World’s Greatest Golfer Jack Nicklaus To Design Signature Championship olf Course At Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia
Jack Nicklaus, the globally
renowned golf course designer and the greatest champion in
the game’s history with a record 18 professional major
championships to his name, has confirmed that he is
designing his first ever course in Saudi Arabia, a
championship golf course for Qiddiya—Saudi Arabia’s capital
of Entertainments, Sports and the Arts. The course, located
40 minutes from the Saudi capital of Riyadh, is under design
and is awaiting commencement of construction.
Jack and Nicklaus Design are creating the championship
course for a private golf and country club, set within an
exclusive residential community in the heart of the Qiddiya
development, just outside Riyadh, with ground expected to be
broken later this year. The golf course will be framed by
the majestic Tuwaiq mountain range.
Commenting on Jack Nicklaus’ involvement, His Excellency
Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi
Golf Federation said: “To have the greatest-ever golfer
commit to making his mark upon our developing golf
landscape in Saudi Arabia and at a project as significant as
Qiddiya gives us great pride. To be part of the Nicklaus legacy
will be something that we will always cherish, especially
knowing the positive impact it will have on growing
awareness of the sport at a domestic level, whilst increasing
our national visibility as a vibrant new golf destination. We are
looking forward to welcoming Mr. Nicklaus for his first visit to
Saudi Arabia in the coming months.”
Nicklaus, the most decorated player in the game’s history,
commented: “I am excited by this project and my first golf
course design in the Middle East. To be selected as one of
the first international designers to work in the Kingdom is a
great honor. I’ve already spent time looking at the topography
of the land, images of the backdrop and terrain, and
discussing with our design team a strategy for the course.
The design will fully integrate the natural environment and the
beautiful Qiddiya landscape, bringing together green spaces
and mountainous terrain to form a picturesque canvas for
both a beautiful and challenging golf course.”
Construction began on the Qiddiya project in 2019 and the
golf development will include a high-end resort hotel and spa,
as well as exclusive residences, that once finished will
position the development as both the premier Golf and
Country Club and number one course in the Kingdom. It will
be constructed to the highest standards, with a view
to hosting the most prestigious international championships in
future years, challenging elite golfers while providing casual
players with an opportunity to enjoy the sport and develop
their skills.
“By being involved in this project, we hope to promote the
development and enjoyment of the game in the Kingdom,”
Nicklaus said. “We not only want to entice Saudi residents to
take up the great game of golf, but we also hope this presents
employment opportunities for citizens of the Kingdom that are
within or related to the golf industry. This mirrors the vision of
Qiddiya.”
The planning of the course has been undertaken by Qiddiya
in consultation with Golf Saudi. The Nicklaus-designed course
is the centrepiece of what has been positioned as the most
exclusive golf residential community in the Kingdom.
Further expanding the sport of golf in the Kingdom, Qiddiya
will be seeking designers for a second course. Together, the
two courses will provide top-notch golfing facilities for
residents and day visitors to Qiddiya, from elite players to
those just learning the sport.
CEO of QIC, Philippe Gas commented; “The underlying
philosophy behind this entire development is to introduce a
new, active lifestyle to the people of Saudi Arabia. This project
has been carefully planned to ensure an unmatched resort
experience for both golfers and regular guests. We expect the
Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and residential offering
to provide the most entertaining challenge for golfers and
the most appealing homesteads for residents seeking an
extraordinary lifestyle.”