Hurghada: Golfing at the Madinat Makadi Golf Resort

Swing in Hurghada with the Red Sea watching. This round at Madinat Makadi Golf Resort is interesting because it mixes serious golf with big scenery, including Red Sea views you can see from the course. I especially like two things: the chance to play the resort’s long 18-hole championship course (6,880 m), and the way the course setting keeps your eyes moving between fairways and horizon.

The format also feels practical. You can choose 9 or 18 holes and you’ll start at the golf shop with a small group (up to 6). I also like that you get one free range token before you tee off, including a basket of 34 balls. One key consideration: to play the championship course, you need a handicap of 36 or higher, plus proof of your handicap before you go out.

A 3-hour visit is long enough to enjoy a full round without turning your day into a half-golf week. Just note that food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan for water and snacks (or budget for purchases on site).

Key highlights at Madinat Makadi Golf Resort

• Red Sea views from the course so your round comes with serious eye candy
• 6,880 m championship course gives you the kind of test golfers talk about
• Choose 9 or 18 holes depending on your time and energy
• One free range token redeemed for a 34-ball basket
• Handicap rules are strict for the championship course (minimum HCP 36, proof required)
• Small group play with limited spots, so tee time tends to feel more organized

Madinat Makadi Golf Resort, and why the setting matters

Hurghada golf can be hit or miss depending on what you’re expecting. If you want golf plus a place that actually looks good while you play, Madinat Makadi makes a strong case. The big difference is the view line. You are not just staring at grass and a distant flag. The Red Sea and nearby mountains come into the picture, and you get that sense that the course is built to show off the location.

For me, that matters because golf is already a game of patience and focus. When the setting is beautiful, it helps the experience feel like more than a ticket to walk holes. Even if you’re not a golfer who chases scenic courses, you’ll still enjoy it because it breaks up the mental monotony of grinding drives and short putts.

This is also a course built for real play. The championship option is described as the longest 18-hole course in the region, at 6,880 m. In golf terms, “longest” usually means more than bragging rights. It tends to mean more variety in club choices, more strategic pressure on distance, and more chances to get punished if your drive is off-line.

Price and value: is $74 a smart golf buy?

At about $74 per person for a 3-hour session, the value depends on what you plan to play. If your handicap qualifies you for the 18-hole championship course, you’re paying for access to one of the region’s standout layouts, plus facilities that are set up for golfers (practice range token, trolley support for walkers, and tee time handling by the resort team).

If you do not meet the handicap requirement, you won’t automatically lose out, because the policy is to direct higher-handicap players toward the executive course. That means the experience is still built to let you play rather than just watch. The value question then becomes: do you want the bragging rights of the championship course, or do you mainly want a great round in good conditions with views?

Either way, remember what is not included. Golf carts are not part of the package, and food and drinks are also not included. If you need a cart to comfortably finish 18 holes, you’ll want to factor that cost into your day. Still, for a course with championship credentials and a scenic Red Sea backdrop, the base price feels reasonable.

How the 3-hour round usually plays out, from the golf shop to the first swing

This is not a long sightseeing day. It is a focused golf block: about 3 hours, with starting times depending on availability. You meet at the golf shop, which is where you can get your bearings fast and handle your practical basics.

Here is the flow that makes the most sense based on what’s included:

1. Check in at the golf shop

You’ll start there, and it’s also the place where handicap proof may come up for the championship course.

1. Use your free range token

You get one free range token that you can redeem for a basket of golf balls. The basket includes 34 balls, so it’s enough to hit a mix of practice swings and maybe warm up your irons. If you’re the type who steps onto the first tee thinking of your last round, this little warm-up helps you reset.

1. Decide on 9 vs 18 holes

You choose the option you want. That choice changes how the time feels. Nine holes can feel breezy, even if you are working on technique. Eighteen holes is where you’ll start thinking about club choices for distance, patience on longer approaches, and shot selection late in the round.

1. Play with support for walkers

If you’re walking, you get a free trolley for walking golfers. No trolley, no problem, but it can make a noticeable difference if you carry clubs or want to keep your energy for putting.

1. Plan for what you buy on your own

Food and drinks are not included, so I recommend keeping water handy and thinking about what you’ll do if the round stretches into late sun.

Group size is limited to 6 participants. That usually helps with pacing and logistics. You’ll spend less time waiting around with a big crowd, and you can keep your focus on the holes.

9 holes versus 18 holes: the real decision point

This one is simple: pick 9 holes if you want a lighter hit of golf with time to enjoy the area afterward, or pick 18 holes if you want the full championship experience.

Playing 9 holes

Nine holes is a smart choice if:

• You’re on a short schedule in Hurghada.
• You want to practice your swing mechanics without the fatigue that can creep in on longer days.
• You’d rather spend the rest of your time outside the resort.

Also, nine holes works well if you’re nervous about pace. With less time on the course, it’s easier to stay calm, especially when the environment is hot and sunny.

Playing 18 holes (the championship test)

The championship course is the headline. It’s described as the longest in the region at 6,880 m. That length changes how you play, even if you’re not chasing perfection. You will likely feel it when:

• Drives need more care, because your margin for error shrinks.
• Long irons and approaches matter more.
• Greenside shots require better control because you are often landing farther from the pin.

But there is one strict gatekeeper: a handicap of minimum 36 is required to play the Championship Course, and proof of handicap is required prior to play. If your handicap is above that level, the program invites you to play on the executive course instead.

So the real decision is not just 9 vs 18. It’s whether you want the championship course itself, or whether you’d prefer a course that better matches your handicap.

