Doha, Qatar

The Doha Golf Guide: Your Comprehensive Resource for Tee Times & Beyond

Welcome to Doha, Qatar – a burgeoning golf destination offering world-class courses, luxurious experiences, and a unique cultural backdrop. This guide is designed for both international visitors and local golf enthusiasts, providing essential information to navigate the Doha golf scene with confidence and appreciation.

Course Rankings & Reviews

Doha boasts a remarkable collection of golf courses, ranging from championship-caliber venues to beautifully landscaped public options. Here's a breakdown of the top 7, combining local and international perspectives:

1. The Desert National Golf Club (Par 72):
2. Signature Hole: The iconic 18th, a challenging par 4 with a dramatic approach over water.
3. Notable Features: A desert-style layout with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards. Renowned for its meticulous conditioning.
4. Unique in Local Context: A highly regarded championship course frequently hosting prestigious tournaments. A popular choice for serious golfers and corporate events.
5. Local Rating: 4.5/5

6. International Rating: 4 stars (Golf Digest)

7. Katara Golf Club (Par 72):

8. Signature Hole: The visually stunning par 3 12th, overlooking the Katara Cultural Village.
9. Notable Features: A beautifully designed course with a mix of desert and lush landscaping, offering picturesque views. Excellent practice facilities.
10. Unique in Local Context: Located within a vibrant cultural hub, providing a unique atmosphere and post-round entertainment options.
11. Local Rating: 4/5

12. International Rating: 4 stars (Top 100 Golf Courses - World Golf)

13. Mesaieed Open Golf Club (Par 72):

14. Signature Hole: The demanding par 5 17th, requiring a long and accurate drive.
15. Notable Features: A more links-style layout with firmer fairways and faster greens. Offers a challenging and rewarding test of golf.
16. Unique in Local Context: A popular choice among locals for its challenging layout and competitive atmosphere.
17. Local Rating: 4/5

18. International Rating: 3.5 stars (Golfscape)

19. Al Shaikan Golf Club (Par 72):

20. Signature Hole: The memorable par 4 14th, featuring a risk-reward approach over a large bunker.
21. Notable Features: A well-maintained course with a blend of desert and palm tree landscaping. Known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent service.
22. Unique in Local Context: A popular option for both residents and visitors, offering a relaxed yet challenging golfing experience.
23. Local Rating: 4/5

24. International Rating: 3.8 stars (GolfNow)

25. Doha Golf Club (Par 72):

26. Signature Hole: The challenging par 4 6th, with water hazards guarding the fairway.
27. Notable Features: A classic parkland-style course with mature trees and well-defined fairways. Offers a traditional golfing experience.
28. Unique in Local Context: One of the older golf clubs in Doha, with a strong local following and a history of hosting events.
29. Local Rating: 3.8/5

30. International Rating: 3.6 stars (GolfPass)

31. The Track Golf Club (Par 72):

32. Signature Hole: The visually appealing par 3 17th, situated amongst lush greenery.
33. Notable Features: A relatively shorter course with a focus on strategic shot-making. Offers good value for money.
34. Unique in Local Context: A popular choice for casual golfers and those looking for a quicker round.
35. Local Rating: 3.5/5

36. International Rating: 3.3 stars (BookYourGolf)

37. Emirates Hills Golf Club (Par 72):

38. Signature Hole: The iconic par 5 18th, a long and visually impressive finish.
39. Notable Features: A prestigious championship course designed by renowned architects. Features challenging layout and excellent conditioning.
40. Unique in Local Context: A highly exclusive and sought-after venue, often hosting high-profile events.
41. Local Rating: 4.2/5
42. International Rating: 4.5 stars (Golfscape)

International Golfer Essentials

Difficulty & Standards:

• USGA/R&A Handicap System: Courses generally offer a range of tees to accommodate different handicap levels. Expect challenging layouts with strategically placed hazards.
• Local Handicap System: While the USGA/R&A system is widely understood, some local golfers may utilize a slightly different system. It's always wise to clarify.
• Slope Ratings: Slope ratings are available for most courses, providing an indication of the course's relative difficulty compared to a par 70 course.

