In recent years, Aqaba in particular has evolved into a luxury leisure hub, combining beach resorts, watersports, fine dining, and wellness experiences with year-round sunshine on the shores of the Red Sea.

At the centre of this transformation is Ayla Oasis, a large-scale waterfront development that has redefined tourism in Aqaba. Built around lagoons, marinas, beaches, luxury residences, hotels, restaurants, and sports facilities, Ayla has introduced a completely new lifestyle destination to Jordan’ s southern coastline. One of its biggest attractions— and arguably one of the most ambitious golf projects in the Middle East— is Ayla Golf Club, home to Jordan’ s first 18-hole championship golf course.

Designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, Ayla Golf Club has helped position Jordan on the international golf tourism map. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Aqaba’ s mountains and desert scenery, the course offers a golfing experience unlike almost anywhere else in the world.

Jordan has long attracted travellers with its extraordinary mix of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and Red Sea coastline. From the rose-coloured city of Petra and the vast dunes of Wadi Rum to the vibrant waters of Aqaba, the country has become one of the Middle East’ s most fascinating tourism destinations.

What makes Ayla Golf Club especially remarkable is the contrast between landscape and environment. In a region better known for desert terrain, the course introduces rolling green fairways, crystal lagoons, and lush landscaping into the heart of Aqaba’ s arid surroundings. Covering more than 800,000 square metres, the development was designed with sustainability and environmental integration in mind, using man-made lakes, groundwater reservoirs, and eco-conscious irrigation systems to support the course while preserving the surrounding ecosystem.

Greg Norman’ s“ least disturbance” design philosophy played a major role in shaping the course. Rather than overpowering the natural environment, the layout blends with the desert topography and surrounding mountain views. The 18-hole championship course stretches to more than 7,100 yards and offers a challenging but accessible experience for golfers of varying abilities. Multiple tee positions allow both amateur and experienced players to enjoy the course, while the changing direction of holes and elevation shifts create constant visual and strategic variety.

In addition to the championship layout, Ayla Golf Club also includes a fully floodlit nine-hole academy course and extensive practice facilities. The academy is designed to make golf more accessible in Jordan, offering lessons, beginner programmes, indoor swing

Destination Golf Travel (Spring 2026) | Page 19

In recent years, Aqaba in particular has evolved into a luxury leisure hub, combining beach resorts, watersports, fine dining, and wellness experiences with year-round sunshine on the shores of the Red Sea.