# Awali Golf Club (نادي عوالي للغولف)

Golf & Riding · Awali · South Bahrain

Founded by oil workers in 1937, Awali Golf Club is the Gulf's oldest golf club, played entirely on sand with oiled putting surfaces called browns.

Awali Golf Club was created in 1937 by golf-loving staff of the Bahrain Petroleum Company and is described as the oldest golf club in the Gulf. It sits in Awali, a few minutes from the Royal Golf Club. The 18-hole course has no grass at all: fairways are natural sand and rock, and players hit from artificial mats.

The putting surfaces are browns rather than greens, made of fine compacted sand bound with oil, smoothed after each group and relaid regularly. Players learn to sweep the ball off the mat and land approaches short so the ball can run on. Locals talk about the Awali bounce, when the ball kicks off unexpectedly on the hard ground.

The club hosts the Bahrain Open, first played in 1964 and the first Open in the GCC, and the Bahrain Ladies Open, which began in 1988. Both are 36-hole stroke play events held in spring. The club is run by its members on a voluntary basis, with long-standing support from Bapco.

Awali suits golfers looking for something different from manicured courses, and those curious about the oil era's social history. Its sand courses inspired similar layouts built by oil companies elsewhere in the region. Visitors and spectators are welcome; contact the club ahead to arrange play.

## Highlights
- Oldest golf club in the Gulf, 1937
- 18-hole all-sand course
- Oiled sand putting surfaces called browns
- Home of the Bahrain Open since 1964
- Bahrain Ladies Open since 1988
- Run by volunteer members

## Good to know
- Shots are played from artificial mats on the fairways.
- Expect unpredictable bounces on the hard sand.
- Arrange visitor play in advance through awaligolfclub.com.
- The Bahrain Open is usually held in April.

## Key facts
- Area: Awali
- Region: Central south
- Established: 1937
- Course: 18 holes, par 70, sand
- Event: Bahrain Open Championship
- Best time: October to April
- Coordinates (approximate): 26.087, 50.552
- Website: https://www.awaligolfclub.com

## FAQ
**What is the oldest golf club in the Gulf?**
Awali Golf Club in Bahrain, opened in 1937 by Bapco staff, is described as the oldest golf club in the Gulf.

**What are browns in golf?**
Browns are putting surfaces made of fine compacted sand mixed with oil, used instead of grass greens at Awali Golf Club.

**Can visitors play at Awali Golf Club?**
Yes, visitors are welcome. Contact the club in advance to arrange a round.

Page: https://bahrainsouth.com/sport-golf-and-riding/awali-golf-club/