Diriyah Company partners with Golf Saudi to operate Wadi Safar Golf Course, Royal Golf Club

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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 15 December 2024
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Diriyah Company partners with Golf Saudi to operate Wadi Safar Golf Course, Royal Golf Club

  • Signing witnessed by officials, professional players, Golf Saudi ambassadors, select media

DIRIYAH: Diriyah Company signed a landmark agreement with Golf Saudi on Sunday to operate the Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and the Royal Golf Club, set to become key sites within the expansive Diriyah development near Riyadh.

The signing ceremony, which was held at the Wadi Safar Experience Center and on the golf course, was witnessed by officials, professional players, Golf Saudi ambassadors, and select media.

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, spoke of the collaboration’s transformative potential in their remarks at the event.

Inzerillo said: “This partnership with Golf Saudi marks an exciting chapter in Diriyah’s journey to becoming a global cultural and lifestyle destination.

“The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course and Royal Golf Club embody our vision of blending world-class experiences with the heritage and natural beauty of Diriyah. Together, we are elevating golf tourism while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to lead in sustainable and inclusive developments.”

Golf Saudi will oversee operations at Wadi Safar, aiming to attract both regional and international audiences.

Alireza said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this landmark project.

“Wadi Safar represents an extraordinary addition to the Kingdom’s golfing venues. Together, we are setting a new standard for golf tourism, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports and leisure market while championing sustainability and cultural heritage.”

The Wadi Safar Signature Golf Course, which was designed by golf legend Greg Norman, covers 630,000 sq. meters and was recently completed.

The facility includes an 18-hole championship course, a nine-hole academy course, a driving range, and short-game practice areas. It is just minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.


Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open

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Talwar leads on opening day of 2025 Saudi Open

  • The 26-year-old from Delhi set a new course record of 8-under 64 at Dirab Golf & Country Club

RIYADH: India’s Saptak Talwar opened the first day of the 2025 Saudi Open, sanctioned by the Asian Tour, with a new course record of 64 (8-under) after finishing his round with a birdie on the final hole in fading light at the Dirab Golf & Country Club.

The 26-year-old from Delhi, who has competed in only a handful of Asian Tour events since turning professional in 2021, delivered a flawless round that included four birdies on each nine, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.

In second place are American John Catlin, the defending champion and reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, and Australia’s Jack Thompson, both carding 65.

Meanwhile, rising Moroccan talent Adam Bresnu stole the spotlight as the leading Arab player on the opening day, after a strong performance that placed him firmly in contention.

Despite still being an amateur, Bresnu exemplified the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of creating clear pathways for regional talent to reach the highest levels of the professional game.

Through its partnership with the Arab Golf Federation, Golf Saudi is expanding high-level opportunities for amateur and professional Arab players.

Bresnu said: “The conditions were really good. What I liked most about the course was how firm the greens and fairways were. The greens are excellent, and I’m really happy to be here.”

“I’ll keep the same mindset. Patience is the main goal,” he added. “It’s a four-round tournament, day by day, shot by shot. My goal is simply to enjoy playing.”

Saudi Arabia players are still in contention as they progress into day two.

Shergo Al-Kurdi said: “Representing the Kingdom is amazing, the crowd support is definitely a big one. In general just being in Saudi, I always enjoy my time here and just want to perform the best I can. It’s a good place to have a nice week.”

He added: “The amount of support Saudi gives to their players is absolutely fantastic and it’s what golfers need to get into a higher level of golf. It is what is needed and they are prepared to do it. It’s very good what they’re doing.”