Nofa Golf Resort, Riyadh

Nofa Golf Resort, located about a hundred kilometers outside the hustle and bustle of Riyadh, is something of an oasis in the desert. As you drive in the gates the lush and vibrant greenery of the fairways will strike you. You drive down towards the large clubhouse and the view of the racecourse itself with the back nine holes nestled inside it greets you. You look out over the fountain on the eighteenth in front of the green, and pan around to take in the course and marvel at the vision that brought this gem to this hostile setting in the middle of the scorching Arabian sands.

This is Nofa Golf Resort, and below is my review of it.

 

Course layout (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)

The layout is one of the most interesting I have played. Especially from a design point of view. The front nine itself you can see some of the holes were originally set out differently, certainly the fifth where you are hitting into a slanted green. If you follow the green to the right hand side you can see a redundant tee box. So it’s obvious this was not the original hole.

There is quite a bit of open space on some of the holes, but others are amazingly tight, like the third and the fifth. You can’t just go in with all guns blazing on these. You need to be accurate and plan your next shots.

Each hole has a detailed map with yardages and tips
Each hole has a detailed map with yardages and tips

The back nine is set inside the racecourse itself. They have done a great job of fitting nine holes into the limits of the racetrack. It doesn’t feel congested and you still have a good mix of holes with all types of hazards.

Driving over the racetrack to access the back nine.
Driving over the racetrack to access the back nine.

Water comes into play in about half of the holes on the course. For most of the holes you can steer clear of the water so you do not even have to hit over it if not confident.

The layout is nice and the variety of holes is good. You can plan your way around the course strategically or you can just go gung-ho and try to get as close to every green as you can off the tee!

 

Course condition (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)

The condition of the course is easily the best in Riyadh at the moment. Everything is in excellent shape. The fairways are nicely cut and the rough is not long enough to hinder you but at the same time can be punishing when the ball sits down slightly in it. But it never causes you to lose a ball in it due to being too long.

Driving down the tree lined avenue to the seventh tee box
Driving down the tree lined avenue to the seventh tee box

The bunkers, both fairway and greenside are soft red sand and a pleasure to hit out of.  The fairway bunkers if you are in them definitely cause you to lose a shot as it is hard to get a clean pick off the soft sand. But that’s what they’re designed for.

The greens are quite fast but with a nice roll to them. They have some falls which are quite deceiving to see. Only in one hole is the green very unfair and that is the aforementioned 5th which appears to be a green that was not designed specifically for that hole.

The greens have improved hugely over the last few years in Nofa and are now an excellent standard.
The greens have improved hugely over the last few years in Nofa and are now an excellent standard.

If you are so far off target you are outside even the rough line, it is not the usual desert waste typical to Middle Eastern courses that you play off, rather a nice lush grass.

Overall the condition is excellent and it’s a pleasure to play.

 

Facilities (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆)

The course has a stunning clubhouse which also has an upstairs where presentations are done sometimes. The view from here out over the course is beautiful. The clubhouse is smart and of a very high standard. Before your round you can go in here and avail of a free coffee which is a welcome touch. There is a restaurant here also if you fancy some food.

The clubhouse to the golf course is a beautiful building both inside and out
The clubhouse to the golf course is a beautiful building both inside and out

The pro-shop is quite well stocked for general items and for stocking up on soft drinks before you go out on your round.

The range is good for loosening up before the round and is a quite nice setting. It’s not just a flat field. Again the range balls are free before your round.

A nice shaded driving range where you can warm up before your round is included in the price.
A nice shaded driving range where you can warm up before your round is included in the price.
The putting green next to the driving range and before the first tee.
The putting green next to the driving range and before the first tee.

The buggies are good and there is no issue with battery life or breakdowns. During the round a service buggy will come around with free water top ups for you. These don’t sell soft drinks so get these from the pro-shop before your round.

 

Price (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆)

Currently the green fees are SAR350 on the weekend and you can play an extra 18 holes directly after for another SAR100. This is an excellent deal. To be able to get two rounds of golf for SAR450 in the Middle East during the weekend is incredible. The price is easily the best price in Riyadh and probably the whole of the Middle East.

During the weekdays it is SAR250 with the option for the extra round available as well here.

For a course of its condition it is a great bargain.

 

Setting & Course location (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)

The location is about 100km to the West of Riyadh along the Mecca Road. It is the furthest golf course from the city but in my opinion it is also in the best condition and has the best price. So it is worth the journey.

The vibrant green of the fairways is a stark contrast to the orange of the sand dunes beyond.
The vibrant green of the fairways is a stark contrast to the orange of the sand dunes beyond.

For the location on Google Maps please click here.

