KSA Golf Tourism Market

KSA Golf Tourism Market Overview

• The KSA Golf Tourism Market is valued at USD 1.2 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing popularity of golf as a leisure activity, significant investments in golf infrastructure, and the government's commitment to promoting tourism as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The rise in international golf events hosted in the Kingdom, including tournaments such as the Saudi International and LIV Golf events at venues like Royal Greens and Riyadh Golf Club, has also contributed to the market's expansion by attracting global golfers and spectators.
• Key cities dominating the KSA Golf Tourism Market include Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, which are also highlighted as core tourism regions in broader Saudi tourism segmentation. Riyadh is a central hub for business and leisure, attracting both domestic and international tourists and hosting key courses such as Riyadh Golf Club and Dirab Golf & Country Club that are integral to Golf Saudi’s mass participation and development programs. Jeddah, with its coastal attractions and proximity to flagship venues like Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea coast, offers a unique blend of golf and leisure activities, while Dammam serves as a gateway to the Eastern Province's rich cultural heritage and emerging resort and hospitality developments, making these cities pivotal in driving golf tourism.
• To support golf tourism development, the Saudi government works through national sports and tourism frameworks overseen by the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Tourism, under which Golf Saudi operates as the commercial and development arm of the Saudi Golf Federation to grow participation, attract events, and integrate golf into Vision 2030 tourism goals. The Saudi Golf Federation, recognized by the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, is mandated to govern and promote the sport nationally, and Golf Saudi’s Mass Participation and facility development programs channel public and private investments into golf courses, academies, and events in line with national tourism and sports strategies. In addition, tourism-related regulations such as the Tourism Law issued by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism in 2022 set licensing, quality, and operational requirements for tourism service providers and hospitality assets, which apply to golf resorts and golf-related hospitality offerings and thereby frame standards, visitor experience, and investment conditions for golf tourism in the Kingdom.

KSA Golf Tourism Market Segmentation

By Type:The KSA Golf Tourism Market is segmented into various types, including Public Golf Courses, Private Golf Clubs, Golf Resorts, Golf Academies, and Others. Public Golf Courses are increasingly important as part of Golf Saudi’s mass participation strategy, offering more accessible and affordable entry points for new players, while Private Golf Clubs continue to cater to affluent members with exclusive facilities and services. Among these, Golf Resorts are currently the leading subsegment, driven by the increasing demand for integrated leisure experiences that combine luxury accommodation with golfing facilities, especially within large-scale destination developments on the Red Sea coast, in Riyadh, and at mixed-use projects like King Abdullah Economic City. The trend towards wellness and leisure travel, coupled with high-end hospitality brands integrating golf access into their offerings, has further boosted the popularity of golf resorts, making them a preferred choice for both domestic and international tourists.

By End-User:The market is also segmented by end-users, which include Domestic Golf Tourists, International Golf Tourists, Corporate & MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), Golf Associations, Clubs & Federations, and Tour Operators & Travel Agencies. The International Golf Tourists segment is currently the most significant, as the Kingdom attracts a growing number of international visitors seeking unique golfing experiences, particularly during major tournaments and events such as the Saudi International, Aramco Team Series, and LIV Golf tournaments hosted at courses like Royal Greens and Riyadh Golf Club. At the same time, domestic tourists and local golf enthusiasts are expanding rapidly thanks to Golf Saudi’s grassroots programs and academy growth at facilities including Riyadh Golf Club and Dirab Golf & Country Club, which are cultivating a sustained local demand base that complements inbound tourism and corporate golf-related travel.

KSA Golf Tourism Market Competitive Landscape

The KSA Golf Tourism Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Golf Saudi (subsidiary of Saudi Golf Federation), Saudi Golf Federation, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club (King Abdullah Economic City), Riyadh Golf Club, Dirab Golf & Country Club, Troon Golf (management of select KSA golf assets), IMG Golf (course & event management partner), Emaar Hospitality Group (The Address Hotels + Resorts), Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (Saudi Arabia properties with golf access), The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh & Jeddah, Marriott International (including JW Marriott & other brands in KSA), Hilton Worldwide (including Waldorf Astoria & Hilton-branded resorts), Accor Hotels (including Fairmont, Sofitel & Raffles in KSA), Jumeirah Group (Jumeirah Jeddah & regional luxury portfolio), Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts (Banyan Tree AlUla & Red Sea developments) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space, often integrating championship-standard courses with luxury hospitality to attract both international and domestic golf travelers.

KSA Golf Tourism Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing International Golf Events:The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has hosted over 10 international golf tournaments recently, attracting approximately 50,000 visitors. Events like the Saudi International have drawn significant media attention, with a global audience reach of 500 million. This influx of international events is expected to boost local tourism revenues, which were estimated at $35 billion recently, further solidifying KSA's position as a premier golf destination.
• Government Investment in Tourism Infrastructure:The Saudi government allocated $1.5 billion recently for the development of tourism infrastructure, including golf courses and resorts. This investment aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and increase the number of golf facilities from 20 to 40 in future. The Vision 2030 initiative emphasizes diversifying the economy, with tourism projected to contribute 10% to GDP in future, up from 4% recently.
• Rising Interest in Golf Among Locals:Participation in golf among Saudi nationals has surged, with over 30,000 new players registered recently alone. Local golf clubs reported a 25% increase in membership, reflecting a growing interest in the sport. The Saudi Golf Federation's initiatives, including youth programs and community events, have contributed to this trend, fostering a culture of golf that supports the tourism sector's growth.

Market Challenges

• Limited Awareness of Golf Tourism:Despite the growth potential, awareness of golf tourism in KSA remains low, with only 15% of potential tourists familiar with the offerings. This lack of awareness hinders the ability to attract international visitors, as many still view KSA primarily as a pilgrimage destination. Marketing efforts need to be intensified to highlight the unique golf experiences available in the region.
• High Competition from Established Golf Destinations:KSA faces stiff competition from established golf markets like the UAE, which hosted over 100 international golf events recently. The UAE's well-developed infrastructure and brand recognition in golf tourism pose significant challenges for KSA. To compete effectively, KSA must enhance its offerings and promote its unique cultural experiences alongside golf.

KSA Golf Tourism Market Future Outlook

The future of KSA's golf tourism market appears promising, driven by increasing investments and a growing local interest in the sport. In future, the number of golf courses is expected to double, enhancing the region's appeal. Additionally, the integration of technology in golf experiences, such as virtual reality and mobile apps, will attract tech-savvy tourists. As KSA continues to promote itself as a luxury destination, the synergy between golf and wellness tourism will likely create new avenues for growth.

Market Opportunities

• Development of Luxury Golf Resorts:The establishment of luxury golf resorts is a significant opportunity, with projected investments of $2 billion in future. These resorts can attract high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive experiences, thereby increasing tourism revenue and creating jobs in the hospitality sector.
• Promotion of Golf as a Family-Friendly Activity:Marketing golf as a family-friendly activity can tap into a broader demographic. With over 60% of families in KSA expressing interest in recreational activities, tailored golf packages that include family-oriented amenities can enhance participation and attract more visitors, boosting overall tourism.