Just under a four-hour flight from London lies the vibrant, cultural hub of Marrakech. Ever a city of contrast, Marrakech offers clashing colours, jam-packed market stalls and creative craftmanship but is also home to numerous blossom-scented gardens and traditional riads - many come with plunge pools in the centre of botanical-filled courtyards. No matter the itinerary, Marrakech is an enriching experience and the beating heart of Moroccan culture.
Marrakech, known as the “Red City,” enchants visitors with its fascinating history dating back to Berber times. The backdrop of the Atlas Mountains gives the city a majestic glow. The High Atlas, which extends close to the city, impresses with its snow-capped peaks and unique natural diversity.
Marrakech should not be overlooked for its rich golfing offerings. What golfer has not ever dreamed to bring his clubs out and exercise on a practice at feet of the Atlas snowy peaks ? Marrakesh counts among the most beautiful golf courses of Morocco.
With all the things to do in Marrakech, I bet you didn’t expect that golf would be on your list. The golf courses in Marrakesh are very well kept, and the combination of international golf management and Moroccan hospitality make every round played an exceptional golfing experience.
Here’s a guide to some of the best golf courses in Marrakech:
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Top Golf Courses in Marrakech
Here are some of the top golf courses in Marrakech:
- Royal Golf Marrakech
By walking on the lawn of Royal Golf, you will measure a course drawn in the 20s, lined with olive trees, orange trees and apricot trees. Marriage between an authentic environment and a golf with an attractive and varied architecture. All brightened up with a very high level of services and a high quality ground maintenance.
Established almost a century ago, this prestigious golf destination is renowned for stunning views and much more. The historic “Old Course” now has a “New Course” added, totalling a 27-hole championship layout. There’s a clubhouse with a refined atmosphere and the facilities on site are excellent.
Created in 1923 by the Pasha of Marrakesh city, Marrakesh Royal Golf is one of the oldest golf courses of the Kingdom. On the steps of Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George or even Ike Eisenhower, players will succumb to the magic of this mythical golf, conceived in a natural environment of exception allying the beauty and the scents of luxuriant vegetation to the technicality and the modernity of courses, so putting all their senses on the alert.
A crop of new courses have popped up in Marrakech in recent years, but Royal Club Marrakech is accredited as the oldest, and has a prestigious heritage too. Established in 1927, the original course is a 9-hole affair that was remodelled by French professional Arnaud Massy in 1993. Known as the ‘Old Course’, this palm and olive tree-lined track was a firm favourite of the former Moroccan king, Hassan II, and other famous players include Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The historic section was later modernised with the addition of the 9-hole, par-36 Menara course, with Gery Watine and Thierry Sprecher at the design helm.
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- Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
Twenty minutes out of the centre is Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, a country club-style oasis with spacious suites, manicured lawns and a 2,000 sq m swimming pool - not to mention a superior golf course on-site. When looking for Marrakesh country club rentals, everyone I know suggests Fairmont Royal. The course was designed by a renowned architect (Cabell B. Robinson). It’s a challenging layout that spans 18 holes, with natural water hazards. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the meticulously maintained course.
One of Cabell Robinson’s finest designs, the man behind 2023 the Solheim Cup course Finca Cortesín, the immaculate 18-hole course is not only framed by views of the Atlas Mountains but covers 75 hectares of gentle rolling greens, tropical palm trees, five lakes and regularly makes the top of Africa’s golf lists.
- Assoufid Golf Club
Since opening in 2014, Assoufid Golf Course has picked up numerous awards and is often touted as one of the best to play in Marrakech. This fairly new golf club (2014) is an 18-hole championship course set against the stunning backdrop of Atlas mountain. There are many undulating fairways, water hazards, and plenty of obstacles that add challenge to the game.
Awarded the title of “Africa’s best golf course” in 2017, the Assoufid Golf Club is in a similar league. Winding its way through desert terrain, Scottish professional and former European Tour player Niall Cameron has created a course with fairways that seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscapes. The course is challenging. The distance from the tee to the fairway is sometimes more than 55 yards (50 m).
- Al Maaden Golf Course
Al Maaden Golf Course in Marrakech is an outstanding 18-hole championship course spread over 72 hectares.
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Just outside the busy center of Marraech, AlMadden Golf Resort is an 18-hole (72 course) resort. Situated in a picturesque wooded setting with hills in the background and views of the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the course features a varied design with undulating fairways, varying elevations and water hazards.
