Jack Nicklaus will design a course in Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia’s entertainment, sports and arts city located just outside Riyadh.
The 81-year-old American player, who holds the world record for majors (18), will begin construction of the new course later this year, marking his first golf design project in the Middle East.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation, said, “To have the greatest golfer of all time commit to making his mark on our developing golf landscape in Saudi Arabia, and on a project as significant as Qiddiya, brings us great pride.”
“Being a part of Nicklaus’ legacy will be something we will always cherish, especially knowing the positive impact it will have on the growing awareness of the sport nationally, while increasing our national visibility as a vibrant new golf destination.”
“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Nicklaus for his first visit to Saudi Arabia in the coming months,” he added.
Nicklaus stated, “I am excited about this project and designing my first golf course in the Middle East. To be selected as one of the first international designers to work in Saudi Arabia is a great honor.”
“I’ve already spent some time looking at the topography of the terrain, images of the backdrop and terrain, and discussing with our design team a strategy for the field.”
“The design will fully integrate the natural surroundings and beautiful landscape of Qiddiya, bringing together green spaces and mountainous terrain to form a picturesque canvas for a beautiful and challenging golf course,” he added.
The Qiddiya project was announced in 2017 and work on the site, located just a 40-minute drive from the capital, began in April the following year.
Work began in January on the design of Falcon’s Flight, the flagship attraction of the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park, which will be one of the key elements of the project.
The park, which is scheduled to open in 2023, will cover 32 hectares and feature 28 rides and attractions in six themed lands.
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