Golf Course Rankings & Reviews: Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai
Sharm El Sheikh, a jewel on the Red Sea coast of Egypt, offers a unique golfing experience blending stunning natural beauty with world-class courses. This guide details the best public and semi-private courses, highlighting their distinctive features and cultural significance within the local golfing landscape.
Top 7 Public/Semi-Private Courses
1. Morshiba Golf & Country Club:
- Signature Hole: The par-3 12th, dramatically perched overlooking the Red Sea.
- Design Notes: Designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural terrain, utilizing the existing dunes and vegetation. The layout offers challenging shots with breathtaking views.
- Local Significance: A popular choice for local golfers, known for its well-maintained greens and challenging layout. It's a social hub, often hosting amateur tournaments and club events.
- Green Fee: 1200-1500 EGP (approximately $18 USD / €16 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course cleverly incorporates the natural dunes and rocky outcrops of the Sinai Peninsula, creating a visually stunning and strategically challenging layout.
2. Hilton Resort & Spa, Mogra Golf Course:
- Signature Hole: The par-5 18th, a long, sweeping hole that demands accuracy and a strong drive.
- Design Notes: A classic resort course with undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers. It's designed for a relaxed, enjoyable round.
- Local Significance: Popular with both tourists and locals seeking a luxurious golfing experience. It's a frequent venue for corporate events and weddings.
- Green Fee: 1800-2500 EGP (approximately $27 USD / €22 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course utilizes the natural contours of the land to create interesting shot shapes and challenging approaches.
3. Sunrise Golf Club:
- Signature Hole: The challenging par-4 6th, requiring a precise tee shot over water.
- Design Notes: A well-designed course with a mix of open and wooded holes. It offers a good balance of challenge and playability.
- Local Significance: A favorite among local golfers for its affordability and welcoming atmosphere. It hosts regular competitions and is a popular spot for social gatherings.
- Green Fee: 900-1200 EGP (approximately $13 USD / €11 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course incorporates natural water features and strategically placed trees to add to the challenge and visual appeal.
4. Club 4 Golf:
- Signature Hole: The dramatic par-3 14th, with a challenging carry over a deep ravine.
- Design Notes: A modern course with a focus on strategic bunkering and undulating greens.
- Local Significance: A relatively new addition to the Sharm El Sheikh golfing scene, quickly gaining popularity for its challenging layout and excellent condition.
- Green Fee: 1500-2000 EGP (approximately $22 USD / €18 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course utilizes the natural topography of the area to create dramatic elevation changes and challenging shot shapes.
5. Samih El-Khatib Golf Club:
- Signature Hole: The par-5 17th, a long, visually impressive hole with a demanding approach shot.
- Design Notes: A well-established course with a classic layout. It features a mix of challenging and forgiving holes.
- Local Significance: A long-standing club with a strong reputation for its well-maintained course and friendly atmosphere.
- Green Fee: 1000-1400 EGP (approximately $15 USD / €12 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course incorporates natural features such as dunes and rocky outcrops to create a visually interesting and challenging layout.
6. The Riviera Golf Club:
- Signature Hole: The par-4 13th, a strategically challenging hole with a narrow fairway.
- Design Notes: A beautifully landscaped course with a mix of open and wooded holes.
- Local Significance: Known for its excellent service and welcoming atmosphere, it's a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
- Green Fee: 1600-2200 EGP (approximately $24 USD / €19 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course utilizes the natural contours of the land to create interesting shot shapes and challenging approaches.
7. Sharm El Sheikh Golf Club:
- Signature Hole: The par-3 11th, a short but challenging hole with a well-guarded green.
- Design Notes: A well-maintained course with a classic layout.
- Local Significance: A popular choice for local golfers, known for its affordability and friendly atmosphere.
- Green Fee: 800-1100 EGP (approximately $12 USD / €10 EUR)
- Terrain Adaptation: The course incorporates natural features such as dunes and rocky outcrops to create a visually interesting and challenging layout.
