When Doha Golf Club was unveiled for the first time in 1997, acres of lush green fairways, natural-looking lakes plus 5,000 shrubs, 6,000 trees and 10,000 cacti imported from Arizona made it difficult to contemplate that the site was formerly nothing but sand.
Less than 20 years on, and Doha Golf Club has been host to the Qatar Masters for every year since 1998 and has tested the world’s best golfers in that time. As the players prepare for the annual tournament, which begins on January 21, Sergio Garcia will be hoping to defend the Mother of Pearl Trophy and win the $2.5 million prize money.
If that adventurous side of you is thinking about jetting across the globe, there are plenty of reasons why playing the course and visiting the area are worthy of the journey.
The Main Course
Doha Golf Club has the first and currently the only 18-hole championship course in Qatar and the pressures of hosting a European Tour event means that the course is always kept in immaculate condition.
The first few holes provide magnificent views of the skyline and as you play your way round you can’t help but appreciate the sheer hard work and dedication taken to produce a top standard course from scratch.
Measuring at 7,374 yards, it certainly has the length of a championship course but you don’t have to be a big hitter to shoot well around there. Apart from the 9th which measures at a massive 639 yards!
Every hole has its own identity. The back tees on the 11th are perched high on a rock, you can’t miss the limestone formations in front of the 12th green and the 16th where you have to make the decision whether to drive over the huge rock.
Play at the impressive Main Course at the Doha Golf Club
The Academy Course
More suited to beginners or the golfers that just want a quick round, the nine-hole academy course offers more room for error with wider fairways and less hazards.
It also floodlit in the evenings so if you fancy a round when the sun’s setting, that’s no problem.
The Clubhouse
A unique, Arabian-style clubhouse has marble interiors and traditional artifacts – plenty of time and effort has gone into making the clubhouse one of its kind and a place to remember.
Once you’ve gone passed the central fountain in the clubhouse, there are three different lounges where you can eat. We assure you it’s worth visiting just to taste the steak pie.
The Sights
Situated in West Bay Lagoon, the area has a beautifully sandy beach and is known to be very quiet and peaceful. If that’s not your thing then the towers in Al Dafna have a high concentration of international restaurants and lively bars.
Culturally, the destination is a hotspot for architectural buildings with an array of stunning colours and interesting designs. Old markets prove that it’s not all new developments tough and the Amphitheater is a work of genius.
Finally, the Museum of Islamic Art represents the work of artists from three continents over 1,400 years and it’s amazing interior is something to behold.
Read more about our Guide to golf in Qatar for more information on all that Qatar has to offer for your next golf trip.
