TrackMan Range and Desert Golfing: Where to Golf in Qatar

Encouraged by the Ministry of Sports and Youth investments in sport and infrastructure, golf has moved from expat afterthought to high-class experience. You can play on top-level golf courses designed by famous golfers, hit the track at dusk as lights come on, and experience playing in the desert. 

In this list, we are featuring courses that deserve to be talked about, either because of their innovation, history, or unique features. Now grab your clubs (or rent some!), and let’s get into some of Doha’s most underrated golf adventures.

The Education City Golf Club was developed by José María Olazábal, one of the most famous professional golfers. Created with a visually stunning, eco-sensitive landscape and a world-class 18-hole championship course tailored for strategic play, the club offers options for players of all levels.

This futuristic golf spot, covering an area of 120 hectares, features 33 holes in three marked courses: an 18-hole championship course, a 6-hole championship course, and a 9-hole course. The Education City Golf Club is great for players in training, thanks to its advanced swing analysis systems, GPS-equipped golf carts, and a coaching program with performance tracking. And, if you are serious about the technique, ask for the TrackMan range, as it offers advanced play tracking. Even pros flying in for the Qatar Masters come here to brush up on their game.

On top of it all, the whole facility is built with sustainability in mind, with drought-resistant Platinum TE Paspalum grass and smart irrigation systems to keep the greens looking perfect, even in Doha’s hot summers.

Address: Education City, Al Rayyan Road, Ar-Rayyan, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

The Doha Golf Club has a long history. Created in the ’90s by Peter Harradine, this golf course was the first grass course in the area and had a big impact on promoting this sport in the region. The course mixes sandy desert with lush oasis, giving players neat fairways, carefully arranged sand traps, and plenty of ponds, all overlooking the modern Doha West Bay area.

Golfers of every level will find the 18-hole championship course exciting. For those who don’t have time or are simply looking for a twilight round, the floodlit 9-hole academy course is a great evening practice option.

You just can’t beat playing on the same turf as international tour pros. Plus, a well-stocked clubhouse, fine dining, and mature landscaping make this one of Doha’s most complete golf experiences.

Address: Golf Course Street, West Bay Lagoon, Doha, 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM 

Set right on Pearl Island, Gewan’s Corinthia Golf Club is great for golfers in training. With beautiful views, softly lit bunkers, and an easy-going vibe, it's the perfect getaway for busy professionals or expats looking for a quick escape. Though the par-3 course looks easy on paper, it actually includes both lakes and bunkering challenges. The golf course is open after 12 AM, which makes it perfect for those who prefer to golf at night.

Address: Gewan Golf Club, Gewan Island, The Pearl, Doha, 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM

The Mesaieed Golf Club is unlike any other nearby course. It has a brown 18-hole course made from compacted sand and oil, and it’s also private. It's one of Qatar’s oldest clubs, founded in 1951, with deep roots in the country’s expat and oil industries.

Here, playing just feels like jumping in a time capsule. This is minimalist, raw, and one of the most authentic versions of desert golf you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

Address: Mesaieed Golf Club, XGMV+63W, Mesaieed, 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

A layover at the Hamad International Airport? Don’t spend your whole day on your phone; get out and practice your swing instead with the golf simulator at HIA. Featuring advanced club detection and sharp graphics, the game manages to feel very real. It’s suitable for everyone from seasoned golfers enjoying the game to first-time players.

Again, it’s probably Doha’s quirkiest golf experience, and it might just be the most productive thing you can do with a long layover.

Address: Vitality Wellbeing & Fitness Centre, 4th Floor, Oryx Airport Hotel, 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM

Price: Around QAR 130

Although the Trump International Golf Course is not operational yet, it is already stirring excitement in Qatar golf circles. Central to the AIDA real estate development near Doha, this future 18-hole championship course is about more than just a place to play; it's a symbol of a luxurious lifestyle. It hopes to lead the way in golf for the region by adding a theme park, expanding the marina, building elite villas, and offering high-class amenities. Once built, it will be the country's springboard to attract global players and tournaments as part of Qatar's presence on the world golf map.

If everything goes well with its construction, it could become the standard for luxury play in the Gulf.

Address: Simaisma, north of Doha

You won’t have to drive far from Doha to enjoy another round of golf. Maybe an early game at Education City or passing the last hours with a sunset round at Gewan Golf Club?

And, if you’re prone to back and knee injuries or struggle with Golfer's elbow, you should get a golfer’s insurance. It covers property damages and injuries caused by your use of equipment to anyone, including a hired caddy.