Royal Golf Club - The Montgomerie Course

I have lived in the Middle East for a few years and played most of the courses in UAE and Saudi and Bahrain. This course is really one of the best in the region. The design is exceptional, very interesting, and challenging, each hole is different - the greens are challenging because they are extremely undulating with different levels, you really need to understand the greens and where the flags are located. The course is always in good condition. the locker rooms and restaurants on property are all top notch and the practice facility is very good as well. they have a part 3 course that is good. The only negatives is that it is located in an industrial area with views of industrial kit. but it softens it a bit with the villas on most of the course. the other negative is price, at $145 per round on the weekend it can be pricey in the region --although it is on par with some of the nicer courses in Dubai which charge that rate .... Overall it is a favorite of mine in the region .

I brought my clubs with me while on deployment to Bahrain. There is one course in the country. Well, two, but the other is a sand course. RGC is a Troon facility. It's in pretty good shape for August, considering the climate here. Some lost grass but it'll come back in the fall. The design offers a challenge but not overly so. I really liked the greens, there are lots of undulations and they are paspalum. Really grips the ball for slow rolls, so you have to crush it. Alright I don't want to hear it, just because a green is "fast" doesn't mean it's good. On these greens you have to read the breaks and putt harder than normal, and it really challenges you.

Only complaint was the gear. My buddy had to get clubs, they are free but they were junk. I would expect at least a name brand at a top notch facility like this. Also the carts are thrashed. But, overall it was a great experience and I will definitely play again before I leave. And every time I'm in the kingdom.