Golf

El Gouna: Map & Hole Details

El Gouna golf course map

Details on the Holes

The par five fourth hole heads straight into the prevailing wind and requires at least two well-placed wood strokes to close in on the green. Because players must aim into the wind, those who draw a fade risk sending their balls into the desert, making it a uniquely challenging hole.

The ninth hole plays towards the Tower Restaurant, and while it's a relatively easy drive for beginners, it presents a serious challenge for those hitting off the championship tees. After surviving the first drive, players are faced with a second shot into the narrowest part of the fairway.

Confident long drivers will attempt to carry the sand trap that guards the front of the green, but even the best may fall short. The green itself is a large target, but once there, players often have to make long putts. Only a careful read of the terrain will save you from the dreaded three-putt.

The back nine have their own surprises. The longest par four is the fourteenth hole, where nearly 440 yards separate the championship tee from the flag. To have a reasonable shot to the green, the golfer must be courageous enough to carry a bunker on the left side of the fairway that ends 250 yards from the tee.

Fortunately, the prevailing winds can provide the extra push needed to carry this hazard. Once that's accomplished, reaching the green requires a straight long iron or a wood. Par here is an excellent score.

The following hole, a dogleg right, presents yet another interesting dilemma. With a lagoon on the right and a large bunker in the centre of the fairway, the golfer can try to carry the lagoon, which leaves only 140 yards to the green, relatively unhindered by the bunkers.

But the wind or the slightest fade can send you into the water-a pleasure when you're cooling down after a long day out in the sun, but a one-stroke penalty if you've still got your cleats on. Playing it safe to the left side of the fairway bunker, on the other hand, leaves 200 yards over a sprawling third bunker that guards the whole left side of the green.

Another signature hole is the 17th, a long, narrow, and gentle dogleg right running along the lagoon that separates the back nine from the Steigenberger Golf Hotel. Accuracy on the drive is essential to avoid the sand and water traps to the right and the fairway bunker on the left.

Rare is the golfer ambitious enough to carry both the lagoon and massive bunkers protecting the green. Playing it safe to the left leaves a relatively short iron to a large, sloping green. Tricky at first, but a good opportunity for a birdie once you know the lay of the land.