The championship course and executive option: handicap rules you should not ignore

This is where I see people get tripped up, because golf rules can feel bureaucratic until you arrive and realize they matter.

For the championship course:

• HCP minimum 36 is required.
• Proof of your handicap is required prior to play.

If you do not meet that requirement, you will be invited to play the executive course. That’s not a punishment. It’s the course matching approach, so you can still play the game rather than fight the format.

If you are considering the 18-hole championship option, do yourself a favor and bring the proof you need before you get to the golf shop. It will save you stress and keep your tee time smooth.

Range practice built into the experience: use those 34 balls wisely

The included warm-up is one of the easiest wins in the package. You get one free range token and a basket of 34 balls. That is enough for a real warm-up session without turning into a mini practice program.

Here’s a practical way to get value out of it:

• Hit a few balls to check distance first. You’re not looking for perfection, you’re looking for your reads.
• Use the rest to focus on one technical point for the round, like your iron strike or your setup for longer approach shots.
• If you tend to over-swing when you’re excited, slow down on ball one and let your rhythm build.

The range token matters because it upgrades the experience from just paying for a tee time to arriving ready to play. On a course with a long 18-hole championship layout, showing up cold can turn into an avoidable struggle.

Views, weather, and what the Red Sea adds to your game

You can’t talk about Madinat Makadi without talking about the scenery. The Red Sea views are visible directly from the golf course, and you’ll also see mountains around the area. This means your brain gets something other than golf visuals. It’s subtle, but it helps.

From a practical angle, the climate is part of the experience. The area is known for year-round sunshine, so you’ll want to think about the basics: hydration, sun protection, and comfortable breathable clothing. Even if you consider yourself a hardy golfer, heat can quietly change your swing and focus.

The good news is that the course is designed for golfers to play through this kind of atmosphere. The facilities are described as high quality, and the staff support is repeatedly called out as friendly and helpful. That kind of on-site care matters, because it makes it easier to concentrate when things are moving quickly, like getting your turn to tee off.

What’s included, and what you’ll need to handle yourself

Here’s the reality check you need so there are no surprises on the day.

Included:

• 9 or 18-hole round (based on your option)
• 1 free range token, redeemable for a basket of 34 balls
• Free trolley for walking golfers
• 20% discount on a buggy for 18 holes on the championship course (if you choose to use one)
• The small-group format (limited to 6 participants)

Not included:

• Golf carts
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

A quick note on transportation. The package does not promise pickup from your hotel. One recent booking noted a smooth pickup and return transfer arranged by the golf resort at the hotel, so you might want to ask your accommodation or the resort team when you confirm. Just don’t count on it as part of the ticket itself.

Small group, tee times, and how to plan your day around golf

Small group size matters more than most people think. With up to 6 participants, you’re less likely to get stuck behind a huge crowd or lose time to shuffle delays. The round also runs within a 3-hour window, with starting times based on availability, so you’ll want to treat this like a scheduled block rather than an open-ended hangout.

The resort team provides an English and Arabic host or greeter. That helps if you need handicap questions answered quickly or want clarity on what course you are playing.

If your goal is to make your Hurghada trip feel balanced, a golf session like this can work well as a midday or afternoon focus. You’ll get fresh air, exercise, and a memorable setting, without needing a full day tour.

A quick note on course condition and comfort

Golf course maintenance can vary by season. One booking in the past flagged that the course needs some TLC. That doesn’t mean the whole experience falls apart, but it does mean you should keep your expectations grounded. Plan for a real golf venue, not a museum display.

The overall picture still sounds positive because the support from staff gets repeated praise, and the facility is described as well cared for in other comments. I’d treat this as: expect a good, playable course with professional staff, and just accept that you might notice minor wear in certain areas.

Who this golf round is best for

This experience is ideal if:

• You want to play a well-known Hurghada-area course with Red Sea views
• You can handle the handicap rule for the championship course (minimum HCP 36 with proof)
• You like structured practice, because the range token is included
• You want a small-group round that stays within a 3-hour time block

It may not be the best fit if:

• You rely on golf carts and don’t want to plan for transport or walking support beyond the trolley
• You want food and drinks built into the price
• You do not have handicap proof available for the championship option

It is also listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people over 95.

Should you book Madinat Makadi golf in Hurghada?

I’d book this round if you want a serious golf setting with real scenery and you’re prepared for the simple but important rules around handicap. The combination of Red Sea views, the chance to play a long championship 18-hole course, and the included 34-ball range basket makes it feel like you get more than a standard tee time.

Skip it or choose carefully if you don’t meet the handicap requirement for the championship course and were specifically hoping for that exact layout. In that case, the executive course can still be a good day, but you’ll want to align expectations with what you are actually eligible to play.

If your plan is a focused golf half-day with minimal hassle, meeting at the golf shop, and using the trolley and range token, this is a strong fit for a Hurghada itinerary.

FAQ

Where do I meet for Madinat Makadi Golf Resort golfing?

You meet at the golf shop.

How long does the activity take?

The duration is 3 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Can I choose to play 9 holes or 18 holes?

Yes. You can select either the 9-hole or 18-hole program.

What handicap do I need to play the championship course?

A minimum handicap of 36 is required to play the Championship Course, and proof of handicap is required prior to play.

What happens if my handicap is above 36?

Guests with higher handicaps are invited to play on the Executive Course.

Is practice at the driving range included?

Yes. The package includes 1 free range token that you can redeem for a basket of golf balls. The basket includes 34 balls.

Are golf carts included?

No. Golf carts are not included.

Is a buggy included for the championship course?

Golf carts are not included, but there is a 20% discount on a buggy for 18 holes on the Championship Course.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, keeping your travel plans flexible.