New RTJ II course under construction at Sharm El Sheikh Four Seasons
Construction is under way on a new golf course by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.
The site for the 18-hole course is between the existing Four Seasons resort and a new marina that is being built. The RTJ II team, led by president Bruce Charlton and senior project architect Mike Gorman, are working with developer Talaat Moustafa Group, golf consultancy Turfgrass, contractor ProGolf and sports agency 54 to produce a world-class golf destination.
“The site for the course sits within a dramatic natural bowl framed by coral ridges and cliffs,” said Charlton. “In the near future, guests will be able to travel by boat directly from the Four Seasons to the marina, which will connect seamlessly to the clubhouse.
“The landscape is naturally suited to a links-inspired design, with dunes and ridges as its foundation. Through the proximity of the marina, we were able to accept large quantities of high-quality dune sand from the marina excavation. This material has allowed us to sculpt canyons and dramatic landforms, creating a bold dunes land setting reminiscent of classic links golf.”
The project has been a while in the making, with RTJ II first developing a routing in 2007. The project was then put on hold. “We have since completely updated both the design and the design philosophy,” said Gorman. “The new routing emphasises a wide variety of playing options, focusing on the fairway ground game contours. In addition, we’ve included social destinations like a one-acre Himalayas-style putting green, which will be illuminated in the evenings and connected to a rest area that doubles as a destination for Four Seasons guests – a destination within a destination.”
The design team has noted that the main challenge has been evenly distributing the marina sand across the site. “Solving this puzzle has ultimately become a strength of the project, transforming the site into sweeping dunesland with a scale and character that could only have been achieved through access to this unique material,” said Charlton.
Gorman said: “A standout hole is the driveable par-four seventeenth, which offers direct views of the sea and marina. It’s full of options and some hidden strategies that will surprise people on the best way to play the hole. Its position late in the round makes it both memorable and impactful.
Once construction is complete, the project team will grass the course with Platinum TE paspalum, supplied by Atlas Turf International.
“Sharm El Sheikh is already world-renowned for diving and fishing, and now golf will add to its appeal,” said Charlton. “The existing Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh resort is among the finest in the world, ensuring a seamless guest experience from arrival to play. With its natural beauty, bold new links-inspired design, and established hospitality, Sharm El Sheikh should be on everyone’s golf destination list.”
