A YOUTHFUL NATION EMBRACES AN ANCIENT GAME  

With 71% of Saudi Arabia's population under the age of 35, the Kingdom possesses one of the world's most dynamic and aspirational youth segments. This demographic shift has created an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine golf not as a relic of tradition, but as a modern lifestyle activity that reflects success and ambition. The young Saudis are seeking experiences that go beyond conventional entertainment, and golf has emerged as a perfect vehicle for this aspiration.  The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, has recognized this potential and made substantial investments in transforming the country's golf landscape. The number of golf courses in Saudi Arabia is expected to more than triple by 2030, marking an unprecedented expansion that will make the sport accessible to millions of Saudis who previously had limited exposure to the game.  

BEYOND SPORT: GOLF AS BUSINESS CATALYST  

 In Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving business environment, driven by Vision 2030's economic diversification goals, professionals are discovering that golf offers something that boardrooms and coffee meetings sometimes fail to. The leisurely pace of golf, combined with its strategic elements, creates natural opportunities for business discussions to unfold organically over four to five hours of play.  This aspect has become particularly valuable in Saudi Arabia, which is experiencing a boom in business talks and international partnerships. As the Kingdom positions itself as a global economic powerhouse, business leaders are finding that the golf course provides an ideal setting for relationship building that extends far beyond traditional networking venues.  The various elements of a golf course, from the driving range to different holes, clubhouse facilities, and practice greens, offer multiple environments for different types of conversations. This versatility has made golf courses increasingly popular venues for corporate events, client entertainment, and strategic business discussions.   

EMPOWERING WOMEN ON AND OFF THE COURSE  

The transformation of golf in Saudi Arabia extends far beyond youth engagement; it has become a powerful platform for women's empowerment. In May 2025, PIF entered into a multi-year partnership with the WTA Tour, with the explicit goal of growing the sport and enhancing benefits for female players globally.  This commitment reached new heights in March 2025 when PIF announced it would fully fund the WTA's maternity program, allowing female players to take up to a year of fully paid leave. This initiative represents more than just financial support; it signals a fundamental shift in how professional sports can better support women throughout their careers.  The fashion and community aspects of golf have played a crucial role in making the sport more approachable for Saudi women. Modern and modest golf apparel has evolved significantly, offering options that make women feel confident and comfortable on the course while respecting cultural preferences. This attention to inclusive fashion has been instrumental in breaking down perceived barriers to participation.  Saudi women are not just participating in golf; they are helping to redefine it. The emphasis on community building, combined with the sport's social nature, has created opportunities for women to network, build business relationships, and pursue athletic excellence in an environment that supports their broader life goals.  

DEMOCRATIZING THE GAME THROUGH INNOVATION  

Perhaps the most significant transformation has been the democratization of golf in Saudi Arabia. The GoGolf program, launched as part of the Kingdom's broader sports development initiative, has shattered barriers to entry that traditionally kept the sport exclusive. The program's success has been remarkable: since its launch, 1,315 girls and 1,410 boys from Riyadh, along with 133 girls and 85 boys from Jeddah, have joined the program, representing a new generation of Saudi golfers.  With golf in its infancy across the region, there is no greater demographic to target to elevate the growth of the game in Saudi Arabia than the younger population, who make up around 44% of the Kingdom's total population. Over 6,000 individuals have registered for the free 'GoGolf' lesson program, demonstrating the substantial appetite for the sport among Saudi youth.    

Image Credit: AVANTGARDE  

Author: Ziana Sudheer