf experience with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views of the Pyramids in the distance. The course is visually impressive and strategically demanding, with large greens, deep bunkers, and bold contouring throughout.

It rewards confident ball striking while remaining fair, making it a standout option for golfers on an Egypt golf holiday. On clear days, the course offers one of the most iconic views in world golf.

Course highlight: Elevated holes with distant pyramid views, providing a uniquely Egyptian golfing backdrop.

Key features:

• Championship design with elevation changes
• Expansive greens and strategic bunkering
• Premium playing conditions
• Exclusive, modern club atmosphere

Travel tip: Consider booking an early tee time for cooler temperatures and quieter roads, which will help you make the most of your round and the views.

Location: 6th of October City, Cairo | Designer: Donald Steel | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 7,200 | Opened: 1996

Why play here? Dreamland Golf Course blends classic parkland design with desert surroundings, creating a layout that feels mature and established compared to many newer Cairo courses. Tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and subtle elevation changes demand accuracy and thoughtful course management.

The course offers a traditional golfing feel and is popular with both locals and visitors seeking a championship test close to the city.

Course highlight: The demanding par-4s on the back nine, where accuracy off the tee is essential to set up scoring chances.

Key features:

• Classic Donald Steel design philosophy
• Tree-lined fairways rare in Cairo golf
• Strategic water hazards throughout
• Well-established championship reputation

Travel tip: Consider staying at Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort or Swiss Inn Pyramids Golf Resort for on-site access to the course.

Location: Makadi Bay, Red Sea | Designer: John Sanford | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 6,900 | Opened: 2008

Why play here? Madinat Makadi offers a relaxed yet engaging desert golf experience with elevated tees, rolling fairways, and sweeping views across the Red Sea mountains. The layout flows naturally through the landscape, with generous landing areas and well-placed hazards encouraging confident play.

It is an enjoyable walk and ideal for holiday golfers looking for a challenge without intimidation. The setting is peaceful and picturesque, especially during late afternoon rounds when the desert light transforms the course.

Course highlight: Elevated tee shots on the back nine that provide panoramic views of the surrounding desert and coastline.

Key features:

• Resort-friendly layout suitable for all abilities
• Scenic desert setting with mountain backdrops
• Smooth, fast greens and forgiving fairways
• Excellent value as part of Red Sea golf packages

Bonus fact: Madinat Makadi is known for its calm atmosphere and pace of play, making it a favourite for relaxed winter sun golf.

Location: Katameya Heights, New Cairo | Designer: Kent Somers | Par: 72 | Yards: approx. 7,200 | Opened: 1998

Why play here? Katameya Heights is a classic desert course that emphasises precision, shot shaping, and course management. Tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and firm greens give it a more traditional feel than many newer developments.

It offers a quieter, more refined golf experience and remains a favourite among experienced players.

Course highlight: Tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation changes that reward precise shot shaping and strategic course management, delivering a more traditional desert golf experience.

Key features:

• Classic par-72 desert layout ranked among Egypt’s top courses
• Mature landscaping with tree-lined corridors and defined fairways
• Firm, well-protected greens that test approach play and putting
• Calm, refined atmosphere ideal for experienced and low-handicap golfers

Bonus fact: Located in the exclusive Katameya Heights community, this course is known for its peaceful setting and consistent conditioning, making it a long-standing favourite.

Best time to visit: Egypt is an outstanding year-round golf destination thanks to its dry desert climate and reliable sunshine. The best months for golf are October to April, when daytime temperatures are warm but comfortable, making it ideal for long days on the course. Winter is particularly popular with golfers escaping colder European weather, while late spring and early autumn offer excellent value with fewer crowds.

Where to stay: Egypt’s top golf resorts combine championship courses, five-star hospitality, and striking desert or Red Sea backdrops.

• The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa – A modern luxury resort set around an immaculately maintained championship course, offering spacious rooms, excellent dining, and a peaceful retreat just outside Cairo.
• Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort – A well-established resort close to the iconic Giza Pyramids, perfect for combining golf with sightseeing. The adjacent course provides a relaxed but enjoyable test for all abilities.
• Steigenberger Golf Resort El Gouna – A stylish waterfront resort overlooking lagoons and the Red Sea, with direct access to El Gouna Golf Club and its distinctive desert-meets-sea layout.
• Ancient Sands Golf Resort & Residences – A boutique-style resort offering panoramic views, elegant accommodation, and a unique course that blends desert terrain with coastal scenery.

Booking tips:

• The winter high season fills quickly, so make sure to book early.
• Early morning tee times are ideal for cooler temperatures and calmer conditions.
• Consider combining Cairo golf with a Red Sea resort for a mix of culture and relaxation.
• Many resorts offer excellent value stay-and-play packages, especially in shoulder seasons.
• Balance golf with cultural experiences such as visiting the Pyramids, Nile cruises, desert safaris, and Red Sea snorkeling.

Sample itinerary

Why not consider our Cairo Pyramids & Golf Tour? Enjoy an 8-night Cairo golf escape, staying five nights at Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort with rounds at Dreamland, New Giza, Allegria, and Uptown, plus cultural highlights including the Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum.

Followed by three nights at The Westin Cairo Golf Resort & Spa, adding rounds at Katameya Dunes and Madinaty Golf & Country Club, and finishing with a sunset dinner cruise on the Nile, all wrapped into a fully guided, five-star Egyptian golf experience.

Q: Is Egypt good for a golf holiday? A: Absolutely. Egypt offers championship golf courses, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine, all set against unique desert and coastal landscapes. Add in its rich history and excellent value, and it’s a standout golf destination.

Q: Can you play golf year-round in Egypt? A: Yes. Golf is played all year round thanks to Egypt’s dry climate. October to April is the most comfortable period, but summer golf is still very playable, especially in coastal Red Sea resorts.

Q: Are the golf courses suitable for beginners? A: Yes. Most Egyptian courses are resort-style layouts with wide fairways, multiple tee options, and excellent practice facilities, making them enjoyable for beginners while still offering challenges for experienced players.

Q: What else can I enjoy besides golf? A: Egypt offers an incredible range of experiences, from ancient temples and museums to Red Sea diving, boat trips, desert adventures, spa days, and vibrant local dining scenes.

A golf holiday in Egypt delivers far more than just great courses and sunshine. It’s a chance to play championship layouts framed by desert views and turquoise seas, while immersing yourself in one of the world’s most fascinating cultures. Whether you’re teeing off near the Pyramids, relaxing in El Gouna, or enjoying the calm luxury of Makadi Bay, Egypt promises a golf escape that is both memorable and effortlessly rewarding.