Along Egypt’s Red Sea coast near Hurghada, a new benchmark for sustainable golf is taking shape. Hidden Coves Golf Course at Somabay is emerging as Egypt’s fully integrated, sustainable golf course—one built around smart design, renewable energy, and a single, purpose-driven turfgrass choice: Pure Dynasty® Seeded Paspalum from Pure Seed and Atlas Turf International.
Designed by Lobb + Partners, Hidden Coves demonstrates how modern golf architecture and agronomy can work together to create a course that is environmentally responsible, highly playable, and visually compelling. The back nine holes opened in December 2025, offering golfers an early look at a project where sustainability is not an add-on, but a foundation.
From tees to greens, every turf area at Hidden Coves is planted with Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum. The wall-to-wall approach supports consistent playing conditions, seamless transitions, and long-term maintenance efficiency—critical factors in a desert coastal environment. Known for its salt tolerance and low input requirements, Pure Dynasty is particularly well suited to sites where water quality and conservation are top priorities.
The selection of Pure Dynasty was rooted in experience. As Tim Lobb, Principal at Lobb + Partners, explained, “We trialed Pure Dynasty on the Academy project in Somabay a few years previous, and we were very happy with the results.” That successful trial gave the design team confidence that the grass could deliver both performance and sustainability under challenging conditions.
The ease of importing [Pure Dynasty] into the country was a factor for selection.
Tim Lobb, Principal at Lobb + Partners
Water stewardship plays a central role in the project. All irrigation water at Hidden Coves is produced through an onsite desalination facility, eliminating reliance on local freshwater supplies. Solar panels power the entire desalination process, creating a closed-loop system. Combined with Pure Dynasty’s efficiency and salt tolerance, the system allows the course to thrive with minimal environmental impact.
As a seeded turfgrass, Pure Dynasty also addressed logistical realities. “The ease of importing the product into the country was a factor for selection,” Lobb noted, highlighting an advantage in regions where vegetative turf imports can be restricted or complex. The seeded nature of Pure Dynasty allowed the project to move forward efficiently without compromising turf quality.
Pure Dynasty has performed very well. The greens are smooth and running at a good speed.
Tim Lobb, Principal at Lobb + Partners
Performance has continued to meet expectations. Reflecting on the earlier Academy installation, Lobb said, “Pure Dynasty has performed very well. The greens are smooth and running at a good speed.” Those same performance characteristics now define the playing surfaces throughout Hidden Coves, supporting both daily play and long-term durability.
One of the most significant advantages of Pure Dynasty is its versatility across mowing heights. “We love the single grass selection so we have the flexibility to play around with the mowing lines and cutting heights,” Lobb explained. This adaptability made it possible to eliminate traditional rough, rely on expansive short-grass areas, and encourage strategic options around greens. When asked what stands out most about the turf, Lobb pointed to “the flexibility, salt tolerance, and surface quality.”
The design itself emphasizes strategy and creativity over brute force. “We have tried to use land form and subtle design techniques to form the golfing strategy,” said Lobb. “Short grass and large approaches to greens offer a variety of shot options close to the green.” With consistent coastal winds shaping play, restraint was intentional. “Due to the consistent wind conditions, we incorporated only eight formal bunkers and used other means to interest the golfer.”
We love the single grass selection so we have the flexibility to play around with the mowing lines and cutting heights.
Tim Lobb, Principal at Lobb + Partners
The routing unfolds gradually, moving from more protected inland holes toward expansive views of the Red Sea. Native landscape areas frame the holes, blending the course into its surroundings and reducing the need for intensive maintenance or invasive landscaping.
The front nine holes are expected to open at the end of 2026, completing the full 18-hole experience. Once finished, Hidden Coves will stand as a model for sustainable golf development in the region—demonstrating how Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum, renewable energy, and thoughtful design can come together to create a course that respects its environment while delivering exceptional playability.
Want to read more about Lobb + Partners projects in Egypt featuring Pure Dynasty Seeded Paspalum?
Before Hidden Coves, Pure Dynasty was planted at Somabay’s golf academy.
Golf Course Architecture magazine featured Hidden Coves in their recent issue.
