The desert isn’t the only sand trap in Egypt — there is an increasing number of highly rated golf courses that draw professionals and amateurs alike. Here are some of your best options for going green:

Located in the center of Soma Bay, the Cascades golf course is open to all guests at the resort complex, including Sheraton Soma Bay Resort and La Residence Hotel, among others. Designed by Gary Player, the course was ranked 11th in the world by the readers of Golf Journal. It is an impressive 18-hole championship course with a rating of 71. Beginners can get into the swing of things at the Golf Academy, with its nine-hole Challenge Course.

The clubhouse itself resembles a European countryside mansion, overlooking a rocky waterfall that pours into a series of deep blue lakes in the midst of hilly green expanses that lead to the Red Sea. (tel: (065) 354-4901, www.somabay.com)

Katameya Heights’ hilly terrain has been sculpted into an exciting 18-hole championship course with spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. The course’s changes in elevation demand a creative approach from golfers. With a separate nine-hole course, Cairo’s oldest golf course has options to suit all playing abilities.

Club facilities include a driving range with five target greens and three practice greens, a pro shop, caddies, power and pull carts, and food and beverage on the course. For novices there are lessons with golf pros, video swing analysis and a golf academy.

The clubhouse offers two restaurants, two bars and spa, gym and entertainment facilities. (tel:(02) 758-0512/17, www.katameya.com)

Designed by European architect Peter Harrdine, the 18-hole championship course at the JW Marriott Mirage City’s water features make players forget they are surrounded by desert. The 7,106-yard course covers 250 acres and has a rating of 73.

The JW Marriott, which won a CHA MENA platinum award for the best golf club, has a floodlit driving range, practice facilities and a high-tech swing analyzer. Both video and live lessons are available, the latter from two qualified PGA professionals. Other services include a pro shop, caddies, power carts, club rental, tournaments as well as beverage and food service on the course. (tel: (02) 409-1464, www.miragecitygolf.com)

Sharm El-Sheikh’s only golf course sets no handicap standards and doesn’t require you to show any professional certificates. The Jolie Ville M?venpick Golf & Resort offers an 18-hole championship golf course, rating 71. The club also hosts an International Golf Academy for teaching all levels of golf, with a 3-hole, short game area and a double-ended driving range for training and practice. Other services include a pro shop, caddies, carts, lighted driving range, club rental, tournaments as well as food and beverage service on the course.

In 2005, the Jolie Ville golf course was the first in Egypt to host a European tour, the PGA European Seniors Tour. (tel: (069) 600-635, www.movenpick-sharm.com)

This resort on the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road offers 27 holes configured in three loops of nine, set amid greenery and lagoons that offer challenges suitable for every skill level. The Pyramids Golf Academy assists both beginners and advanced players. Practice facilities include the largest floodlit driving range in Egypt with eight target greens, as well as two short game practice areas. Two putting greens offer different wind conditions, while an indoor studio has a hi-tech video analysis system. (tel: (02) 335-3317/8, www.solaimaneyah.com)

The Steigenberger Golf Resort’s 18-hole course has a rating of 74 and maximum handicap of 45; players must present documentation of their handicap before receiving a greens time. Designed by the American architectural firm of Gene Bates and Fred Couples, the course is built over a group of islands surrounded by blue lagoons.

The club has two full-time PGA professionals that offer one-on-one instruction in both German and English; three more come in during the peak season. The clubhouse has a bar, a restaurant, exercise facilities and a health spa offering massage, a Turkish bath and steam room. (tel: (065) 580-140, www.el-gouna.steigenberger.de). et