Ayla Oasis Development Company (Ayla), one of the largest tourism and real estate development companies in Jordan, ‘opened its tees’ last month to the country’s first grass 18-hole championship golf course in the heart of historic Aqaba. To mark its soft opening, Ayla hosted an 18-Hole amateur Stableford tournament that drew the participation of 72 Jordanian, Arab and international golfers.
Forming an integral part of the Ayla waterfront residential community, the signature golf course, one of the finest in the Middle East, designed by the legendary golfer Greg Norman, includes 350,000 square metres of rolling green fairways, a 9-hole floodlit Golf Academy, dedicated practice grounds with grass teeing areas, the Ayla Golf Academy Clubhouse, currently under construction, and a boutique retail shop, among many unique features.
Sahl Dudin, Managing Director of Ayla, commented: “We were delighted to start the ‘soft’ operations of the Ayla Golf Course.
“The destination surpasses the scope of a routine golf course and fittingly exemplifies Ayla’s passion to promote the game and accommodate all levels of golfer. The Ayla Golf Course has been designed in compliance with strict environmental guidelines to carefully harness the stunning natural beauty of Aqaba and the Red Sea in creating an unparalleled golfing experience.”
Dudin quoted Greg Norman’s comments during his last site visit: “Ayla Golf Course is one of the top three Golf Courses in the world when it comes to sustainability, if not the best, due to its reliance on Solar Power for desalination and irrigation requirements, as well as adopting subsurface irrigation, and for planting native species and salty tolerant grasses.”
Chris White, Director of Operations at Ayla added: “Golf as a sport has immense potential for growth in Jordan. With the opening of the Ayla Golf Course, we seek to create opportunities for Jordanians, residents and visitors through ensuring their easy access to some of the best golfing facilities in the region.
“In doing so, we are confident we will open up the game to more players and help them hone their golfing skills – providing them with every level of assistance needed to achieve their potential.”
White added: “Ayla Golf Course is also a major Tourism attraction and enabler for Ayla, Aqaba and Jordan, aiming to attract golfers from all over the world as well as those tourists enjoying Jordan’s rich heritage of tourism, culture and natural beauty.” Ayla’s world-class golfing facilities stretch over 120 hectares of lush and sandy landscapes, offering stunning waterfront views. Every hole has a unique character of its own. A team of handpicked PGA-qualified golf professionals are available on-site to provide individual and group practice and playing lessons to all age groups.”
The fully solar-powered, floodlit practice facilities and par-3 Academy Course allow golfers to practice and play long after sunset while enjoying the cooler Aqaba evenings. In addition to a fleet of prestige golf carts, all fitted with the latest GPS screens, the course also provides a wide range of recreational facilities.
The golf course offers several membership options for individuals, families and corporations. A key highlight is its ‘junior future stars’ initiative – Ayla’s efforts to identify and support young golfing talent in Jordan and the wider region.
Ayla Aqaba is a leading waterfront resort destination boasting world-class hospitality designed to make a significant impact on Jordan’s burgeoning tourism sector and consolidate the country’s status as a global hub for tourism, trade and leisure.
An integrated community, Ayla offers a variety of upscale shopping, dining and entertainment options, creating a vibrant lifestyle for residents.
The destination features several premium tourism and leisure components designed by renowned architects on a par with the highest international standards – ensuring that Ayla remains a cut above other landmark projects in Jordan.
Chris Dodd’s Guide to the Key Holes at Ayla Golf Course
Ayla Golf Club is a world class facility and a must-play on any golfer’s bucket list. Located in the heart of Jordan’s coastal city Aqaba, the historical sites of Petra are a mere two hours away, the amazing land formations of Wadi Rum just a 90 minute drive and the spectacular Red Sea diving literally on your doorstep.
Ayla Golf Course – Hole 3 – Par 4 – Yards: 399
“This uphill par 4 is as much of a delight to play as it is just look at. With the prevailing wind off the left, right-handers should aim for a soft cut off the fairway bunkers. A good drive should leave a 9- iron or wedge into this elevated green where a back right pin position is well protected by bunkers, both short and long.”
Ayla Golf Course – Hole 7 – Par 4 – Yards: 382
“One of our most photographed holes, which is fast becoming a haven for birdlife. A soft dog-leg left with water running down the entire length of the hole, it’s a true risk and reward chance. For the brave, a strong drive will leave a short iron to a slightly elevated green, while the more conservative will lay up just short of the fairway bunkers, leaving about 140 yards in. Stroke Index 9, downwind, so a real birdie opportunity.”
Ayla Golf Course – Hole 11 – Par 4 – Yards: 465
“One of the prettiest holes on the course with the City of Aqaba in the background framed by the magnificent mountain range. A slightly uphill par 4 with a flowing wadi separating the fairway from the green. Second shots can’t be short and have to carry their full180 yards. Stroke Index 6, with a relatively straightforward putting surface.”
Ayla Golf Course – Hole 15 – Par 4 – Yards: 363
“An equally picturesque par 4 which requires a cunning strategy. The aggressive golfer may pull out driver leaving a short pitch, while the more conservative would lay up with a long iron and leave themselves a full wedge to this flat green. Stroke Index 10, with the green well protected by the wadi and pond.”
WIDE ACCLAIM FOR JORDAN’S FIRST GRASS COURSE AT AYLA GOLF COURSE
ALMOST four years since breaking ground, master developer Ayla opened its world-class golf club in Aqaba, Jordan, to unanimous acclaim from those present.
The ‘soft opening,’ reflective of the fact that the Academy Clubhouse will open next year, saw some 70 golfers take on Greg Norman’s 7,152 yard, Par 72 intriguing undulating layout.
“Simply amazing,” “Sensational,” and “Out of this World” were just some of the comments from the truly international field comprised of players travelling to Aqaba from Amman, Iraq, and the UAE, making this a cosmopolitan occasion.
With a host of prizes for different categories and on-course special events it was encouraging to see one of Jordan’s future stars, Mohammed Hane, being rewarded for his consistent play, which can only bode well for the future and growth of golf in Jordan.
Worldwide Golf caught up with newly -appointed Head Golf Professional at Ayla, Chris Dodd, to get the ‘inside information’ on how best to negotiate the fascinating Ayla links, while not being too distracted by the specatular 360 degree mountain and Red Sea panoramic views. With five teeing grounds, the Ayla Golf Course can be set up with a yardage from 7,152 yards down to 5,152 yards, depending on a number of factors, one of which being the wind.
On a calm, bright, sunny day there are birdies to be had but when the wind picks up the Ayla course bares its teeth to all. This, coupled with some large, undulating greens, offers a host of pin placement options from fair to testing and often with a two club variance.
