GOLF IN MARRAKECH
Whilst some will argue that, in purely golfing terms, Marrakech is some way behind the Algarve and the Costa Del Sol, Marrakech is catching up fast. The recent opening of two more world-class golf courses, the Samanah Country Club and the Al Maaden Golf Resort, brings the total of 5, all within a short drive of the city centre. We are more than happy to arrange tee off times and transport to and from each course.
TOP 5 GOLF COURSES IN MARRAKECH:
The Royal Golf: 6200 metres - Par 72
Built in the 1920´s by the last Pasha of Marrakech the Royal Golf is one of the
oldest courses in Morocco. Best described as an
´English style´ course, The Royal has fairly narrow undulating fairways which wind through mature Eucalyptus and Cypress trees. An additional 9 holes were added in 2007 (
bringing the total to 27 holes).
The Royal Golf is being touted as a possible venue for the 2013 Moroccan Open, so expect a
major makeover soon.
Facilities: Driving range, putting and pitching greens, pro shop, club hire, club house, lovely outdoor & indoor restaurants, changing facilities, golf lessons, caddies.
Golf Amelkis: 6657 metres - Par 72
Amelkis is quite literally across the road from the Royal Golf.
Designed by Cabell Robinson, and opened in 1995, the course has an unsurprising
American feel to it. The course is fairly open with
wide undulating fairways and the greens are defended by
large bunkers. The
stunning Atlas Mountains act as an
impressive backdrop and the fairways are lined with luxury villas.
Facilities: Practice green, driving range, pro shop, restaurant/bar, club house, changing facilities, golf lessons, club hire, caddies, buggies.
Palmeraie Golf Palace & Resort - 6200 metres - Par 72
Located in the middle of the Palmeraie, an ancient palm grove, the course is set in 120 hectares and is a 15 minute drive north from the centre of Marrakech. Created by Robert Trent Jones, this
American style course was opened in 1993. The course combines
sand, water (there are 7 lakes) and
subtropical vegetation. Different tee positions enable the course to be played by
golfers of all levels. At the heart of the course is the Moorish-style Club House- a veritable
palace with restaurants and terraces facing the Atlas Mountains.
Facilities: Putting + chipping greens, driving range, ProShop, restaurant, bar, club hire, caddies, buggies
Samanah Country Club - 6800 metres - Par 72
Samanah Country Club is located 14 km from Marrakech on the road to Amizmiz. Opened in October 2009, the course was created by the Jack Nicklaus design group.
As with all Nicklaus designed courses players are presented with
real challenges but without pointless hazards. Set against the
spectacular Atlas Mountains this ´desert style´ course is accessible to
players of all levels. Sophisticated watering and drainage systems comply with US PGA standards and the greens are of
exceptional quality.
The club house is
truly impressive (some 2000m² in area) and comprises a players bar, TV lounge, restaurant, bridge salon, and changing facilities of the highest quality.
Facilities: David Leadbetter Golf Academy, putting + chipping greens, pro-shop, restaurant, bar, clubhouse, caddies, buggies.
AL Maaden - 6540 metres - Par 72
Designed by the Scotsman Kyle Philips (also responsible for The Grove, Watford, England) considered by many to be the
´hottest´ designer at the moment, Al Maaden´s championship course opened in 2010. Located a mere 4 kilometres from Marrakech and adjacent to both Amelkis and the Royal, the course is already getting
excellent reviews. The course combines both
sand and
water hazards and has uninterrupted views of the
Atlas Mountains. The Clubhouse features a stylish restaurant and bar with a lovely ´al fresco´ dining area.
Facilities: Putting + chipping greens, driving range, restaurant, bar pro-shop, club rental, changing rooms, buggies, caddies, golf academy.
Further course openings are planned for 2011/2012 and we will keep you updated as soon as we have any definitive news.