A Moroccan Golf Travel Expedition

Lennon’s rendition of the Crosby, Stills & Nash song ‘Marrakech Express’ probably best encapsulates Morocco’s most popular impression on the rest of the world – a haven for those who love natural beauty, aim for peace and revel in the little joys of life. The first country to recognize the United States of America as a nation, Morocco enjoys tremendous tourist attention and in recent times its beautiful golf courses have been attracting many a golf holiday maker too.

Standing at the crossroads of two continents, Morocco is a sunlit expanse of stunning landscapes that range from the North Atlantic Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, from Algeria in the east to the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla in the north. The Atlas Mountains stand guard majestically, keeping the country safe from the travails of the Great Sahara. In such diverse terrains can you imagine what a Moroccan golf tour would be like? A safe guess is ‘fantastic’!
 
Tangier, Marrakech and Casablanca are three of Morocco’s most well known cities often mentioned in popular culture, books and films. The three cities are also home to some of the finest golf courses in the country. So get out your clubs and get on The Marrakech Express to flag off your golf vacation with three creatively laid out courses in the city.

The Marrakech Royal Golf Club, built in the 1920s by the Pasha of Marrakech is one of the longest standing courses in the country. Finding favor with the reigning monarch King Hassan II and rated no.3 by Golf Digest in 2005, this course lies at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, snaking its way through Cypress, Olive, Palm and Eucalyptus trees. At 6,120 meters, this 18-hole course plays for a par of 72 for $43. The well kept greens are hidden behind grassy mounds and bunkers and sand hazards make this a challenging course worth including in your golf package.

Don’t leave the area without trying the Cabell Robinson designed 6657 meters par 72, 18-hole Amelkis Golf Club located right next door($50). The most famous of the Marrakech lot, however, is the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Palmeraie Golf Club located 15 minutes from the city. The Atlas Mountains form the backdrop white medinas dot the horizon of this 18-hole, 6214 meters par 72 course ($60 - $35).

Route your golf travel to the beach city of Agadir for its exotic, sunny beaches, its modern outlook and some great courses. When in the area try The Royal Golf Club ($43), 27 – holes at the Golf Des Dunes ($80) and another 27 at the Golf Du Soleil ($64).

Include in your golf package The Ouarzazate Royale Golf Club in Ouarzazate for a relaxed 9-holes on a 3150 meters par 36 course that offers spectacular views of the Atlas ($43), the Royal Golf Club in Fez ($36), The Royal Golf Club in Meknes ($36), the Cabell & Robinson designed 18-hole Royal Golf Club in El Jadida ($50) and the Royal Golf D’Anfa in Casablanca ($43).

Morocco’s culture has been shaped extensively by Spanish, French and Arabic influences and this can be seen in Morocco’s golf which is almost a passion in fuelled by royal patronage. Blessed with a wonderful Mediterranean climate, Morocco is inviting and invigorating to tourists who can plan a great golf vacation at very affordable rates.