Extending to 7,450 yards, Yas Links was over three years in construction and it lies across the highway from the Yas Marina car racing circuit with eight of the holes located right against the coastline.
Yas Links Golf Course
Extending to 7,450 yards, Yas Links was over three years in construction and it lies across the highway from the Yas Marina car racing circuit with eight of the holes located right against the coastline.
Yas Island – the location of a multi-billion dollar project by Aldar, Abu Dhabi’s foremost property, investment and management company – occupies an area of around 6,000 acres in the Arabian Gulf and it’s the site of a number of world-class attractions that include a Formula 1 Grand Prix racing track, the Ferrari World theme park and, of course, the Yas Links golf course, which opened in 2010.
The golf facility extends to an 18-hole layout, a 9-hole academy course and floodlit practice area. It’s the first project that architect Kyle Phillips has worked on in the Middle East and he was involved right from the outset when it was decided to shape nearly two miles of coastline (during the construction phase of an access route to the marina) and use almost 2 million cubic metres of dredged sand to cap the golf course.
Extending to 7,450 yards with five tee positions at every hole, Yas Links was over three years in construction and it lies across the highway from the Yas Marina car racing circuit with eight of the holes – including three of the four short holes on the card at 8, 13 and 17 – located right against the coastline.
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Many think the “Cape” hole at the 9th is the best of the par fours because the tee shot has to carry water on the right and the more length that’s gained from the tee, the shorter the approach is to a green that falls away at the back.
The 18th is a fine finishing hole where the shoreline snakes along the left hand side of the fairway, threatening shots all the way from tee to green. The safest option is to play away from the water, avoiding first a central fairway bunker off the tee then a long waste bunker down the left side of the narrow green.
Review of the Month March 2020 – Yas Links Notwithstanding the ongoing zombie apocalypse, there is change in the air at Yas Links. They seem to have recognised the concerns over some of the conditioning issues and have already rectified many of them. Plenty of new sods were growing in and conditioning as of mid-March is solid if not spectacular. Some things never change however and the course retains the same challenging, exciting, even exhilarating design. The aesthetics are probably even improved right now as the rollercoasters and water park have fallen silent, another victim to the overwhelming shut-down of public facilities designed to keep people apart from one another. Yas Island as a whole is perhaps a shadow of itself. The staff at my hotel noted that even the golf course was closing at the same time the theme parks were directed to, but fortunately that was not the case and the afternoon I played seemed sufficiently solidly booked with golfers. That being said, I was graciously allowed out a little early by the starter and was never held up so it was a very pleasant round. A green and serene patch amongst meltdowns, closures and concerns. My family and I have a fortnight of 'isolation' to look forward to when we return to Australia in a week; assuming there will still be an airline to get us back there... but enough of this twaddle: to the golf. What a wonderful and exciting course Yas Links is. It feels almost natural, even though the land surrounding the course is mostly flat, the fairways roll across the land twisting and falling. And the green complexes were probably the highlight for me. There are some buried elephants out there where a mishit or overly aggressive chip or putt can have you replaying from off the green once more. Some really interesting shaping and thought definitely required with the short irons and flat stick in hand. Off the tee was no let up either with options available aplenty. Whilst the back nine certainly plays harder, the front is equally as interesting. This course requires patience and thought. Anything less will have you playing from some of the wild looking bunkers, or worse, from the thick coastal ground-cover from which I couldn't execute a single decent recovery. The hotels being constructed down at the turn point of the back nine are eyesores now in brutal grey concrete and when completed I can't imagine that will improve greatly, but it is what it is on Yas Island. You can always look the other way out over the azure water and adjacent sand island. The course staff were excellent, including marshalls on both the front and back nines to keep the pace of play moving. Yas Links is a wonderful course and comes highly recommended. Scarlett Review of the Month March 2020 selected by Editor-in-Chief, Keith Baxter, and sponsored by TaylorMade – click to read more about Yas Links.
