Staff WriterWhen Kevin Murray calls a golf course “superb,” the golf world listens. The internationally acclaimed photographer, who’s captured the soul of St Andrews, Pinehurst, and Adare Manor through his lens, has added a new gem to his all-time favourites—Shura Links.
Perched off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the crystal waters of The Red Sea, Shura Links is the Kingdom’s first island golf course. Designed by Brian Curley and brought to life by Red Sea Global—the same visionary developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA regenerative tourism destinations—the 7,500-yard, par-72 layout promises to rank among the world’s most spectacular modern links.
“It’s superb,” Murray said, without hesitation. “I’ve not seen anything like it before in all my travels. It’s going to be one of those golf courses you’ve got to put on your list to tick off. Also, there’s such a good mix from architecture lovers to casual players—it appeals across the board.”
And he’s right. Shura Links is golf meets art. Carved through mangroves and dunes before gliding along the island’s shoreline, it’s a course that breathes drama.
The opening stretch tempts players into wide fairways, but by holes four through seven, the sea becomes your playing partner. Then, just as you think you’ve survived, holes 14 to 18 deliver a closing stretch so cinematic it could make Pebble Beach blush. The 18th green sits beneath an architectural marvel of a clubhouse, designed by Foster + Partners, that mirrors the flow of coral and marine life.
“Once the golf course and everything around it is completed, it’s going to be quite a visual sensation—not just the course, but the amazing buildings as well,” Murray added. “They’ve used marine life as a theme in the architecture, and the way the structures work with the environment is stunning.”
Curley, known for his ability to balance playability and challenge, has built Shura Links with width off the tee to accommodate all skill levels. But don’t mistake generosity for weakness—strategic bunkering and exposed winds will test even the best. There’s also a two-acre putting course set to rival the world’s finest, cementing Shura’s ambition to attract major tournaments in the future.
According to General Manager Jon Brook, this is just the beginning. “Shura Links showcases Saudi Arabia’s growing stature in world golf and demonstrates our commitment to combining quality design with world-class hospitality and sustainability,” he said. “It was a privilege to welcome Kevin Murray to capture the course, and his praise is a fantastic endorsement of what we’ve achieved here.”
That commitment extends far beyond the fairways. Red Sea Global is working with the OnCourse® sustainability platform to ensure Shura Links treads lightly on its pristine island setting.
Turfgrass species were carefully selected to minimise water use, while soil sensors and POGO turf management technology monitor moisture, salinity, and temperature to optimise irrigation and environmental balance.
As Saudi Arabia positions itself as a serious player in world golf, Shura Links is set to be its showpiece. Red Sea Global has been presenting the development on the international stage—from the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) in France to Elevate Golf in the UK and the World Travel Market (WTM) in London—drawing eager attention from the global travel and golf industries alike.
When the first guests arrive, they’ll find themselves spoiled for choice. The course will be open to residents and visitors staying at any of 11 ultra-luxury resorts on Shura Island, including the Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Fairmont, and Rosewood. EDITION has already opened its doors, with SLS and InterContinental soon to follow, transforming the Red Sea coastline into one of golf’s most exclusive new destinations.
From its coral-inspired clubhouse to its regenerative design, Shura Links isn’t just another golf course—it’s a statement of intent. Saudi Arabia’s golf revolution has found its crown jewel, and Kevin Murray’s verdict says it all: “Superb.”
For more details about Red Sea Global, click here. For more about Kevin Murray and his work please click here.