Hidden Gems
- El Gouna Golf Course: Located in the upscale resort town of El Gouna, this course offers a more secluded and luxurious golfing experience. It's known for its stunning views and challenging layout. (Green Fee: 2500-3500 EGP)
- Makadi Bay Golf Club: Another excellent option in a beautiful resort setting. It boasts a challenging layout and stunning views of the Red Sea. (Green Fee: 2800-4000 EGP)
Premium Options
- The Grove: A championship course designed by Gary Player, offering a challenging and visually stunning experience. (Green Fee: 4000-6000+ EGP)
- Legzira Golf Club: A high-end resort course with exceptional facilities and service. (Green Fee: 3500-5000+ EGP)
Value Champions
- Sunrise Golf Club: Offers excellent value for money, with affordable green fees and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Samih El-Khatib Golf Club: Provides a well-maintained course at a competitive price.
International Golfer Essentials
Difficulty & Standards
- Handicap Ratings: Egyptian handicap ratings are generally aligned with international standards. However, it's always wise to confirm with the course pro shop. USGA/R&A slope comparisons can vary, but generally, courses in Sharm El Sheikh are considered moderately challenging.
- USGA/R&A Slope: Expect a slope rating between 110-125, indicating a moderate difficulty level.
Language Considerations
- English Proficiency: English is widely spoken at most courses and resorts in Sharm El Sheikh. You'll find that staff are generally fluent.
- Key Golf Terms:
- Tee: "Tee" (same as English)
- Fairway: "Fayray" (fairway)
- Rough: "Rof" (rough)
- Green: "Green" (same as English)
- Putter: "Putter" (same as English)
- Divot: "Divot" (same as English)
- Communication Tips: A simple "Shukran" (thank you) and "Marhaba" (hello) will go a long way.
Cultural Golf Etiquette
- Dress Code: Smart casual attire is generally acceptable. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Golf shoes are required.
- Pace of Play: Maintain a reasonable pace of play. Be mindful of other golfers.
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Egypt. 10-15% is standard for caddies and other service staff.
- Respectful Behavior: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
Booking Requirements
- Advance Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
- Documentation: Passport and visa (if required).
- Guest Policies: Most courses allow guests, but it's best to confirm with the course in advance.
Seasonal & Climate Intelligence
Monthly Playing Guide
| Month | Weather | Temperature (Avg.) | Rainfall (mm) | Playing Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Mild, sunny | 15-20°C | 20-30 | Excellent |
| February | Warm, sunny | 18-24°C | 10-20 | Excellent |
| March | Warm, sunny | 22-28°C | 5-10 | Excellent |
| April | Hot, sunny | 28-35°C | 0-5 | Excellent |
| May | Very hot, sunny | 32-40°C | 0-2 | Excellent |
| June | Extremely hot, sunny | 35-45°C | 0 | Challenging (heat) |
| July | Extremely hot, sunny | 38-48°C | 0 | Challenging (heat) |
| August | Extremely hot, sunny | 38-48°C | 0 | Challenging (heat) |
| September | Warm, sunny | 32-38°C | 2-5 | Excellent |
| October | Warm, sunny | 28-34°C | 5-10 | Excellent |
| November | Mild, sunny | 20-26°C | 10-20 | Excellent |
| December | Mild, sunny | 15-22°C | 20-30 | Excellent |
Peak Season Strategy
- Peak Season: December - March.
- Pricing: Green fees are significantly higher during peak season.
- Booking: Book tee times well in advance (2-3 months).
Off-Season Opportunities
- Shoulder Season: April-May and September-October.
- Benefits: Lower green fees, fewer crowds, pleasant weather.
Practical Travel Integration
Access & Transportation
- Airport Proximity: Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) is approximately 20-30 minutes from most golf courses.
- Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available at the airport and offer flexibility for exploring the region.
- Public Transport: Local buses are available but can be crowded and less convenient.
- Taxi/Ride-Share: Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Careem) are readily available and relatively affordable.
Accommodation Partnerships
- Stay-and-Play Packages: Many resorts offer attractive stay-and-play packages that include accommodation, green fees, and sometimes caddie services.
- Nearby Hotels/Resorts: Numerous hotels and resorts are located near the golf courses, offering a range of options to suit all budgets.
Financial & Legal Framework
Pricing Structure
- Green Fees: Ranges from 800 EGP to 6000+ EGP depending on the course and time of year.
- Cart Fees: Approximately 300-500 EGP per round.
- Caddie Costs: Typically 200-400 EGP per caddie.
- Mandatory Charges: Some courses may have a small mandatory charge for using the facilities.
This information should provide a comprehensive overview of golf in Sharm El Sheikh. Enjoy your round!