Naela El Attar: Shaping Egypt's golf future from the heart of Cairo
Egyptian-born and golf-obsessed since the age of four, Naela's life story is tightly woven into the fairways of her homeland.
'My story in golf is my life story,' she said. 'It started when I was just four years old. My father took me to Alexandria Sporting Club—the only 18-hole course in the country at the time. There were only two other shorter courses back then, at Mena House and Gezira Club.'
At just seven years old, Naela made a bold declaration to her parents: she wanted to become a golf professional. 'They were surprised—but it was all about being outdoors.,' she said. 'That dream still holds true today. I'm learning every single day.'
Her journey has taken her from the top of Egypt's amateur game to studying and playing professionally in the United States, and finally back home—where she now leads operations at one of the country's most prestigious clubs.
Opened in 2010 under the Troon Golf management brand, and designed by Greg Norman, The Allegria Golf Club is a flagship for golf in the region. 'Norman's design is a major draw,' she says. 'People come back again and again—it's truly special.'
Naela's amateur career saw her represent Egypt on multiple fronts. She won the African Ladies Championship in Zambia (2006) and the Arab Ladies Championship at Soma Bay, also playing in the Mediterranean Games and the Espirito Santo Trophy (World Amateur Team Championships) in South Africa and Puerto Rico.
A standout memory? 'Definitely The R&A Junior Open in 2002 at Royal Musselburgh, Scotland. We even visited The Open at Muirfield, watched Ernie Els win, toured behind the scenes—it changed my life.'
Her father, Vice-President of the Egyptian Golf Federation and the first Egyptian national to be a member of The R&A, was a major influence. 'His passion helped fuel mine.'
After studying Hospitality Management in Egypt, she enrolled at the Golf Academy of America in San Diego, playing on development tours including the Ladies European Tour's Dubai Ladies Masters. 'There were ups and downs—especially when I suffered a neck injury, never ideal for a pro athlete,' she recalls.
She also worked at Torrey Pines during the 2008 Buick Open and US Open. 'Watching Tiger Woods from inside the ropes? Unforgettable.' Later, she began teaching juniors in Sacramento Valley, but family obligations brought her back to Egypt regularly.
After nine years in the US, Naela earned her PGA of America status in 2015 and returned to Cairo full-time. Impressed by Allegria's facilities and tech-forward approach, she joined the club and quickly rose from teaching pro to Head of Golf in 2021.
'I was blown away by the investment in technology—it reminded me of the US. It made me want to be part of this.'
Allegria now has over 250 members, up from fewer than 100 just five years ago. Golf rounds have more than doubled, and the 25–35 age group is rapidly embracing the game. 'They come in groups, which enhances the entire experience—it's a fresh energy.'
Looking ahead, Naela is optimistic. 'The upcoming Marriott hotel on-site will change our dynamics entirely. We're also targeting international growth. We're attending the IAGTO conference in Gran Canaria next month to put Egypt on the global golf map.'
'The potential here is huge,' she adds. 'With world-class courses, deep history, and the right partners, Egypt is ready to become a must-visit golf destination.'
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