 

Conclusion

Nofa Golf Course is a fantastic course. The only drawback is its distance from Riyadh. That’s not a lot to complain about to be fair! The fact it is so far out is reflected in the price. You will not find a better deal anywhere in Riyadh, and possibly in the whole of the Middle East.

It is joyous to play such a well maintained course, especially if you have it on a nice quiet day when there are not many people around. It’s what one of our group likes to call ‘Millionaire’s Golf’. The fact they have managed to fit the whole back nine into the racecourse is something special too. Then of course there is the small safari section on the ninth hole. It’s strange to see a sign saying ‘Beware of the Crocodiles’ when on a golf course but it definitely stops you going in to find your ball after that wayward tee shot!

Not your typical signage on a golf course
Not your typical signage on a golf course
Don't go looking for your ball if in the water on the ninth hole! The crocodiles are fenced in so are perfectly safe, it's worth it to go and look for them when passing.
Don’t go looking for your ball if in the water on the ninth hole! The crocodiles are fenced in so are perfectly safe, it’s worth it to go and look for them when passing.
Ostrich and Arabian Oryx in the area beside the ninth hole
Ostrich and Arabian Oryx in the area beside the ninth hole

If you like to play well manicured courses for a cheap price, and if you have transport available to you, then you should definitely take a drive out to Nofa Golf Course.

OVERALL RATING – (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆)

 

Contact Details for Nofa Golf Resort

Website: Click here
Telephone: +966 11 654 2954
Email: golf@nofaresort.com

 

Hole-by-Hole

All distances are from the yellow tees which I played from. Indexes are men’s indexes.

 

Hole 1: Par 5, 489yds, index 16

The first is a nice gentle par 5 to start with. A good drive out the middle will leave you a straight forward second shot towards the green. Long hitters can aim to the right side of the fairway with the drive to leave a long iron to the green.

The tee shot off the first is pretty easy with a lot of room left and right. The line for long hitters is at (C).
The tee shot off the first is pretty easy with a lot of room left and right. The line for long hitters is at (C).
Staying on the left side all the ways up will avoid the fairway bunkers. Long hitters can easily make this in two.
Staying on the left side all the ways up will avoid the fairway bunkers. Long hitters can easily make this in two.

 

Hole 2: Par 4, 322yds, index 13

This is a slight dog-leg to the left. There is OOB on the left so the safe option is to take a fairway wood out the middle to leave a short iron into the green. It may be possible to take a pot shot at the green from the tee but with the OOB and the many bunkers it’s a dangerous shot.  

A slight dog leg to the left. You can hit a driver out towards the bunker in the centre of the picture (A). Don't go too far left as it's OOB (D).
A slight dog leg to the left. You can hit a driver out towards the bunker in the centre of the picture (A). Don’t go too far left as it’s OOB (D).
With bunkers all on the left side this three tier green can be tricky to hit. It's vital to get your distance right to the correct tier.
With bunkers all on the left side this three tier green can be tricky to hit. It’s vital to get your distance right to the correct tier.

 

Hole 3: Par 5, 483yds, index 4

An extremely tough and beautiful par 5. The fairway is very narrow and there is OOB both left and right. There are fairway bunkers to avoid also so the only option is to be safe out the middle with the drive. The second shot needs to get over a stream and there is a lake on the right of the green. This hole can be played many ways and if you get a par you can walk off the green happy!

Seen by many as the most intimidating tee shot on the course, hitting this narrow fairway is a relief. The only way is straight as OOB left and right.
Seen by many as the most intimidating tee shot on the course, hitting this narrow fairway is a relief. The only way is straight as OOB left and right.
Two options for your second shot. You can go for it (C) but take care of the OOB left and the water right. Or take a mid iron and lay up.
Two options for your second shot. You can go for it (C) but take care of the OOB left and the water right. Or take a mid iron and lay up.
If laying up you have to hit the right level in the two tier green being mindful of the bunkers. Hit the green in regulation and breathe a sigh of relief.
If laying up you have to hit the right level in the two tier green being mindful of the bunkers. Hit the green in regulation and breathe a sigh of relief.

Hole 4: Par 3, 171yds, index 8

After the last hole this is a relaxing par 3. There are bunkers to the left and right of the green. The green is narrow so if you go in them there is not a lot of green to play with when playing out.  

Quite a narrow green to hit with bunkers front, left, and right.
Quite a narrow green to hit with bunkers front, left, and right.

 

Hole 5: Par 4, 351yds, index 3

Another hole that can be played different ways. It is a dog-leg to the left. You can try to take on the dog-leg but need to get your drive up quickly over trees. The best option is a long iron or fairway wood out the middle. This leaves you a mid iron into the green. But go too long off the tee and you will also be in the lake. The second shot is over a lake and the green slopes viciously from left to right. If you are above the hole on the green the fun really starts!

