By Design – Issue 52, Spring 2021

6 DIGEST Nicklaus to create new course in Saudi Arabia N icklaus Design will create a new 18-hole golf course as part of the Qiddiya development located southwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. “I am excited by this project and my first golf course design in the Middle East,” said ASGCA Fellow Jack Nicklaus. “I’ve already spent time looking at the topography of the land, images of the backdrop and terrain, and discussing with our design team a strategy for creating the golf course. The design will fully integrate the natural environment and the beautiful Qiddiya landscape, bringing together green spaces and mountainous terrain to form a picturesque canvas for both a beautiful and challenging golf course.” Yasir Al-Rumayyan, chairman of Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation said: “To have the greatest-ever golfer commit to making his mark upon our developing golf landscape in Saudi Arabia and at a project as significant and important as Qiddiya gives us great pride.” Al-Rumayyan adds that having Nicklaus involved will help with “growing awareness of the sport at a domestic level, whilst increasing our national visibility as a vibrant new golf destination.” The course, which is expected to enter construction in late 2021, will be framed by the Tuwaiq mountain