Dirab Golf Club
Golf courses in environments which are mostly sand are not impossible to create, and so it is with great relief that golfers who come to Saudi Arabia find that they have access to some pretty good courses. Dirab Golf Club is home to the first course that was established around Riyadh, and for a variety of reasons it is many people’s favourite.
A short drive from Riyadh
From the Diplomatic Quarter, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the club, driving on Mecca Road and heading south after passing over the escarpment of the plateau on which Riyadh lies. After this escarpment, the environment changes dramatically. It is here that marks the beginning of the large agricultural and animal farms, and the end of the urban spread.
On the way to Dirab Golf and Country Club
Once at the club, visitors quickly realize that it took a lot of work to create a golf course here. On the drive out there is very little vegetation, save for some scrub and bushes fit for camels to feed on.
However, on entry through the gates, a lush green oasis awaits, and the temperature drops.
The fairway of the 1st hole at Dirab Golf Club
The pro shop stocks a variety of equipment and clothing for purchase and hire, so golfers don’t need to worry if they have left their clubs back at home.
Good quality golf course
A mixture of sand and grass for one of the par 3s at Dirab Golf Club
The course is an 18 hole, 72 par combination of grass and, with an impressive amount of trees flanking most fairways. Lying beyond these trees, the no man’s land between the holes is often sandy flats (although not impossible to play out of!).
Trees on each side of the fairway at Dirab Golf Club
A lot of work goes into maintaining the course, although in summer, when the temperature in the area soars to mid 40 degrees Celsius, it is difficult to maintain the quality and evenness of the grass, hence the greens may be slower than expected due to the grass being kept longer than normal.
The 10th (in front) and 12th (left) holes at Dirab Golf Club
The club does not encourage golfers to walk the course, and every group must take a buggy. The exception to this is early mornings and late afternoons, if the course is quiet, during the cooler months.
Whilst the golf course itself is of pretty good quality, it is a pity that the clubhouse does not offer more in the way of encouragement to make people stay and enjoy the surroundings a bit more. The food and drinks on offer are fairly basic, and the environment quite stark and functional.
More than just golf
Dirab Golf and Country Club also has horse riding facilities, where people can go riding for an hour at a time. There are also chalets that can be booked for overnight and weekend stays.
A visit to Dirab Golf and Country Club is a pleasant trip out of Riyadh. The environment makes sure the pressures of the city are left far behind, and the greenery ensures the air quality is fresh and fragrant.
Booking tee times in advance is necessary at weekends.
Let us know what you think about Dirab Golf Club in the comments section below