Madinat Makadi

In recent years, American architect John Sanford has been making a name for himself in North Africa whilst working work on a number of Egyptian golf projects – including Jolie Ville in Sharm-el-Shiekh and Taba Heightsin Sinai – and this big budget resort layout is another of his top quality tracks to appear on the sandy shores of the Red Sea.

The Madinat Makadi golf course has been constructed to USGA specifications with fairways routed around a substantial residential development. Water comes into play at holes 6, 7 and 8 on the front nine and long, sandy waste areas fringe many of the fairways throughout the layout.

Both nines conclude with long, demanding par fives so there’s no room for slacking here in advance of reaching the respite of the clubhouse to indulge in an ice-cold refreshment at either the half way stage or the end of the round.

Architect John Sanford kindly supplied us with the following comments:

“Madinat Makadi is a “desert style” golf course designed to accommodate the highest caliber international championships. At over 7,500 yards from the championship tees, this course will challenge the best players in the world.

The course has also been designed with six sets of tees to accommodate all levels of golfer from beginners to touring professionals. Each hole is strategically designed with risk/reward shot-making opportunities throughout the course.

The front nine is distinctly different to the back nine, being flatter, with a series of ponds and creeks to challenge the golfer, whereas the back nine is routed through the hills and wadis of the desert.

Overlooking the exotic coastline of the Red Sea, the course is surrounded by residential units, lagoons and three salt-water lakes coming from the beach wells. Three lakes are connected by two cascades which are considered as hazards; well positioned and awaiting any stray shots.”