Race to Makkah: The global golf tournament ending in Saudi Arabia
From fairways to faith
Over the years, Saudi Arabia has become a magnet for global sporting events – from Formula 1 and boxing to international golf tournaments.
Now, there’s a unique event where elite amateur competition meets a higher purpose. Enter Race to Makkah, a global golf championship unlike anything the sport has seen before.
Organised by the Muslim Golf Association, Race to Makkah brings together Muslim golfers from around the world. Think of it less as a typical tournament and more as a once-in-a-lifetime sporting pilgrimage.
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Here’s how Race to Makkah works
The competition kicks off across three continents, with qualifying tournaments held in countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
But winning a local division doesn’t just mean lifting a trophy. Champions earn something much greater: 12 winners from South Africa, UK and USA will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Race to Makkah World Final.
The final takes place at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, situated along the striking Red Sea coastline in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
It is one of the Kingdom’s most esteemed courses and no stranger to major tournaments, having previously hosted the Saudi International, LIV Golf, Aramco Team Series, and now, the best of MGA.
But what truly sets Race to Makkah apart happens before the first tee shot is even played.
Finalists start their journey by performing Umrah in Makkah and visiting Madinah, turning it into a journey of both sporting and spiritual significance, in which organisers describe as the world’s first “golf pilgrimage”.
The week begins with reflection and spirituality before transitioning to intense competition on the fairways.
By the time players arrive at Royal Greens, the stakes could not be higher. Here, the world’s best amateur representatives stand shoulder to shoulder, all chasing one goal – the MGA World Championship title.
Finalists will compete across three handicap divisions in a three-day cumulative tournament, with the course set up in full tournament conditions.
The details
April 15 & 16: Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa’s championship takes place across two of Johannesburg’s most prestigious golf courses. Blair Atholl begins the event with grandeur and competition-level stature, a course that requires accuracy and composure from the very first tee. The journey then moves to Steyn City, a modern masterpiece where strategy, pressure, and leaderboard tension start to develop. Together, the two venues offer a challenging two-day contest worthy of the Race to Makkah.
May 15: Whittington Heath, Staffordshire | June 5: Forrest Pines, Lincolnshire | July 10: Ingrebourne Links, London | August 28: The Shire, London | United Kingdom
Across the United Kingdom, the Race to Makkah series unfolds over four championship venues: Whittington Heath, Forest Pines, Ingrebourne Links, and The Shire. Spanning from London to the Midlands, this four-stop campaign tests consistency and composure across a variety of classic parkland and strategic layouts.
September 26 & 28: Streamsong Resort, Florida, United States of America
On the East Coast, the Race to Makkah takes place at Streamsong Resort in Florida, a venue renowned for its striking architecture and dramatic natural surroundings. Carved through rolling dunes and framed by vast horizons, the course challenges players with its creativity, precision, and nerve. With its strategic complexity and championship reputation, Streamsong offers an ideal stage to find those ready to represent the United States on the international stage.
December 4 to 6: Torrey Pines, California, United States of America
On the West Coast, the championship takes place at the iconic Torrey Pines in California, a course steeped in major championship history and characterised by its dramatic Pacific coastline. With ocean winds influencing each shot and tournament conditions prevailing, the layout requires resilience, discipline, and composure under pressure. Here, West Coast champions emerge, earning their place at the Race to Makkah World Final.
January 2027: The MGA World Finals, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, KAEC, Saudi Arabia
This is where the journey reaches its pinnacle. Framed by the shoreline of King Abdullah Economic City, Royal Greens is a statement of excellence. Perfect fairways. Fast, true greens. A finishing stretch that feels cinematic at sunset. This is championship golf in its most refined form. Offering more than just immaculate fairways and dramatic views, it provides a world-class stage where faith meets focus, and new champions are crowned.
Visit: RacetoMakkah.com
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