Contrary to popular belief, experiencing the very best golf courses in the world doesn't require a network of connections, generational wealth, or selling a vital organ. While headlines scream about £1,000 green fees at Turnberry and $1,250 rounds at Shadow Creek, the reality is far more encouraging for passionate golfers who simply want to test themselves on legendary layouts. The Surprising Truth About World-Class Access 9 of the world's top 100 golf courses can be played for less than £100. This remarkable list includes venues like St Andrews Beach in Australia, the spectacular Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, Scotland's historic Machrihanish Championship Course, and Cape Wickham. For the price of a decent dinner for two, you can experience these masterpieces - more on that later... 22 of the world's top 100 can be played for £150 or less – including icons like Bethpage Black (host of multiple US Opens and the Ryder Cup), Muirfield (venue for 16 Open Championships), Turnberry (when not at peak rates), Royal Aberdeen, Bandon Dunes Resort's multiple championship courses, and Royal Porthcawl. Value in Context: Golf vs Other Leisure Pursuits To put this in perspective, consider how golf compares to other premium leisure experiences: Cinema Experience: A premium cinema ticket with drinks and snacks costs around £25-30 for 2.5 hours of entertainment (£10-12 per hour) Concert Tickets: New York's Broadway or London's West End shows average £80-150 for 2.5 hours (£32-60 per hour) Spa Day: Premium spa treatments range from £150-300 for 3-4 hours (£40-75 per hour) Fine Dining: Michelin-starred restaurants charge £150-300 for a 3-hour experience (£50-100 per hour) A round of golf at a world-class course priced at £150 delivers 4.5 hours of premium entertainment for £33 per hour – exceptional value compared to other luxury leisure activities. The Accessible Elite: A Global Journey of Excellence The 22 courses available for £150 or less represent an extraordinary global golf journey: Links Legends: From Scotland's Machrihanish and Cruden Bay to Wales's Royal Porthcawl and England's Royal Cinque Ports – classic seaside golf at its purest Championship Venues: Bethpage Black (US Open host), Muirfield (Open Championship venue), Turnberry (major championship site) – walk in the footsteps of golfing legends Modern Masterpieces: Barnbougle Dunes and Cape Wickham in Australia, Bandon Dunes Resort's quartet in Oregon, Cabot Links in Nova Scotia – contemporary designs that capture golf's timeless spirit Hidden Gems: Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, Lofoten Links in Norway above the Arctic Circle, Paraparaumu Beach in New Zealand – unique golfing experiences in spectacular settings Mountain Majesty: Jasper Park Lodge in the Canadian Rockies – where golf meets wilderness in perfect harmony These aren't compromise choices or "budget alternatives." These are genuine world-class venues that happen to prioritise accessibility over exclusivity. Why This Accessibility Matters This democratisation of world-class golf represents something remarkable in modern leisure: true meritocracy of experience over exclusivity. You don't need to know someone who knows someone. You don't need a trust fund or corporate hospitality. You need passion for the game, a willingness to travel and the price of a quality restaurant meal. In fact, for most, there is probably a World Top 100 golf course near them that is on the list that doesn't require a long haul flight or resort stay. The Remarkable Scope of Accessible Excellence Consider what £150 or less grants you access to: US Open venues like Bethpage Black Open Championship hosts, including Muirfield and Turnberry Internationally acclaimed courses across four continents Architectural masterpieces by the greatest golf course designers in history Scenic wonders from Arctic Norway to the Australian coast Resort destinations that define modern golf travel This collection spans every style of golf architecture, every type of natural setting, and every era of course design – from Victorian-era links to contemporary resort masterpieces. The New Golf Economy Does this accessibility reflect a shift in the golf industry's economic model? Perhaps not. While headline-grabbing courses chase ultra-wealthy tourists, hundreds of equally magnificent venues focus on providing exceptional experiences at reasonable prices. They understand that golf's future depends on accessibility, not exclusivity. Perhaps bemoaning golf as becoming unaffordable is true in some instances but certainly not true in all... The Ultimate Value Equation This isn't about compromise or "settling for less." This is about discovering that the very best in golf – the artistry, the challenge, the natural beauty, the history – is far more accessible than anyone dares to tell you. The only thing standing between many and world-class golf isn't their wallet – it's simply booking the tee time.
