M ost people think historically of Egypt and well they might - the Sphinx, the Pharaohs, the Pyramids, Tutankhamen and of course the Nile. All conjure up a fascinating insight to a history that dates back five thousand years. The Greek historian Herodotus, writing 2.500 years ago called Egypt, the “gift of the Nile”, for its existence depends on the waters of the great river. At 6.695 km (4.160 miles), the longest in the world, the rich soils deposited by flood waters along the banks of the Nile have supported large populations since history began; the Nile Delta is one of the world’s most fertile agricultural regions – 96% of the people live in the Delta and the 20 km (12miles) wide strip along the river from Cairo to Sudan making a population density of over 1300 per km2.

Egypt is certainly worth a visit being unique in the world as they are long used to outsiders. Foreigners now come as tourists, as businessmen or as technicians working for the United Nations or other international agencies. But for centuries they came as conquerors. From 525 BC, when the Persians occupied the country Egypt was dominated by outside powers. In turn came the Greeks under Alexander the Great, the Romans and the Arab. In 1517 Egypt became part of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Napoleon’s invasion in 1798 brought Egypt firmly to the attention of Europe. In 1854 a French engineer was granted a concession to build the Suez Canal which considerably shortened the sea voyage from the Far East. But it was not a new idea; a canal as far as Lake Timsah was built by the Pharaohs around 2100 BC and extended by the Persian conqueror Xerxes I, unfortunately it fell into disuse in the 8th Century AD.

Dreamland Golf Resort, near Cairo

Before writing evolved and the hieroglyphics found throughout the artefacts of ancient Egypt were unreadable until the Rosetta stone was found by the French and eventually ended up in the British Museum. It’s only in recent years that the Egyptians have realised the worth of their history and what an earner it can be in the modern day tourist market.

The Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort, near Cairo

Mena House Oberoi, Cairo with Pyramid in background

Most golfers would consider Egypt as an incredibly large bunker, but coming under the jurisdiction of Britain for approximately 75 years from 1882-1992 naturally left the odd golf course here and there. Modern-day Egypt offers the travelling golfer a wide selection of courses along the pharaohs of Luxor. Links courses by the Red Sea designed by Gary Player and fairways practically in the shadow of the Pyramids.

El Gouna course in Hurghada, near the Red Sea

Alexandria Sporting Club golf course

Many of the resorts produce their own brochures publicizing golf alongside historical tours – in fact the Egyptian tourist board has produced a brochure solely on “Tee Time with the Pharaohs – Egypt Golf”.

Several courses have sprung up close to Cairo. There are courses at Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor and some overlooking the Red Sea.

Royal Valley Golf Club in Luxor

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