Another dog leg to the left. Play out the middle but don't be long as there is water. Not much room for error on this tee shot. If you can get a driver up quickly you can shorten the hole by going over (C)
Another dog leg to the left. Play out the middle but don’t be long as there is water. Not much room for error on this tee shot. If you can get a driver up quickly you can shorten the hole by going over (C)
Another hard green to hit due to it sloping left to right. If you miss it miss right to leave an uphill chip.
Another hard green to hit due to it sloping left to right. If you miss it miss right to leave an uphill chip.

 

Hole 6: Par 3, 146yds, index 17

A very similar hole to the fourth but the green is a little easier to hit. It’s a pretty straight forward par 3.

One of the easier par threes on the course. Avoid too far right as it's OOB.
One of the easier par threes on the course. Avoid too far right as it’s OOB.

 

Hole 7: Par 5, 510yds, index 15

Yet another par 5 on the front nine. The drive is straight out the middle and there is lots of room both left and right so plenty of room for error. There are a few fairway bunkers which can catch you but avoid these and it’s a fairly easy par 5.

Theres a lot of room left and right on this tee shot. Long hitters can go over the bunker on the right (C).
Theres a lot of room left and right on this tee shot. Long hitters can go over the bunker on the right (C).
A straight forward second shot centre of the fairway. Nothing complicated here.
A straight forward second shot centre of the fairway. Nothing complicated here.
Depending on where the pin is you may be coming in over the bunker to the green. Otherwise it's a nice easy approach shot.
Depending on where the pin is you may be coming in over the bunker to the green. Otherwise it’s a nice easy approach shot.

 

Hole 8: Par 4, 395yds, index 1

A nice par 4 with a lake on the left hand side. You can take on the right hand side of the lake if long to leave just over 100yds to the green. There is room to the right if you feel you can’t make it and want to play safe. 

If you're not long then stay well right. If you are long you can go over the right hand side of the lake (C).
If you’re not long then stay well right. If you are long you can go over the right hand side of the lake (C).
A slightly elevated green protected with bunkers means you need to club right. Not much depth to the green so hard to keep it on.
A slightly elevated green protected with bunkers means you need to club right. Not much depth to the green so hard to keep it on.

 

Hole 9: Par 4, 394 yds, index 6

Again the drive is straight out with a bail out area to the right. If too far left you may go into the lake. When passing the lake make sure to see if you can spot the crocodiles. There is also gazelle and ostrich in a grassed area off the fairway. The second shot is quite hard to hit the green. It is slightly elevated and is not very deep so hitting it and staying on at the same time is not easy. If too long there is a bunker at the back. 

The ideal tee shot is right with a draw. Avoid the stone fence on the left which holds the crocodiles (E)!
The ideal tee shot is right with a draw. Avoid the stone fence on the left which holds the crocodiles (E)!
Another tough green to hold due to its depth. Slightly elevated also so easy to be short.
Another tough green to hold due to its depth. Slightly elevated also so easy to be short.

 

Hole 10: Par 4, 386yds, index 5

And so to the racecourse holes. The tenth looks like a straight forward par 4 from the tee. But take care of your drive. If you are too long you will be in a lake which is located just over the hill. It is a long shot to this but if the wind is with you it is reachable. If you hit your drive in the middle of the fairway you will still have a tough shot to the elevated green over the lake.

If long on this tee shot you will be in the water. Take a fairway wood out avoiding the bunker on the right to land on the crest of the hill.
If long on this tee shot you will be in the water. Take a fairway wood out avoiding the bunker on the right to land on the crest of the hill.
Once you navigate the water and the bunkers left and right it's not the hardest green to hit.
Once you navigate the water and the bunkers left and right it’s not the hardest green to hit.

 

Hole 11: Par 4, 302yds, index 10

A drivable par 4 for long hitters. It is quite easy to get close to this green off the tee. There is a bail out area to the left and water on the right so try to stay left. There is a lake which can catch a tee shot from the tee if it is not long enough. It may be possible to lay up with a mid iron to leave the same shot to the green but if confident its best to go over the lake on the left hand side.

Take dead aim at this green (C) and if long you may reach it. Left has space but too far right is water (E).
Take dead aim at this green (C) and if long you may reach it. Left has space but too far right is water (E).
You can get close to this green in one to leave a nice little chip in for a possible birdie.
You can get close to this green in one to leave a nice little chip in for a possible birdie.

 

Hole 12: Par 3, 116yds, index 14

A stunning little par 3. And quite possibly one of the toughest tee shots on the course! It’s not a long hole, but the green has a huge fall from back to front. Hitting the green with spin on the ball can cause it to come back into the lake that is in front of the green. Being long puts you in the bunker at the back or on the bank. This is next to an impossible shot to get close to save par.

