Marrakech, the enchanting Red City of Morocco, is celebrated for its captivating culture and stunning architecture.
Beyond its historical and cultural charm, Marrakech has also earned its reputation as a golfer’s paradise.
With year-round pleasant weather and the mesmerizing backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech has become a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world.
In this article, we will explore the best golf courses in Marrakech, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and world-class golfing experiences.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to take up the sport, Marrakech has something for everyone.
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Why golf in Marrakech?
Morocco is a golf lover’s paradise, and Marrakech stands out as a prime destination for several reasons:
- Diverse Range of Courses: As you will note from our picks of the best golf courses in Marrakech contained within this article, there is certainly something for everyone.
Whether you want to partake in a challenging, highly technical game or enjoy a leisurely round, and whether you want to be in a tranquil and secluded location or at the center of the city, you will find something to suit your tastes.
- A Rich Golfing Heritage: Marrakech boasts a rich golfing heritage, with the Royal Golf Club being the oldest golf club in Morocco, commissioned by the Pasha of Marrakech himself in 1933 and enjoyed by notable figures like Winston Churchill and President Eisenhower.
- Scenic Beauty: The breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and the unique landscapes that the courses offer create a golfing experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Now, let’s explore some of the top golf courses in Marrakech that make it a golfer’s paradise.
Royal Golf Club
Encapsulated within stunning grounds filled with lush, tropical vegetation, playing a game of golf at the Royal Golf Club is a luxurious experience.
As your caddy transports you from one hole to another, you’ll swiftly pass by the beautiful scenery created by the 15,000 trees that adorn the site. These trees include wild palm trees, lush olive groves, and fragrant orange trees, to name a few.
As the oldest golf club in Morocco, the Royal Golf Club was commissioned by none other than the Pasha of Marrakech himself in 1933.
In its early days, the club was frequented by notable figures such as Winston Churchill and President Eisenhower, attesting to the prestige that surrounds this golf club.
This nine-hole course is worth a visit, even if it’s just to say that you’ve played on the most renowned course in Morocco!
Al Maaden Club
Going above and beyond the designs and landscaping of a regular golf course, the 18 hole site at Al Maaden is an elaborate, artistic masterpiece.
Designed by esteemed architect Kyle Phillips, Al Maaden sees the golf course twist and turn through an eccentric sculpture park which consists of 12 large scale installations.
The beautiful atmosphere will no doubt leave you feeling inspired, relaxed, and ready to play your perfect game.
The added benefit of Al Maaden Club is it’s central location – just 15 minutes away from Marrakech’s main Djemma El Fna square. As such, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a few games of golf as part of a cultural trip to the exotic imperial city.
Assoufid Golf Club
With a dramatic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains behind it, the 18 hole course at Assoufid Golf Club provides players with an “only in Morocco” style golfing experience, as they enjoy a game that sees the course take them through smooth desert landscapes.
If you’re a keen golf aficionado then chances are that you may have heard whispers of the excellence of Assoufid Golf Club already.
The course is adored by Moroccan natives and international visitors alike and has received critical acclaim in the world’s most respectable travel and luxury media.
The club has been awarded the title of being Africa’s best golf club in 2016, and earned Tripadvisor’s “Certificate of Excellence” for the same calendar year.
With all things considered, it should come as no surprise that Assoufid is on our list of the best golf courses in Morocco.
Samanah Country Club
The 18 hole course at Samanah Country Club is one of the newest in Morocco, and with a course length of a whopping 6,800 feet, it is also the longest.
The course often takes treacherous turns, with rough desert terrains, rocks, cacti and large pools of water encapsulated within the 6,800 feet length.
No doubt that experienced golfers will love the challenge that Samanah provides them with!
Samanah Country Club is also home to a David Leadbetter golf academy so those that are relatively new to golfing, or whom have struggled with the complexities of the course can work on their handicap and hone their skills while in town
Ourika Golf Club
Though the course at Samanah Country Club is challenging at times, when it is compared to the difficult Ourika Golf Club, it comes across like a regular lawn based putting green!
Ourika, located just south of Marrakech’s city limits is set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of the snow capped Atlas mountains.
A combination of the desert terrain, and the extensive waste areas and deep bodies of water that surround a lot of the holes on this course mean that Ourika is not for the faint of hearted or those apprehensive of taking on a challenge!
Amelkis Golf Club
When it comes to golfing in style, nowhere offers more class and luxury in Marrakech than Amelkis Golf Club. Surrounded by stunning greenery and exquisite villas and hotels, Amelkis is the perfect place for a relaxing golf break.
The 27 hole Amelkis course was designed with the intention to provide golfers with a challenge.
Tired of the “same old, same old” theme that he was noticing on the majority of modern courses, American architect Cabell B. Robinson designed this overtly technical course.
As players progress through the course’s expansive 10,657 meter length, they pass through challenging pitfalls, conquer blind starts, and have to strategize to deal with bumpy and hilly terrain. Experienced golfers will take much delight in the course here.
Palmeraie Golf Club
Situated in the breathtaking Palm Grove area of Marrakech, the Palmeraie golf club is arguably one of the most beautiful in the country.
Designed by American Architect Robert Trent Jones Senior in 1993, the course is highly regarded by golf lovers across the globe and is considered as being one of the world’s best course, winning the world golf awards in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
best things about Palmeraie is that it caters to all abilities – whether you are a beginner, an intermediate player, or a well seasoned pro, you will be certain to enjoy the superb 27 hole course and there is plenty of help on hand if you need it.
Palmeraie is also the full package, as far as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of your daily life is concerned; the site offers premium luxury accommodation and an expansive spa facility to help you unwind after a particularly tough game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marrakech is more than just a city of vibrant colors and culture; it’s a golfing paradise that offers some of the finest golf courses in the world.
From the historical Royal Golf Club to the modern Assoufid Golf Club, Marrakech boasts a diverse range of golfing experiences against the backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains.
So, pack your clubs and get ready to tee off in the enchanting Red City of Morocco, where golfing dreams come true.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these exquisite courses, as they are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of golfing in Marrakech.