SULTANATE OF OMAN
Desert golf at its most luxurious!
Oman is situated at the Southern tip of Arabia. It is one of the last places to get a real feel of traditional Arabia, there is so much tradition to soak up, the climate is superb with an excellent infrastructure that blends in with the Old Omani ways.The best time to visit Oman is October to April which makes it perfect for that winter golf break. I was there in March and the temperature varied between 25 and 29 degrees, very pleasant indeed.
Oman Itinerary
Oman Golf Courses
Ras Al Hamra Golf Course
Ras Al Hamra is a super track. This was my first experience of night golf, the back 9 took a hole or so to acclimatise the eyes however it really was superb. A definite to do.
Ras Al Hamra is an 18 hole layout (two loops of the same 9 hole layout but from varying tees and double greens to provide a completely different course second time around). It is the first fully floodlit golf course in Oman, and what a pleasure it is to play.
Ghala Golf Course
Ghala is a 20/30 minute drive from the Muscat hotels. This course meanders in the main through a valley surrounded by what can only be described as Palaces perched on top of the cliffs. The Minister for Oil has one of these Palaces, with his own private drive down to the golf course. The new Sultan also has a very large Palace here.
Al Mouj
This is the crown jewel of the courses in Oman, used on the European Tour, it is a bit of a brute of a course that bites you all the way around. A joy to play though.
The scenery is amazing, every hole is different, the run offs from the green are definitely there for the Professionals, they are so tough to manoeuvre your way around the different hazards and nuances of the course.
Muscat Hills
I have to say it is a most wonderful layout, totally enjoyable, superb par 3s and lots of variety along the way. The course lot it’s way for a few years but is coming back to it’s former glory. The condition, 90% there, but unbelievably playable and any golfer would enjoy it.
So in summary, one to definite play and as it gets back to its total former glory it will be a wonderful place to play, relax and have great memories of golf in Oman.
View our blog and find out what we got up to on our visit to Oman
What golf tourists should expect when visiting Oman
Well Maintained Golf Courses
Golf is mainly situated in the Muscat area, with a 30-minute drive at most to a golf course. The four courses to play are Ras Al Hamra GC, Ghala GC, Al Mouj GC and Muscat Hills GC. The 4 courses are completely different, providing great variety.
Extremely Friendly Welcome
The Omanis are extremely friendly. You will be provided with excellent service and definitely a friendly smile.
Religion
Oman is a deeply religious country but one where as a visitor you can get a real feel for the importance of this without being too intrusive. A highlight would be a trip to the Grand Mosque in Muscat, quite amazing.
Dress Code
Local Omani men wear the dishdasha, a long white cloak and a kummah, the traditional hat. Females usually wear a black abaya with a scarf around their heads. It is not necessary for a visitor to dress like this however it is extremely prudent to wear conservative clothes so as to cover as much skin as possible. On the golf course normal wear of shorts and golf polo is absolutely acceptable.
Food & Drink
Oman is a healthy place to eat, lots of fish, grilled spiced meats, salads and superb homemade hummus. Oman coffee, Kahwa, coffee with cardamons is the staple drink served alongside dates and halwa, which is a sticky, sweet dessert made with rosewater, ghee, nuts and cardamons.
Alcohol is available in certain hotels, bars and at golf clubs. There are sometimes time restrictions as to when alcohol can be served. The legal age to drink is 21!
Tourism
Tourism is very new to Oman, the last 20 years or so. So as much as there is a great infrastructure in place now there still might be a gap or two in service levels. Just take this as part of the experience.
Hotels in Oman
Kempinski Hotel
The Kempinski Hotel, with their unmistakable Lady’s in Red. This hotel really does hit the mark. The entrance and first view are an absolute wow. The internal architecture draws the eye to the large glass windows that then lead on to the gardens and infinity pool, leading then into the Arabian Sea, how amazing.
Al Bustan Palace
I just visited this hotel, so no stay over. It was definitely worth the visit though! How do you describe this hotel? I doubt you will find a grander entrance to a hotel anywhere. This used to be one of the Sultans Palaces and indeed the 9th floor of the hotel is still used by the Sultan to entertain guests and for guests to stay.
Anantara Jabal Akhdar
Incredible, if you want, peace, quiet, solitude and a place to rejuvenate yourself for a while then this is the place. Stunning, the setting, the vistas, the ambience. For a memory of Oman this has to be seen.
W Hotel
Modern, trendy, vibrant feel, straight lines and brand new. This hotel opened in January 2020 so is completely on point decor wise with a great feel.
The gardens and pool area, similar to the Kempinski wander and meander down to the sea. There are plenty of sun beds and terraces to sunbathe on with private booth’s one can book, this looked exquisite for a day’s relaxation.
FAQs about Oman
When is the best time to visit Oman for golf?
The best time to visit for golf is November through to early April. The temperature will be mid to high 20’s on average. The rest of the year it is too hot, getting in to the 40s at times. This is a perfect winter destination for the UK.
Is there a language barrier in Oman?
There is no language barrier for people visiting from the UK. Oman is a very educated country with the majority of the country able to speak fluent English.
What is the temperature in Oman?
The temperature in winter varies between 25 C (77 Fahrenheit) and 17C (63 Fahrenheit) and 40 C (104 Fahrenheit) and 30C (86 Fahrenheit) in the summer. In the mountains it can be a lot cooler.
Do you need a visa to enter Oman?
Yes, a visa must be obtained prior to entering Oman, this can be done online.
What is the flight time to Oman?
The average direct flight time to Muscat is approximately 7 hours, making it a perfect winter destination for golf.
Can I drink alcohol in Oman?
Alcohol can be purchased in some international hotels and at the golf courses at certain times.
Contact us.
For more information, enquire about a bespoke itinerary or to book a holiday to the Sultanate of Oman, please complete the form to the right and we will be in touch.
“Remembering the ethos of Dream Golf Holidays, Golf, Culture, Cuisine Oman was definitely a place of inspiration and meets all the criteria for a luxury golf holiday. So much choice, you can stay in Muscat and have a short golfing break, so easy from the UK and great for our winter golf. Or extend your break and take in the culture and amazing trips to really get a feel for this wonderful country and amazing Omani people.”