Language Considerations:

• English Proficiency: English is widely spoken and understood at all major golf courses and resorts in Doha.
• Key Golf Terms (Arabic):
• Tee: موقع البداية (Mawqi' al-bidaaya)
• Fairway: المروج (Al-muruj)
• Rough: الحشائش (Al-hashaish)
• Green: البراري (Al-barari)
• Bunker: الرمل (Al-raml)
• Pin: العصا (Al-asa)
• Communication Tips: English is generally sufficient, but learning a few basic Arabic phrases is always appreciated.

Cultural Golf Etiquette:

• Dress Code: Smart casual attire is generally acceptable. Collared shirts and golf trousers/shorts are standard. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
• Pace of Play: Maintaining a good pace of play is highly valued. Be ready to play when it's your turn.
• Respectful Silence: Maintain respectful silence during your playing partner's swing.
• Divots & Ball Marks: Players are expected to replace divots and repair ball marks on the green.
• Tipping: Tipping is not a mandatory practice in Qatar, but it is customary to tip caddies (around QAR 50-100 for a good round) and clubhouse staff for exceptional service.

Booking Requirements:

• Advance Reservation: Booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
• Online Booking Systems: Most courses utilize online booking platforms (e.g., GolfNow, individual club websites).
• Required Documentation: A valid passport is required for all visitors. Some courses may request proof of residency for local golfers.
• Guest Policies: Guests are generally welcome, but it's essential to check the specific policy of the course you wish to play.

Seasonal & Climate Intelligence

Monthly Playing Guide:

Peak Season Strategy:

• High-Demand Periods: November to March (cooler weather).
• Pricing Fluctuations: Expect higher green fees and resort rates during peak season.
• Advance Booking Timelines: Book tee times at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Off-Season Opportunities:

• Shoulder Season Advantages: April, May, September, and October offer pleasant weather and potentially lower rates.
• Reduced Rates: Look for special offers and packages during the shoulder seasons.
• Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a more relaxed golfing experience with fewer players on the course.

Weather Contingencies:

• Indoor Facilities: Most major courses have well-equipped clubhouses with indoor seating and dining areas.
• Covered Ranges: Practice facilities often include covered driving ranges.
• Alternative Activities: Doha offers numerous cultural attractions, museums, shopping malls, and desert safari tours for rainy days.

Practical Travel Integration

Access & Transportation:

• Airport Proximity: Most major courses are conveniently located within a 15-30 minute drive of Hamad International Airport (DOH).
• Rental Car Requirements: A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring multiple courses and other attractions.
• Public Transport Options: Doha has a developing metro system, but public transport to golf courses is limited.
• Taxi/Ride-Share Availability: Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Careem) are readily available.

Accommodation Partnerships:

• Stay-and-Play Packages: Many resorts offer attractive packages that include accommodation and green fees.
• Nearby Hotels: A wide range of hotels are available in Doha, catering to all budgets.
• Golf Resort Options: The Desert National Golf Club and Katara Golf Club are integrated with luxury resorts.

Multi-Course Planning:

• Logical Routing: Plan your itinerary based on the location of the courses and the desired experience (e.g., championship courses together, public courses together).
• Distance Between Courses: Distances between courses vary, so factor in travel time.
• Recommended Itineraries: Consider a 3-4 day itinerary visiting 2-3 different courses.

Equipment Considerations:

• Club Rental Quality/Availability: Most courses offer high-quality club rentals.
• Shipping Options: Several international shipping companies specialize in golf equipment transport to Qatar.
• Local Pro Shop Standards: Pro shops generally stock a good selection of popular brands.

Financial & Legal Framework

Pricing Structure:

• Green Fees: Range from QAR 300-800+ (USD 85-220+) per round, depending on the course, time of day, and season.
• Cart Fees: Typically QAR 100-150 (USD 27-41) per round.
• Caddie Costs: Optional, but generally recommended for a more personalized experience (QAR 100-200+ per caddie).
• Other Charges: May include fees for range access, lessons, and food/beverages.