Rabat – Morocco is arguably the one African country that boasts of the most diverse of landscapes. Located along the Atlantic coast, this country is decorated with breathtaking vantage viewing points of the ocean. The warm sandy beaches extend with the coastline all the way to the Mediterranean sea. Further inland lies vast sand dunes and in some areas mountain peaks, that altogether make Morocco a natural jewel of sorts.
Morocco’s scenery is spectacular in its own right and the golf courses are living proof. They are scattered all over the country from the capital Rabat to Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier and the more famous Marrakech. Most hotels come with their golf resorts that are equipped to offer their guests the best-golfing experience. Be it daytimeor night-time rounds that are growing more popular with the advent of LED golf balls, the golf culture in Morocco is a force to reckon with.
A walk down memory lane…
The first golf swing in Morocco and Northern Africa, in general, was taken at Tangier in 1914. Nine years later, the first golf course- Royal Tangiers Club was set up in Marrakech, the then capital city of Morocco. The club was the premier playing ground for the high and mighty of that time, mostly the French rulers and other dignitaries such as the Pasha of Marrakech.
The golfing tradition did not quite pick up during the years that came afterward until one King Hassan II entered the scene in 1971. Because of his love for the game, King Hassan II sparked interest among many people, local and foreign alike, even strengthening Moroccan diplomatic relations with other countries through golf. He invested in the game, creating the Hassan II golf trophy championship that is played to date. Among the notable players that have participated include Billy Casper, Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington.
Leaps made
More than a century later, golf in Morocco has grown to brush shoulders with veteran golfing countries such as Spain and Portugal. There are more than 30 world-class golf courses in the country and development of others is underway. Some of the notable destinations are the Assoufid Golf Club, Palm golf Ourika, Domaine Royal Palm, Hotel Naoura Barriere and the Montgomerie club all in Marrakech.
Aside from growing more courses, the number of championships in the country has increased over years fostering the healthy spirit of competition. These include the aforementioned Hassan II trophy, Lalla Meryem Cup, Moroccan Golf course and Moroccan Open. More interestingly is the fact that both men and ladies are encouraged to take part, with competitions such as Lalla Meryem hosting men and ladies’ matches concurrently.
Another great milestone achieved in the growth of Moroccan golf is the breaking of barriers as far as class is concerned.Golf has long been termed the game of the rich but in recent years that notion is being put to test. Children from poor families are taught to play, with the likes of Mogador Golf Academy in Essaouira offering free training to 60 children that train for eight hours in a week.
The golf culture in Morocco is one to be fully exploited. It is timely, refreshing and never goes out of style!
