Paspalum taking root in new golf destination

Atlas Turf Arabia providing turfgrass for first championship course in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Atlas Turf Arabia

Atlas Turf Arabia

Atlas Turf Arabia has provided harvested sod and sprigs to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s ambitious golf project, including Riyadh’s first internationally recognized championship course.

Representing the first major project of Atlas Turf Arabia since the joint venture between Atlas Turf International and Golf Saudi was conceived, the DGDA’s golf facilities will feature Platinum TE Paspalum tee-to-green. The salt-tolerant, dark green turfgrass is available in Saudi Arabia exclusively through Atlas Turf Arabia.

As a region of enormous historical and cultural significance, Diriyah is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is being restored by the DGDA to preserve, celebrate and develop the iconic landmark into a premier global attraction.

Alongside a new residential district on the outskirts of Riyadh, the Wadi Safar 27-hole golf venue will feature facilities for all ages and abilities. Facilities will include pitch and putt, practice area and an academy to a modern championship course built to meet all global golf construction standards.

“Diriyah is a unique destination and is deserving of the highest standard of products and services to ensure world class playing conditions for golfers in the future,” said John Holmes, Atlas Turf International President and co-founder of Atlas Turf Arabia. “Platinum TE has a proven track record both in the region and worldwide, having been selected across more than 30 golf, sports and landscaping projects in the Middle East and hundreds of others around the world.”

Atlas Turf Arabia has been certified at the highest level by the International Turfgrass Genetic Assurance Program, which ensures quality protocols are followed in the process of growing and producing various turfgrasses used in commercial and residential projects.

“This partnership is a testament to the dedication of both entities towards elevating Saudi Arabia's golfing landscape,” Golf Saudi CEO Noah Alireza said. “The collaborative efforts between Atlas Turf Arabia and DGDA are pivotal in realizing our shared vision of golfing excellence and contributing to the culmination of Vision 2030.”