New frontiers: Golf in Pakistan

Pakistan is best known for cricket, but there are around 50 quality golf facilities including a Faldo Design hoping to put the nation on the world golfing map.

Faldo’s design

Rumanza Golf & Country Club – Opened in 2022 within a massive 9,000-acre development, the new course here was laid out by Faldo Design. It covers three distinct areas, with the first four holes playing through desert, holes 5 to 12 through trees, and the last five holes played around a large lake to the clubhouse. There’s a citrus orchard, date palms, lakes, links-style riveted bunkers and large waste areas.

Located in the city of Multan, the course is the centrepiece of a huge luxurious residential and lifestyle community which includes high-end villas, apartments, a 5-star hotel and a range of other leisure facilities. The development also includes a spectacular clubhouse, driving range, short game area and golf academy.

“Rumanza is the first championship signature golf course in Pakistan,” said Faldo. “I want to create enjoyment, fun and memorability. We’d like to attract the Tours or definitely have a national event here. Maybe the Asian Tour, the DP World Tour or even the PGA Tour.”

Best golf courses

Karachi Golf Club – Founded in 1888, the 27-hole Karachi Golf Club remains one of Pakistan’s best golf clubs. In 1994, Peter Harradine re-designed the 18-hole Championship Course which has hosted the Pakistan Open on the Asian Tour, and nine more holes were later added. The surroundings are desert-like, it’s well bunkered and there’s plenty of water.

The Defence Authority Country & Golf Club – An 18-hole par-72 course in Karachi designed by Donald Steel. It’s located on a 140-acre coastal site directly across from the Airmen Golf Course on the other side of Korangi Creek. The course extends to 7,120 yards and has floodlights, allowing play to continue until late in the evening.

Airmen Golf Club – Less than 20 years old, this is one of the largest and most beautiful golf courses in the country with its fairways and greens spread over 180 acres of Karachi’s pristine mangroves. The club offers various recreational facilities such as a water park, shooting range, dirt biking, horse riding, paddle boating and jet skiing.

Garden City Golf and Country Club Islamabad – 18-hole championship course that is beautifully laid out with an additional 9-holes added in 2011. It’s now one of the premier golf clubs in Pakistan, a great place to tee-off, relax and unwind in the heart of the bustling capital.

Places to stay

Dreamworld Resort, Hotel & Golf Course – Located in suburban Karachi just 20 minutes from Jinnah International Airport, the 5-star Dreamworld Resort, Hotel & Golf Course offers luxurious rooms, an 18-hole PGA standard golf course, five restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, spa, tennis courts, water park and boating lake. The 72-par course at the resort is one of the most spectacular in Karachi.

Movenpick Hotel Karachi – The 5-star Movenpick Hotel Karachi is just 17 kilometers from Jinnah Airport in the center of Karachi’s business district. Kemari Harbour is nearby and there’s easy access to local shopping and sightseeing destinations such as the National Museum. There’s a fitness center and pool, and the resort is close to two golf clubs. The Defence Authority Country & Golf Club is only 6km away, while Karachi Golf Club is just 10 km away.