The Middle East has firmly established itself as a world-class golf destination, and Top 100 Golf Courses reflects this evolution with an expanded Top 25 ranking for 2025. For the first time, dedicated panellists living in the region have played virtually every course in the region, ensuring the most informed assessment of the Middle East's premier golf courses. The region now spans seven countries, featuring exceptional layouts from the UAE's championship courses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as emerging destinations in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. These rankings identify the courses genuinely worth building a golf trip around, distinguishing between the must-play experiences from the merely adequate. Middle East Top 25 Golf Course Ranking 50 Word Synopsis: Top 100 Golf Courses unveils its expanded Middle East Top 25 for 2025, assessed by dedicated regional panellists. Yas Links maintains its 13-year reign at #1, whilst five new entries include Saudi Arabia's Riyadh at #15. The UAE dominates with 17 courses, as the region's golf landscape continues to evolve remarkably. 2025 Rankings: The Top 25 Era The 2025 rankings represent a significant milestone. The chart has expanded from 20 to 25 courses, with all assessments based on play by dedicated Middle East panellists. An additional 21 courses can be played in the region but haven't made the rankings, not meeting the calibre needed to justify a dedicated golf trip. The exception is Shura Links in Saudi Arabia, which opened recently and will feature in the 2026 update once panellists complete their visit. 2025 Top 25 At A Glance The Unchanged Elite #1: Yas Links Golf Course (UAE) - No change - World Ranking #96 #2: Al Mouj Golf (Championship) (Oman) - No change #3: Trump International Golf Club Dubai (UAE) - No change The Rising Stars #9: Al Zorah Golf Club (UAE) - Up 4 positions #5: Emirates Golf Club (Majlis) (UAE) - Up 3 positions #7: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (UAE) - Up 3 positions #4: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth) (UAE) - Up 2 positions #6: The Els Club - Dubai (UAE) - Up 1 position The New Entries #14: Al Hamra (UAE) - New #15: Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) - New #18: Yas Acres (9 Holes) (UAE) - New #22: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club (UAE) - New #25: The Montgomerie (UAE) - New Notable Movements #10: Dubai Hills Golf Club (UAE) - Down 6 positions #23: Emirates Golf Club (Faldo) (UAE) - Down 4 positions #24: Arabian Ranches (UAE) - Down 4 positions #8: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (UAE) - Down 3 positions #19: Royal Golf Club (Montgomerie) (Bahrain) - Down 3 positions #20: Doha (Championship) (Qatar) - Down 3 positions #21: Caesarea (Israel) - Down 3 positions Complete Top 25 #11: Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (Saudi Arabia) - Down 2 #12: Education City (Championship) (Qatar) - Down 2 #13: Ayla (Jordan) - Down 1 #16: Jumeirah Golf Estates (Fire) (UAE) - Down 2 #17: Abu Dhabi Golf Club (National) (UAE) - Down 2 Best Golf Courses by Country UAE Golf Courses Dominate 17 of 25 courses (68%) are located in the UAE Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue their head-to-head rivalry for the region's best courses Five new UAE entries join the Top 25 Yas Links maintains 13-year reign at #1 Saudi Arabia Golf Courses Emerge 2 courses in Top 25: Royal Greens (#11), Riyadh (#15 - new entry) Additional courses monitored: Dirab, Nofa, Shura Links (recently opened) 2030 development plans remain ambitious Regional Golf Destinations Oman: 1 course (Al Mouj at #2) Qatar: 2 courses (Education City #12, Doha Championship #20) Jordan: 1 course (Ayla #13) Bahrain: 1 course (Royal Golf Club #19) Israel: 1 course (Caesarea #21) What the Rankings Tell Us Consistency at the Top Yas Links has held the #1 position since 2012, an unprecedented 13-year run that speaks to Kyle Phillips's masterful design. The Abu Dhabi course remains the only Middle Eastern layout in the World Top 100, currently ranked #96 globally. Al Mouj's consistent #2 ranking demonstrates Greg Norman's ability to create championship golf in challenging environments. The top three positions remain unchanged for the second consecutive ranking, suggesting a quality gap at the elite level. Dubai and Abu Dhabi's Architectural Excellence The Emirates' dominance extends beyond sheer numbers. The region features designs from the world's elite architects, including Kyle Phillips, Greg Norman, Gil Hanse, Ernie Els, Gary Player, and European Golf Design. This depth allows for genuine competition, with courses moving significantly up and down the rankings based on conditioning, innovation, and playing experience. Dubai's golf courses benefit from healthy competition, driving standards ever higher. Great Golf Doesn't Always Mean 18 Holes Yas Acres becomes the first 9-hole layout to feature in the Top 25 at #18, recognising that exceptional short courses can match the quality and strategic