Developed by Hassam Allam Properties, the Little Venice course opened for play in 2010 with nine holes squeezed into a tight tract of land adjacent to El Ein Bay, a Thomson, Perret and Lobb 18-hole layout that debuted in 2013. 

The development companies behind the two golf facilities formed Sokhna Golf Club so golfers now have full access to a modern 27-hole complex which has been designed by some of the best architects in the business. 

Architect John Sanford was kind enough to supply us with the following exclusive commentary: 

“I would say the most difficult hole at little Venice is the 2nd, a long par four with a large bunker on the left side of the landing area and native desert on the right. Longer hitters can "thread the needle" between the hazards and catch a down slope for extra distance but the fairway is pinched at about 250 meters. The safe shot is a 3 metal off the tee but that will render a longer second to a perched green with a small lake on the right, so the second shot must be accurate. There’s another large bunker on the left side of the green so if the approach shot is steered away from the water it will find the bunker. 

My favorite hole is the drivable par four 5th. Played predominantly down wind and with plenty of roll on the fairway, this hole is reachable off the tee with a nice draw from right to left. There’s a large bunker guarding the right side of the fairway and, if found, will require an awkward second to be played from this deep trap. A small lake guards the left side of the green so if the tee shot is pulled or over hooked a penalty will be taken. The green is relatively small but open in front to the running shot. The smart player will lay up off the tee and hit a short iron to the green for a potential birdie or easy par but the lure of driving the green and making an eagle might prove too tempting for some of the lower handicappers.