Somabay has evolved into a premier golf destination along the Red Sea coast in Egypt.
The resort offers a blend of championship challenge and innovative leisure experiences. Whether you are a low-handicapper seeking a test of skill or a resort guest looking for a scenic round, the peninsula provides a diverse golfing landscape that extends from the desert to the deck of a yacht.
The crown jewel of the resort is the Gary Player Signature Course. The par-72 layout spans between 5,363 and 6,998 yards, and is beautifully integrated into the landscape between the desert and the sea.
Player is known for spectacular, yet demanding designs, and Somabay is no exception. A defining feature for any visitor is the Kikuyu grass. While it provides a teed-up lie on the fairways, its extreme density means there is very little roll, and the rough is notorious for trapping the clubhead at impact. Strategy is further complicated by regular coastal winds that can turn a standard par 4 into a grueling battle. Highlights include the signature fifth hole, a par 3 requiring a shot over a waste area and water to a peninsula green.
Said golf course superintendent Andrew Hughes: “With year-round conditioning and coastal winds, the course delivers both playability and challenge for golfers of all levels. The addition of amazing practice facilities has been added to the Somabay Golf package in the last couple of years.”
Complementing the championship test is the new Hidden Coves course. Designed by Tim Lobb, this layout prioritizes sustainability and playability for the average golfer. As of March 2026, the back nine is open, with the full 18 holes expected by early 2027. Unlike its big brother, Hidden Coves uses Pure Dynasty Paspalum grass and will feature only nine bunkers in total, relying instead on mounding and waste areas for its defense.
“Hidden Coves is a great addition to the Somabay golf offering, providing a relaxed and family-friendly experience while still offering plenty of challenge,” Hughes said. “From the back tees, and especially when the coastal wind picks up, the course becomes a true test, while remaining fun, scenic, and accessible for all abilities.”
Somabay has transformed traditional practice into a social, high-tech experience. The facilities include the 360 HUB, a modern social center that features an Island Green shootout hole inspired by TPC Sawgrass. The Scoring Arena is dedicated to the short-game to simulate high-pressure chips and bunker shots under real conditions. And The Golf Academy is host to PGA professionals and their modern analysis technology to fine-tune swings. The floodlit Par 3 Course provides a great nine-hole experience, perfect for iron-play practice or a quick round.
For a break from the fairways, Boat Golfing offers a maritime twist on the game. Golfers board a yacht at sunset and attempt the Hole-In-One Chipping Challenge, aiming for a floating green in the Red Sea. It is a barefoot, relaxed experience where the challenge lies in timing your swing with the roll of the waves. And, of course, local beaches are perfect for a beach day.
While Somabay is a self-contained paradise, it serves as a gateway to Egypt’s legendary history. Golfers can easily arrange excursions to the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor or the world-class Grand Egyptian Museum.
Visitors can either experience those ancient sites on a day trip or extend their excursions with an overnight stay around either Cairo or Luxor. Whether you’re battling the Kikuyu rough or chipping from a yacht, Somabay delivers a comprehensive and unique experience that balances athletic rigor with pure holiday enjoyment.