How Riffa Views turned into the Royal Golf Club

Colin Montgomerie’s vision created a global golfing destination.

1999

Originally named Riffa Golf Club, Bahrain’s first grass golf course, designed by Karl Litten, opened in 1999. Spanning roughly 65 hectares, the original layout marked a major milestone for the game in the Kingdom and laid the foundation for future international ambition.

2005

The club gained early tournament pedigree in 2005 and 2006, hosting the Arcapita Senior Tour Championship on the European Senior Tour. Des Smyth claimed victory in 2005, followed by Gordon J. Brand the following year.

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2007

In 2007, the venue hosted the inaugural King Hamad Trophy, which is still being played this day, a landmark moment that also saw the course officially renamed the Royal Golf Club, reflecting its growing status within regional and international golf.

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2008

A major transformation followed in 2008 with the opening of the redesigned Montgomerie Course. Created by Colin Montgomerie alongside Robin Hiseman of European Golf Design, the layout retained the original clubhouse site but none of the previous holes. The occasion was marked by the Riffa Views Invitational, won by Retief Goosen.

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2011

International tournament golf returned in 2011 when the Royal Golf Club hosted the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions on the then European Tour. Paul Casey claimed the title, further cementing the venue’s reputation as a stage capable of testing the world’s best players.

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2024 to present

The DP World Tour made its long-awaited return to Bahrain in 2024 as Dylan Frittelli won the inaugural edition, with Laurie Canter lifting the trophy in 2025.