Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Brian Curley-sculpted Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course in The Red Sea, has been shortlisted in five categories at the World Golf Awards, adding to its expanding list of global accolades.

Shura Links has been nominated in the following categories:

• Middle East’s Best Golf Course
• Saudi Arabia’s Best Golf Course
• Middle East’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility
• Middle East’s Best Golf Clubhouse
• World’s Best Golf Clubhouse

Officially opened by Red Sea Global in 2025, Shura Links has quickly gained international attention for delivering a new style of golf experience. Designed by acclaimed golf course architect Curley, the championship layout combines dramatic coastal scenery with strategic play, incorporating rolling dunes, island landscapes and uninterrupted Red Sea views throughout the course.

Developed with minimal environmental interference, the course reflects Red Sea Global’s regenerative tourism ambitions and commitment to sustainable development. The nomination for Middle East’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility recognises Shura Links’ unique approach to combining world-class golf with environmentally conscious design and operations.

The venue’s clubhouse has also received international recognition, earning nominations for both Middle East’s Best Clubhouse and World’s Best Clubhouse. Positioned on the beachfront overlooking the 18th green, the contemporary space, designed by Foster + Partners, blends refined architecture with premium dining, leisure and social experiences, creating a destination that extends beyond the game itself.

Jon Brook, Shura Links’ General Manager, said: “These nominations are a significant recognition of the vision behind Shura Links and the collaborative effort that brought it to life. Our ambition was to create a world-class golf destination that seamlessly blends exceptional design, championship-level play and a deep respect for the natural environment.

“Set against the unique backdrop of The Red Sea, Shura Links offers a distinctive experience that reflects the evolving expectations of today’s global golf traveller, where sustainability, authenticity and quality are as important as the game itself.

“As global interest in golf tourism continues to evolve, Shura Links represents the type of forward-thinking destination experience that is shaping the future of the sport.”

Shura Links’ recent international success includes securing third place in the Golf Inc. Development of the Year 2026 awards, underscoring the destination’s growing prominence within the global golf and tourism landscape. Recognising excellence in innovation, design and sustainability, the award reinforces Shura Links’ position as a standout destination in the international golf market.

The recognition reflects the scale of the vision behind the project and its successful delivery as one of the region’s newest championship courses, further cementing its role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a world-class golf tourism destination.

Managed by Golf Saudi, Shura Links represents a cornerstone of the organisation’s national mandate to orchestrate a thriving, sustainable golf eco-system. By blending infrastructural excellence with a commitment to the game’s advancement, Golf Saudi continues to curate a future where the Kingdom serves as a pre-eminent global hub for professional competition and premium golf tourism.

*Golf Saudi and Curley-Wagner Golf Design are members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.