Golf Holidays in Egypt: Discover the Red Sea's Championship Courses and Luxury Golf Resorts

For decades, destinations such as Portugal, Spain and Turkey have dominated the golf holiday market. Their established courses, quality hotels and convenient flight connections have made them firm favourites among British golfers.

However, Egypt's Red Sea coast is increasingly attracting attention as an alternative for those seeking championship golf, luxury accommodation and reliable sunshine.

With dramatic desert landscapes, spectacular coastal views and a growing selection of golf resorts, the region offers a distinctive experience. Two destinations stand out in particular: Soma Bay and El Gouna.

Why Choose Egypt for a Golf Holiday?

Egypt combines several features that make it particularly attractive to travelling golfers.

A climate suited to winter golf

One of Egypt's biggest advantages is its climate. The Red Sea coast experiences warm temperatures and relatively little rainfall throughout much of the year, making it especially attractive during the British winter.

Temperatures are approximate coastal averages and vary by month and location.

For many UK golfers, October to April offers the most comfortable playing conditions, particularly for those planning several rounds during their holiday. Summer golf is possible, but the intense heat can make midday rounds challenging.

Soma Bay: Championship Golf on the Red Sea

The Cascades golf course Soma Bay Egypt Red Sea Gary Player course aerial

Located approximately 45 kilometres south of Hurghada, Soma Bay is a purpose-built coastal resort destination known for its luxury hotels, beaches and sporting facilities.

Its main golfing attraction is The Cascades Golf & Country Club.

Designed by nine-time major champion Gary Player, The Cascades is an 18-hole championship course set against the dramatic backdrop of the Red Sea and surrounding desert.

The course is renowned for its combination of coastal scenery, strategically positioned hazards and carefully maintained fairways.

Its setting provides a distinctive contrast between the green playing surfaces, arid desert terrain and brilliant blue waters of the Red Sea.

Key features include:

• An 18-hole championship course designed by Gary Player
• Spectacular coastal and desert views
• Practice and golfing facilities
• A challenging layout suitable for golfers with varying levels of experience

The exposed coastal location also means wind can influence playing conditions, adding another dimension to the challenge.

Accommodation in Soma Bay:

Soma Bay is home to several established luxury hotels, including properties within the Sheraton, Kempinski and other resort collections. Accommodation options range from beachfront luxury hotels to spa-focused resorts.

Many visitors combine their golf with beach activities, diving, snorkelling or spa treatments. This makes Soma Bay particularly attractive for couples and groups where not everyone intends to play golf every day.

El Gouna: Golf, Lagoons and Resort Life

El Gouna Egypt golf course lagoon green fairways Red Sea resort. It's approximately 25 kilometres north of Hurghada, El Gouna offers a different style of golf holiday.

Known for its network of lagoons, marinas, waterfront restaurants and attractive resort architecture, El Gouna has developed into one of the Red Sea's most distinctive holiday destinations. Unlike some self-contained hotel resorts, El Gouna offers opportunities to explore restaurants, cafés, shops and marina areas beyond the hotel.

It is also home to two notable golf facilities.

El Gouna Golf Club

The 18-hole championship course at El Gouna Golf Club was designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples. The course incorporates lagoons, desert scenery and views of the Red Sea Mountains, creating a visually striking golfing environment. Its combination of water hazards and open fairways offers a varied challenge.

Ancient Sands Golf Resort

Ancient Sands offers another golfing experience within El Gouna. Designed by Karl Litten, its golf course is integrated into the area's desert landscape, with natural terrain, lagoons and resort surroundings forming part of the setting.

For golfers staying in El Gouna, access to different courses provides the opportunity to vary their golfing itinerary rather than playing the same layout throughout their holiday.

Beyond the golf course

El Gouna is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy having restaurants, cafés and activities nearby.

Popular experiences include:

• Exploring Abu Tig Marina
• Dining at waterfront restaurants
• Boat trips and Red Sea excursions
• Snorkelling and diving
• Spa treatments and beach clubs
• Water sports, including kitesurfing

For groups travelling with non-golfers, this wider selection of activities can be a significant advantage.

Soma Bay or El Gouna: Which Is Better for Golf?

Both destinations offer excellent golfing opportunities, but they provide slightly different holiday experiences.

Neither destination is inherently better. The choice depends on the type of holiday preferred, the courses golfers wish to play and the importance of activities away from the fairways.

How Much Does a Golf Holiday in Egypt Cost?

One of Egypt's major attractions is the potential value offered by its golf holiday packages. Compared with some established European destinations, packages combining luxury hotels and multiple rounds of golf can be competitively priced.

However, the overall cost depends on several factors:

• Time of year and departure airport
• Hotel standard and board basis
• Number of nights and rounds of golf
• Green fees and buggy hire
• Airport and golf course transfers
• Group size and any additional arrangements

For an accurate comparison, golfers should consider the total package price, rather than simply comparing hotel rates.

A cheaper hotel may not represent better value if green fees, transfers and other golfing arrangements are charged separately.

What Should Golfers Consider Before Booking?

1. Golf course access and tee times

Check whether tee times are included or need to be arranged separately.

For groups, securing suitable consecutive tee times can be particularly important.

2. Golf equipment and airline allowances

Airlines have different policies for transporting golf clubs.

Some include sporting equipment within checked baggage allowances, while others charge additional fees.

Golfers should check the relevant airline's rules before travelling.

3. Transfers between hotels and courses

Not every hotel is located directly beside a golf course.

Confirm whether golf transfers are included, particularly when planning to play several courses.

4. Board basis

All-inclusive accommodation can be attractive for groups wishing to manage their holiday spending.

However, golfers who prefer exploring local restaurants may find half-board or bed-and-breakfast arrangements more flexible.

5. Travel documentation

British passport holders should check current Egyptian entry requirements, visa arrangements and official travel advice before departure.

Is Egypt Suitable for Golf Groups and Club Professionals?

Egypt's combination of resort accommodation, championship courses and favourable winter climate makes it an interesting destination for organised golf groups.

For golf club professionals and teaching professionals, overseas trips can provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with members, organise group experiences and, where appropriate, incorporate coaching or on-course tuition.

Group itineraries can be structured around different requirements, including:

• Social golf holidays for club members
• Organised golf society trips
• Professional-led coaching holidays
• Ladies' and men's golf groups
• Multi-round golf breaks with leisure time

The most successful group holidays balance suitable courses and tee times with accommodation, transport and opportunities for socialising.

The Growing Appeal of Egypt as a Golf Destination

Egypt may not yet have the same reputation among British golfers as Portugal's Algarve or Turkey's Belek region, but its Red Sea resorts offer a compelling alternative.

The combination of championship golf, dramatic scenery, luxury accommodation and sunshine during the UK's colder months gives Egypt a distinctive position in the golf holiday market.

For golfers interested in exploring somewhere different, Soma Bay and El Gouna are well worth considering.

Planning a Golf Holiday to Egypt?

Travel with Mel specialises in personalised holidays and group travel arrangements, including golf holidays.

Whether you're planning a golf break with friends, organising a trip for your club members or interested in joining a hosted social golf holiday, we can help explore suitable resorts, flights, golf courses and group arrangements.

Get in touch with Travel with me to discuss your next golf holiday. Mel.Stead@mytc.com or 0113 868 8856

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