Taba Heights in Egypt to Open New Course this Fall


Taba Heights will be opening the area’s newest golf course in October 2006. The course is located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, on Egypt’s Sinai peninsula. It will offer views of the Sinai Mountains, the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

Designed by American architect John Sanford, the 18-hole layout is being built to USGA specifications and will be augmented by a full practice facility and driving range, clubhouse, bar and pro shop.

The course will measure 7,100 yards from the tips, with each hole offering five sets of tees. The target-style layout will feature approach shots over and around lakes and flood canals, and will boast large undulating greens guarded by pot bunkers.

Due to its position between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea, the Taba Heights course has elevation changes from 15 feet to over 200 feet. Because of its hilly topography, power carts will be mandatory when the course opens.

Fairways will be lined by natural non-grass areas. Four large lakes and three flood diversion canals channel water coming from the mountains to the sea during the rainy/flood periods. The course has been planted with a special grass type that can withstand brackish water up to 8,000ppm in concentration. Such turf is environmentally friendly, requires less water, and reduced fertilization and pesticide applications, yet offers a great surface for golf.

Besides golf, Taba Heights provides access to other activities such as diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, sailing, parasailing and quad-biking. Also available are cultural excursions to nearby archaeological sites in Petra and Jerusalem. The resort has five hotels and 32 bars and restaurants. For more information, visit www.tabaheights.com.