For training, golfers can access modern facilities such as a 300-meter driving range and practice areas on carpet or grass. The fairways are well-maintained and wide and offer ideal conditions for long shots. The highlight of the course is undoubtedly the exceptional greens: fast rolling, undulating and difficult to putt - they are a real challenge.
In addition to golf, art is also an integral part of Al Maaden Resort. The Al Maaden Sculpture Park combines art with an exceptional golf resort, creating an inspiring setting for monumental sculptures.
- Palmeraie Golf Club
I love the Palmeraie area. So when I got invited to play golf at a luxurious resort in Palmeraie, I didn’t hesitate. Although the site is pretty much flat, the strategically weaving fairways add a difficulty. The resort also features other luxury facilities such as an indoor swimming pool and spa services.
- Samanah Country Club
If you’re even remotely interested in golf, then you’ve heard of Jack Nicklaus. Well, he designed this premier golfing destination just outside Marrakech. I love that Samanah’s layout incorporates the natural terrain. It’ll really test your skills.
- Amelkis Golf Club
In my search for something different, I found Amelkis Golf Club. It’s a 27-hole course with a unique layout. Amelkis Golf Club is 27-hole golf resort (3 x 9) spread on a 688-hectare area located at the foot of High Atlas Mountains. A mythical place.
The layout is designed to test your skills, because you’ll need precision to play here. The breathtaking views and well-maintained grounds softened the blow of how badly I was playing.
- PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika
PalmGolf is a stunning grounds and one of the top rated golf courses in Marrakech. It’s only half an hour away, and offers a unique golfing experience. The signature square greens are the standout feature of this golf course. I found that while they are scorable, they added a serious challenge to the game.
Opened as recently as 2015 under the management of Troon Golf, PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika is about a thirty-minute drive from Marrakesh and offers commanding views of the impressive Atlas Mountains. The golf course stretches to 7318 yards (6692 m) and is very demanding.
- Noria Golf Club
The rectangular greens and stunning views of Noria Golf Club made for a great golf game.
- Montgomerie Marrakech
Designed by Colin Montgomerie, this 18-hole championship course was a lot of fun. Again, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking mountain views and enjoyed the luxurious clubhouse.
- Concept Parcours Golf Maroc
Concept Parcours Golf Maroc is a 9-hole facility designed for golfers of all abilities, focusing on skill development in a relaxed atmosphere. I appreciated the friendly staff and welcoming environment.
- Golf Tour Academie
This is a premier training facility dedicated to improving golfers’ skills. Golf Tour Academie offers state-of-the-art tech and experienced instructors, so this is where you go up your game.
- Argan Golf Resort
While most Marrakech golf courses are set against the Atlas Mountains, I really loved the stunning views of this 18-hole course. The well-maintained layout is challenging but enjoyable.
Argan Golf Resort boasts a beautiful 18-hole championship course with a par of 72, designed to blend with the natural landscape. The course features lush fairways and strategic bunkering, providing a challenging round.
- Prestigia Golf Course
The Prestigia Golf Course in Marrakech, part of the larger "Prestigia" real estate and leisure complex, is a high-end golf destination known for its scenic beauty and luxury facilities. It features an 18-hole, par-72 course designed to offer a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. The course is renowned for its beautifully landscaped greens, fairways lined with palm trees, and panoramic views of the majestic Atlas Mountains.Located near the vibrant city center, Prestigia Golf Club combines the tranquility of the countryside with the excitement of Marrakech's cultural offerings.
Additional Information
Tee off from the tenth hole may be offered during peak times and tournaments. Morocco has a long golf tradition that started in 1923, with the opening of the Marrakech Royal Golf Club. The sport was eagerly promoted by then King Hassan II and his brother.
Those looking for a stellar golf course further afield should add Bouznika Bay Golf Club to the list too. Some 240 kilometres northeast from Marrakech is the coastal city of Casablanca, and a little further north still you’ll find the Bouznika Bay Club, overlooking a stretch of unspoilt, golden sand beach.
From the mastermind of Robert Von Hagge, this technical and hilly course is 9-hole and par-35. Featuring the designer’s signature - three bunkers in the shape of a clover - which is worth the journey alone but the chance to play at nightfall against the gentle waves of the Atlantic waves is another winning element.
Welcome to the heart of golfing in Marrakech, where history meets modernity, and golfers can look forward to an unparalleled golfing experience.
INCREDIBLE Golf Courses in Marrakech, Morocco!
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