El Gouna Golf Club
On the Red Sea coast just north of Hurghada, El Gouna Golf Club brings year round golf to one of Egypt's most stylish resort towns. Designed by Gene Bates with Fred Couples, the par 72 winds through lagoons, paspalum turf and desert flora with the Red Sea mountains as a backdrop, the centrepiece of the Steigenberger golf resort.
Photo: Elke Zinserling via Google.
The verdict
El Gouna is the purpose built lagoon town on the Red Sea, and its golf club sits at the heart of it. The 18 hole championship course was designed by American architect Gene Bates in association with major champion Fred Couples, a par 72 routed across seashore paspalum among the waterways and desert flora that define the resort.
It is a holiday course in the best sense, visually open and welcoming off the tee but defended by lagoons and well placed bunkers that make it play tougher than it looks, especially when the sea breeze gets up. With sunshine close to guaranteed and the Red Sea mountains framing the horizon, it offers reliable winter golf and pairs naturally with the diving, sailing and lagoon life that make El Gouna such an easy escape.
El Gouna Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- Early 2000s
- Designer
- Gene Bates with Fred Couples
- Type
- Desert links, paspalum
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,270 yds
- Green fee
- Via resort package
Designer, par and setting verified June 2026 from the resort and leading course databases. El Gouna Golf Club was designed by Gene Bates with Fred Couples, a par 72 of about 6,270 yards on seashore paspalum. Standalone green fees are not widely published; play is commonly arranged through the Steigenberger golf resort, with packages combining accommodation and rounds from about 799 euros for seven nights and three rounds (indicative, 2026). Always confirm current rates and access directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
El Gouna invites you to open the shoulders off the tee, with wide, paspalum fairways that look forgiving in the desert light. The defense is more subtle, a network of lagoons and strategically placed bunkers that pinch the landing areas and demand respect on the second shot, particularly when the Red Sea breeze stiffens.
Water is the recurring theme, with several holes routed alongside or across the resort's waterways, so club selection and a steady nerve matter when the wind is in play. The paspalum surfaces hold up superbly in the heat and salty air, giving true greens and consistent lies year round.
It is approachable golf designed with every level in mind, six sets of tees stretching or softening the test to suit, and the constant backdrop of turquoise lagoons and the Red Sea mountains makes it as much a sensory experience as a card and pencil one.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort and public play; visitors welcome, with rounds commonly arranged through the Steigenberger golf resort |
| Green fee | Standalone fees not widely published; stay and play packages from about 799 euros for seven nights and three rounds (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Through the resort golf desk or a trip planner; packages may also include the nearby Ancient Sands course |
| On the day | Carts are available; the paspalum turf and sea breeze define play, so plan for wind and heat |
| Getting there | El Gouna, about 25 minutes north of Hurghada and its international airport on the Red Sea coast |
| Best months | October to April for warm, settled winter golf; the high summer months are very hot |
Access and rates verified June 2026; standalone green fees are not widely published and package prices change with season, so always confirm directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The natural base is the Steigenberger Golf Resort beside the course, which puts the first tee within a buggy ride and offers stay and play packages built around the golf. El Gouna as a whole is a polished resort town of lagoon side hotels, marinas and restaurants, easy to get around by tuk tuk and boat.
Most visitors fold their golf into a wider Red Sea holiday of diving, snorkelling and sailing, with the reefs off Hurghada among the finest in the world. It is a destination built for relaxed, sun soaked breaks, and the golf is a fine reason to base yourself here for a week in winter.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near El Gouna Golf Club.
Build a Red Sea golf trip
We book the El Gouna tee times, pair them with the best of the Red Sea coast and arrange the resort stay around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
El Gouna Golf Club questions
Who designed El Gouna Golf Club?
El Gouna Golf Club was designed by American architect Gene Bates in association with major champion Fred Couples, an 18 hole championship course on the Red Sea coast of Egypt.
What is the par and length of El Gouna?
El Gouna is a par 72 of about 6,270 yards, played over seashore paspalum among lagoons and desert flora, with six sets of tees to suit all levels.
How much does it cost to play El Gouna?
Standalone green fees are not widely published; play is commonly arranged through the Steigenberger golf resort, with stay and play packages from about 799 euros for seven nights and three rounds in 2026. Rates are indicative, so confirm directly before booking.
When is the best time to play El Gouna?
October to April offers warm, settled winter golf on the Red Sea, while the high summer months are very hot. The paspalum surfaces keep the course in good condition year round.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, par and setting verified June 2026; indicative package rates verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.