interest of full 18-hole facilities. This inclusion reflects modern golf's appreciation for variety in the playing experience. Saudi Arabia's Golf Development Riyadh's debut at #15 and Royal Greens' solid #11 position demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to golf development. With Shura Links recently opened and ambitious plans through 2030, the Kingdom is positioning itself to challenge the UAE's regional supremacy. The expansion of golf courses in Saudi Arabia represents the most significant Middle East golf development story of the coming decade. A Decade of Growth: 2012-2021 2012: The UAE Foundation The journey began in 2012 with a UAE Top 10, doubling the previous chart and establishing the foundation for regional rankings. Kyle Phillips's Yas Links in Abu Dhabi claimed the top position immediately, described as "the first links layout in the Middle East" and elevating modern golf course design to new heights. Greg Norman's Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth and Fire courses made their debuts at #3 and #5 respectively, whilst Gary Player's Saadiyat Beach Golf Club entered at #7. 2014: Regional Recognition Two years later brought significant expansion with the UAE chart growing to a Top 15 and the first comprehensive Middle East regional ranking. Oman emerged as a serious golf destination with Greg Norman's Al Mouj taking the #1 position in the Sultanate and claiming #2 in the wider regional rankings. The chart highlighted quality across the region, featuring Pete Dye's Caesarea in Israel, Peter Harradine's Doha Golf Club in Qatar, and Montgomerie's Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. 2017: The First Top 20 The inaugural Middle East Top 20 in 2017 brought together 14 UAE courses with six from neighbouring countries, recognising the region's importance following nearly three decades of growth since the first European Tour event in 1989. Yas Links retained its #1 position whilst Al Mouj held firm at #2. Notable inclusions were Peter Harradine's Championship layout at Doha Golf Club (#6), Pete Dye's rare international design at Caesarea (#11), and Montgomerie's Bahrain course (#13). 2019: Quality Deepens The first revision of the Top 20 showcased a region maturing rapidly, with 26 courses now featured across thirteen countries. The top three positions remained unchanged, demonstrating the quality gap at the elite level. Trump International Golf Club Dubai made an impressive debut at #7, the first new Dubai course in seven years. The Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates climbed to #13, whilst monitoring began on Dubai Hills Golf Club and Education City in Doha. 2021: The Modern Era The third biennial edition revealed European Golf Design as the most prolific firm with four courses listed, whilst Major champions including Els, Faldo, Nicklaus, Norman, Olazábal and Player all had designs featured. Trump International Dubai surged from #7 to #3, whilst Royal Greens in Saudi Arabia climbed five places to #9, taking nearly a decade to complete but delivering exceptional quality. Dubai Hills made its debut at #4, Education City entered at #11, and Arabian Ranches returned at #20. Planning Your Middle East Golf Trip These rankings serve a clear purpose: identifying courses worth building an itinerary around. The Middle East offers convenient travel between destinations, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi golf courses easily combined in a single trip. Qatar's Doha provides an alternative hub, whilst Saudi Arabia's emerging golf scene rewards the more adventurous traveller. The distinction between the ranked Top 25 and the additional 21 playable courses matters. These rankings focus on golf courses worth travelling for, not simply courses that exist. Every layout in the Top 25 offers something special—championship pedigree, architectural significance, or playing experiences unavailable elsewhere. Read our UAE & Abu Dhabi Travel Guide Looking Ahead The Middle East golf landscape continues to evolve at a remarkable pace. Shura Links in Saudi Arabia represents the future. Recently opened and highly anticipated, the course will undoubtedly feature in the 2026 update once our regional panellists complete their assessment. Tiger Woods's design at Trump World Golf Club in Dubai continues its development, whilst various projects across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia progress toward their 2030 targets. The region that began with a simple Top 10 for the UAE in 2009 now boasts 25 courses worthy of international recognition, with another 21 playable layouts and significant development in the pipeline. Kyle Phillips's Yas Links may have held the crown for 13 years, but competition intensifies with each passing season. View the complete Middle East Top 25 rankings
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
Georgia, United States
Hyogo, Japan
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
North Island, New Zealand
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
