Golfing in
Morocco

Playing Golf in Morocco

If you are willing to take a golf break away from what you are used to and complement it with an unique cultural experience, take a look at Morocco. From sand dunes, deserts, rocky mountains covered with snow, to coastal areas - Morocco has it all, spiced-up with a cultural and architectural blend of Arab and Berber (indigenous African) and other African and European influences. And, last but not least, great conditions and offers for golfing.

Climate and Geography of Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco has an enchanting landscape. Situated in the most western part of continental Africa, Morocco boasts both splendid coastlines spread over the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and a picturesque rugged mountain interior. Due to its location, Morocco’s climate is characterized by nice and green springs that last between mid-March and May and calm and warm autumns. What is worth considering by the avid golfer headed towards this African country is the fact that Morocco has sunny days almost all the year round. The western parts of the country occupied by the Atlas Mountains, have plenty of arable land and forests. The eastern part of Morocco is where the Sahara desert begins. There the country’s landscape is transformed into vast stretches of barren lowlands and sand dunes and the occasional oasis. Morocco’s biggest cities are Casablanca, Rabat-Sale, Fes, Marrakech and Tangier.

Culture in Morocco

Another thing worth considering when travelling to Morocco is the annual period of Ramadan, the traditional Muslim month of fasting. During this time a lot of small local businesses are closed or the opening hours are limited. Though in general big touristic-oriented establishments such as hotels, resorts and golf-courses are open during the Ramadan, you might want to consider whether you are willing to let go of some of the cultural peculiarities that you could normally experience in Morocco.

Golf and Tourism in Morocco

Though football remains by far the most popular sport in Morocco, in the recent years golf has also gained some ground. Morocco, which has always been an attractive holiday destination, has a well developed tourism. Golf is increasingly emerging as one particularly attractive touristic niche. Golf courses in Morocco usually combine scenic topography of coastal areas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or rocky desert landscapes, and luxury club houses that offer restaurants, bars, bed and breakfast and golf shops to their customers.

As an affordable destination within 3-5 hours flight from Europe, Morocco offers packaged, as well as tailored golf holidays that include bed and breakfast, massages and a round or two in a golf course that is either part of a golf resort or in a proximity to the hotel you are staying at. A quick glimpse at the packaged holidays suggests that many of the hotels include some additional treats such as massages, cleaning and maintenance of golf sets, etc.

Where to Golf in Morocco

Marrakech is considered one of the finest places to visit if you are planning to spend your golf break in Morocco. In addition to a competitive selection of premium golf venues, the city offers a unique cultural blend between its traditional Islamic culture and modern European influences. There is nothing wrong in combining your golf-break with a unique culinary experience. The cuisine of the country could definitely contribute to a taste of the Moroccan culture. Marrakech that is the country’s fourth biggest city is located in the west parts of Morocco and in the foothills of the beautiful snow-caped Atlas Mountains. If you decide to golf there, you could combine your golf rounds with beautiful walks among the ancient architecture of the city’s Old Town or shop in the local ethnic market that offer all types of condiments and hand-crafted clothes. There are about 11 golf courses in Marrakech to choose from. Other attractive golf break destinations in Morocco are the beach resorts El Jadida and Agadir.

Golf Trivia in Morocco

As an up-and-coming golf destination, Morocco has come up with a golf competition of its own. The Morocco Golf Festival that in 2013 took place in Marrakech between October 5th and 12 for a fifth consecutive time is an International Golf Tournament open to male and female golfers of all levels. For reference this year’s package for golf only and social program cost EUR 499 per golfer: The competition was played on 5 courses in Marrakech including Samanah Golf, Amelkis Golf, Palmeraie, Al Maaden and the Royal Marrakech.

Golf Club Name	City	State / Province
Royal Golf & Resort El Menzeh de Benslimane	Benslimane	Chaouia-Ouardigha
Golf de Bouznika Bay	Bouznika	Chaouia-Ouardigha
Royal Golf de Settat	Settat	Chaouia-Ouardigha
Mazagan Golf Club	El Jadida	Doukkala-Abda
Royal Golf d'El Jadida	El Jadida	Doukkala-Abda
Royal Golf de F	F	F
Royal Golf d'Anfa	Casablanca	Grand Casablanca
Royal Golf de Mohamedia	Mohamedia	Grand Casablanca
Golf de Mogador	Essaouira	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Atlas Golf	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Golf Al Maaden	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Golf d'Amelkis	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Golf de la Palmeraie	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Royal Golf de Marrakech	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Samanah Country Club	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
The Marrakech Golf Club Assoufid	Marrakech	Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz
Royal Golf Dar Es Salam	Rabat	Rabat-Sal
Golf du Soleil	Agadir	Souss-Massa-Dr
Golf Les Dunes	Agadir	Souss-Massa-Dr
Royal Golf d'Agadir	Agadir	Souss-Massa-Dr
Ouarzazate Royal Golf Club	Ouarzazate	Souss-Massa-Dr
Port Lixus Marina & Golf Resort	Larache	Tangier-T
Royal Golf de Tanger	Tanger	Tangier-T

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