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Rabat — Spanish golf star Miguel Angel Jiménez and England’s Cara Gainer claimed victory at the Hassan II Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Golf Cup. The event took place at the Royal Golf Dar Essalam from February 3 to 8.
Miguel Angel Jiménez, 60, proved age is just a number. He won with a total of 208 strokes, finishing 11 under par. He beat New Zealand’s Steven Alker, who finished two strokes behind. Golf icon Ernie Els came third with 212 strokes.
Jiménez said that he was thrilled with his win, calling Morocco “his home,” in an interview with MAP. He played a strong final round and sealed his victory at the 15th hole.
As for the women’s side, English golfer Cara Gainer won the Lalla Meryem Cup after a play-off against India’s Diksha Dagar. Gainer finished with 210 strokes, nine under par, and Singapore’s Shannon Tan came third, just one stroke behind.
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Gainer said she was “very happy” to win, especially after losing in the play-offs last year. “I had to stay at the top of my game,” she said, delighted to start the year with a victory.
Morocco’s own Ines Laklalech finished in 35th place with 220 strokes, one over par. Five Moroccan women competed, including Maha Haddioui and 15-year-old rising star Sofia Essakali.
The Hassan II Trophy brought together 66 top players from 12 countries. Among them were four Hall of Fame legends: Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Retief Goosen, and Ernie Els.
Since its launch in 1971, the Hassan II Trophy has welcomed golf greats like Gary Player, Severiano Ballesteros, and John Daly.
The Lalla Meryem Cup, first played in 1993, has also become a key worldwide event for women’s golf.