A beautiful par 3. Take care as balls like to hit the backstop and spin back a lot, sometimes into the water. Avoid the bunker long as it's a very tough bunker shot.
A beautiful par 3. Take care as balls like to hit the backstop and spin back a lot, sometimes into the water. Avoid the bunker long as it’s a very tough bunker shot.

 

Hole 13: Par 5, 552yds, index 11

With this drive there is trouble again on both sides, though the fairway is wider than the third hole. On the left there is a risk of going in the lake. On the right you have the racetrack which is OOB. But if you get your drive away safely then the rest of the hole is quite easy as the fairway widens out. No major danger up to the green and there is a lot of room on the right hand side.

With the racetrack which is OOB right (D) and a lake left (E) the right line is right side of fairway on the drive.
With the racetrack which is OOB right (D) and a lake left (E) the right line is right side of fairway on the drive.
Once you hit the fairway with your drive it opens out and you have more room left and right on your second shot.
Once you hit the fairway with your drive it opens out and you have more room left and right on your second shot.
On the approach just watch for the bunkers on the left of the green.
On the approach just watch for the bunkers on the left of the green.

 

Hole 14: Par 4, 397yds, index 2

Long hitters beware again. If you go slightly to the left of this fairway you will be in the lake. Being too far right is safe but you have a very tough shot hitting over trees to hit the green. Also there is a large deep bunker in front of the green from this angle to try to get over. If you hit the middle of the fairway there is water all along the left side up to the green so take care.

Avoid left as there is water (E). If you fade aim out the middle and let it come back right. Otherwise aim to cut the corner to hit the fairway.
Avoid left as there is water (E). If you fade aim out the middle and let it come back right. Otherwise aim to cut the corner to hit the fairway.
Water left (E) and deep bunkers right make this a tough green to hit.
Water left (E) and deep bunkers right make this a tough green to hit.

 

Hole 15: Par 4, 350yds, index 9

This par 4 has an internal hazard on the left hand side so take care with the drive. However there is lots of room out right. It is a slight dog-leg to the left. The safe option is out the right side of the fairway and this will leave a short to mid iron in. The green is slightly elevated.

Lots of room on the right here. Avoid left as it's a hazard (E). Hole turns slightly left following the white fence. Long hitters can take on the corner (C).
Lots of room on the right here. Avoid left as it’s a hazard (E). Hole turns slightly left following the white fence. Long hitters can take on the corner (C).
Looking back the fairway you can see the hazard marked by the white fence. Bunkers short of the green.
Looking back the fairway you can see the hazard marked by the white fence. Bunkers short of the green.

 

Hole 16: Par 3, 169yds, index 12

A par 3 that looks easy from the tee. The green is surrounded by a bank and you expect everything to come off this into the green. First you must get over the waste ground which is between the tee and the green. If you miss the green and you stay on the bank, (or are over it), it can be a tough chip to leave it close.

Another nice par 3 surrounded by a bank. Don't expect the ball to come off it always though. Club enough to carry the hazard especially if you have a tendency to drift left.
Another nice par 3 surrounded by a bank. Don’t expect the ball to come off it always though. Club enough to carry the hazard especially if you have a tendency to drift left.

 

Hole 17: Par 4, 309yds, index 18

A drivable one for long hitters again. Take care of the internal OOB on the right hand side. If long you can be over this if you drift right. There is lots of room to the left so this is the safer shot. Bunkers to the left and right of the green.

Another driveable par 4. If you miss then miss left as there is room. A hazard on the right (E) but if over it you may be in trees.
Another driveable par 4. If you miss then miss left as there is room. A hazard on the right (E) but if over it you may be in trees.
With a good drive you can leave a nice chip into this green.
With a good drive you can leave a nice chip into this green.

 

Hole 18: Par 5, 493yds, index 7

And we finish up with a lovely par 5. The drive needs to be pretty straight out the middle. You can drift slightly right but not too much as there is OOB here. Too far left leaves you in trees or long grass. After a good drive out the middle you have two choices. Either lay up or take on the elevated green over the large lake. Even laying up leaves you with a daunting final approach shot onto the green! A very nice hole to finish the round.

Avoid too far right as its OOB on the racetrack (D). Try to hit just left of the bunkers.
Avoid too far right as its OOB on the racetrack (D). Try to hit just left of the bunkers.
The line to the green is over (C). You need to carry a lake so it needs to be a good shot. Otherwise lay up with a mid or short iron.
The line to the green is over (C). You need to carry a lake so it needs to be a good shot. Otherwise lay up with a mid or short iron.
Its about a 50 yard carry over the lake so make sure and club enough with your approach shot. Bunkers on the left.
Its about a 50 yard carry over the lake so make sure and club enough with your approach shot. Bunkers on the left.

 

For other courses in Saudi Arabia please click here!

For information about Saudi Arabia please click here.

 

To see how I played the course check out my videos on YouTube.