Thomson Perrett & Lobb (TPL) has been hired to create a new golf course on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

The 18-hole course will form part of the Soma Bay holiday resort, which lies 20 minutes from Hurghada International Airport.

The course will be built on a slightly elevated hillside site, and will embrace the local area’s natural desert landscape.

“The Soma Bay peninsula is a stunning location, surrounded on all sides by the Red Sea, and our goal is to create a golf course that focuses on strategic and fun play, has family-friendly options and is accessible to all,” said Tim Lobb, TPL’s principal and golf course architect. “The design process has already commenced, and we hope to begin construction next year.”

Soma Bay is already home to an 18-hole course designed by Gary Player’s firm, which opened for play in 1998.

Lara Iskander, director of development at Soma Bay, added: “Thomson Perrett & Lobb has a strong, and growing, international pedigree in the golf course design sector and we look forward to working with Tim and his team to create a world-class, enjoyable and memorable golf experience for our guests. TPL’s vision to design a golf course that appeals to families and holidaymakers, and also marries perfectly with the Soma Bay environment, were key considerations when selecting our design partner. We are confident the new course will significantly enhance our extensive leisure facilities.”