Plans for a new world-class golfing destination in the heart of Qatar’s Education City in Doha, were unveiled in Shanghai on Tuesday at the Golf Business Forum.

The blueprint for Qatar International Golf Club includes a golfing, leisure and sports education facility in one location, which investors hope will be unique to the region and the wider world.

The facility has been designed to welcome members from all walks of life – complete beginners to the world’s leading professionals – and support their game along the way.

Qatar International Golf Club believe that the facility will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

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The project comprises an 18-hole championship golf course, a 6-hole championship course, and a 9-hole par-3 course all designed by two-time major winner Jose Maria Olazabal.  

It is Olazabal’s first golf course project in the Middle East and he is excited by the project.

“I believe long term growth in golf can only happen if we make the game easily accessible and fun for the kids and that lies at the heart of Qatar International Golf Club,” said Olazabal.

“The 18-hole championship course is designed to embrace the natural landscape and strategically blends in a dry riverbed (wadi) and ancient rock walls to offer a unique Qatari experience.

“The layout of the 6-hole championship course was designed to reach out to people, especially the young, to try the game ‘proper’ after they are ready to progress from the range and the par-3 course but perhaps aren’t quite yet prepared to graduate to the championship course.

“All six holes are of tournament standard and they can be played in less than 90 minutes. So they offer time-pressed golfers a tremendous alternative to the 18-hole course.

“Families in particular will be delighted as we included not just one but two kids´ tees on these holes, giving a total of seven different tee boxes.”

This will be supported by driving range and practice facilities, a centre of excellence and a public park featuring a host of indoor and outdoor activities for all the family.

Qatar International Golf Club also hope that female-centric practice facilities will open up the game to more Muslim women.

The operation of the project is being overseen by AMLAK and will become one of the most technologically advanced, innovative and sustainable golf courses in the world.

Speaking about the project, Ed Edwards, Qatar International Golf Club General Manager said:  “[It] is a landmark project for Qatar and the world of golf.

"The facility has the opportunity to revolutionise the way golf is taught and enjoyed, we hope to encourage greater participation in the sport amongst the local community.”