Have you read in The Guardian in March that Saudi Arabia has spent at least $1.5bn on high-profile international sporting events in a bid to bolster its reputation? The Saudi sports economy has grown 174% in the last three years and its contribution to GDP has increased by 22%.
Following its acquisition of Dirab Golf & Country Club (18-hole Par 72 Championship course), Golf Saudi has now re-opened (on 24th September) the golf course and the clubhouse to the public.
Dirab Golf & Country Club has implemented a series of improvements across the entire site in early 2021, including:
- facility enhancement,
- landscaping,
- agronomy,
- the implementation of associate training programs,
- guest management and
- general course renovation.
The reopening celebrations coincided with the 91 st Saudi National Day on Thursday 23rd September, with Dirab Golf & Country Club organizing activities for golfers, kids, and families.
As part of Golf Saudi’s Mass Participation program, Dirab organized activities for visitors of all ages to try golf through a series of fun activations, including The Stadium Concept and SNAG.
An international management presence is now overseeing the property, with additional resources from Golf Saudi’s Corporate office and Dirab Golf & Country Club benefiting from the new team’s multiple years of experience in the Middle East.
Enhancements have been made to both front and back office with strong policies and procedures now in place throughout the club’s operational areas.
Improvement will be continuous with ongoing targets set. Regular training seminars will be held for all members of the team at Dirab Golf & Country Club, so they can quickly become acquainted with Golf Saudi’s management ethos and vision.
Majed Al Sorour, Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and CEO of Golf Saudi, said:
“Through making these improvements, we hope that Dirab Golf & Country Club will become the capital’s go-to golf course.