Golf in Oman is a growing sport, both in popularity and the number of courses on which to play. Traditional ‘brown’ courses are gradually being replaced with a range of green courses, such as the 18-hole Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club (designed by top golf course designer David Thomas) in the hills behind the Golden Tulip Hotel in Seeb. The completion of Oman’s first green golf course is hoped to boost the country’s tourism sector, and put the Sultanate on the golfing world map.


Another 18-hole links course, designed by Greg Norman, was formally opened at The Wave in 2011. There are several golf tournaments on Oman’s annual calendar, such as the Oman Ladies’ Open Championship, the Men’s Oman National Championship and the Ras al Ghala Trophy. 

Those who have never played golf in the Middle East should be warned that the game here can be more physically demanding than elsewhere in the world – even acclimatised golfers avoid playing in the heat of the day during the summer months. It’s always wise to carry plenty of drinking water and wear a sun hat.