Ayla Oasis Development Company (Ayla), one of the largest tourism and real estate development companies in Jordan, announced the soft opening of Jordan's first 18-hole championship golf course at the heart of Ayla in Aqaba. To mark the opening, it hosted an Eighteen Hole Amateur Stableford Tournament that drew the participation of 72 Jordanian, Arab and international golfers. Forming an integral part of the Ayla waterfront residential community, the signature golf course, one of the finest in the Middle East and designed by the legendary golfer Greg Norman, includes 350,000 square meters of rolling green fairways, a nine-hole flood-lit Golf Academy, dedicated practice grounds with grass teeing areas, the Ayla Golf Academy Clubhouse which is currently under construction, and a boutique retail shop, among other unique features. Sahl Dudin, managing director at Ayla, said: "We are delighted to start the soft operations of the Ayla Golf Course. The destination surpasses the scope of a routine golf course and fittingly exemplifies Ayla's passion to promote the game and accommodate all levels of golfers. The course has been designed in compliance with strict environmental guidelines to carefully harness the stunning natural beauty of Aqaba and the Red Sea in creating an unparalleled experience. I wish all the participants in the Eighteen Hole Amateur Stableford Tournament the best of luck and enjoyable time in the first of its kind golf course in Jordan." Dudin also quoted Norman during his last site visit: "Ayla Golf Course is one of the top three golf courses in the world when it comes to sustainability if not the best due to its reliance on solar power for desalination and irrigation requirements as well as adopting subsurface irrigation and for planting native species and salty tolerant grass". Meanwhile, Chris White, director of operations at Ayla added: "Golf as a sport has immense potential for growth in Jordan. With the opening of the Ayla Golf Course, we seek to create opportunities for Jordanians, residents and visitors through ensuring their easy access to some of the best golfing facilities in the region. In doing so, we are confident we will open up the game to more players and help them hone their golfing skills — providing them with every level of assistance needed to up the ante and achieve their potential." Ayla's world-class golfing facilities stretch over 120 hectares of lush and sandy landscapes and offer stunning waterfront views. A team of handpicked PGA-qualified golf professionals are available on-site to provide individual and group practice and playing lessons to all age groups. The fully solar-powered, flood-lit practice facilities and par 3 academy course allow golfers to practice and play long after sunset while enjoying the cooler Aqaba evenings. In addition to a fleet of prestige golf carts, all fitted with the latest GPS screens, the course also comprises a wide range of recreational facilities to provide an exclusive environment to relax and socialize in. The golf course offers several membership options for individuals, families and corporations. A key highlight is its ‘junior future stars' initiative - Ayla's efforts to identify and support young golfing talents in Jordan and the wider region.
