Awali Golf Club — Local services in Southern Governorate

The first known reference to golf in Bahrain is in a telex sent by Mr F.A. Davies in 1934 (I have not had sight of this but hope to see it when J. Gourlay returns from vacation). Davies was the geologist who located Well No.1 and was of course working at Jebel, therefore, some schools of thought believe there was a course in the Jebel area (there were no company facilities other than at Jebel until 1934). However, by coincidence, work on constructing Awali facilities started that same year (1934), so he may have been referring to the fact that a course was being built at Awali.

There is no doubt that in the early days of Awali there was a nine-hole course with the first tee on the bluff where Al Dar now stands. The course must have been laid out towards the Manama gate because when the "A-C Camp" (Houses 101 to 136) construction started in 1937, it had to be abandoned and a new nine-hole course on the present site. Investment records show tees and shelters going into service in 1937, so they didn't waste much time! A second 9 was added in 1940, giving a total length of 5000 yds. This was later extended (remains of tees and bunkers can still be see to the west of the 11th green). The course was designed by Colin Pendell-Smith, a company employee.

The golf section was a part of Bapco Club which was administered by a committee of employees until 1944 when control was given to a Board of Trustees appointed by the General Manager. This continued until the running of Bapco Club was taken over the Company in 1953: basis the increased facilities that were being built at the time (Civic Centre etc). No indication of change in golf section status, however, until 1956 when the section was constituted as Awali Golf Club.

A possible cause for celebration this season is that the clubhouse was built in 52/53, the drawing completed in June 1952 - Engineer Ron Powrie; Draftsman: Gus Stamp; both old time golfers. Thus in 1983 we will be having our 20th Open and the Clubhouse will be 30...

Awali golf club is the oldest (and best) sand course in the Middle East. It is a really well maintained course. If you haven’t played a sand course before it’s definitely something to add to your golfing experience. And if you have then still play as you will see why this club established in 1937 and home of the Bahrain Open is still going strong. The club house is friendly and has a pretty terrace overlooking the 18th brown and fairway and where you can also observe the tee off for the 10th. The bar prices are the most reasonable on the island. Ask for an ‘Awali Half’. One of their regulars best kept secrets. (It’s more like a 3/4 pint!). If you haven’t played a sand course before - you play your fairway shots off of an Astro turf mat (provided). The visitor day pass gives you all day access so you can play two rounds if you’ve got the stamina! But bring something to eat as only snack bars crisps and chocolate available. Check out the views from the...

يعتبر النادي الملكي للجولف وجهة جذب متعددة تستقطب الزوار والسياح من شتى أنحاء العالم لكونها موقعا سياحيا لتعلم الغولف ومزوالة اللعبة الشهيرة، فضلا عن استقطابها حفلات الزفاف والمناسبات الخاصة.عرفت مملكة البحرين رياضة الجولف مع بدء تدفق النفط في البحرين في عام 1934م عندما قام الموظفون الأجانب الذين يعملون في استخراج النفط بإنشاء أول ملعب للجولف في منطقة جبل الدخان، وذلك بالقرب من البئر رقم واحد. بعد سنوات، وبالتحديد في العام 1995 أسس الاتحاد البحريني للغولف الذي سعى إلى تنظيم وتنسيق أنشطة اللعبة الجولف وتمثيل البحرين على المستويات الإقليمية والقارية والدولية والمحافظة ودعم معايير وقواعد اللعبة الصادرة والمصدقة من قبل النادي الملكي والعتيق للغولف (R&A) بسانت اندروز، اسكتلندا.جدير بالذكر أن النادي افتتح رسميا في أبريل 2000 تحت رعاية كريمة من لدن صاحب السمو الشيخ خليفة بن سلمان آل خليفة رئيس الوزراء الموقر ليضيف إنجازًا جديدًا للمساهمة في تطور لعبة الجولف في البحرين. واستضافت البحرين البطولة العربية 21 على ملعب الرفاع بعد الافتتاح الرسمي تقديرًا لما قامت به اللجنة البحرينية للجولف من فعاليات على المستوى المحلي الإقليمي.

المرجع صحيفة اخبار الخليج العدد : ١٥٦٢١ - الثلاثاء ٢٩ ديسمبر ٢٠٢٠ م، الموافق ١٤ جمادى...