A handful of headlining courses are turning the Moroccan desert city into a top golfing destination. Brian Noone surveys the scene
ASSOUFID GOLF CLUB
The magnificent 18-hole layout winds through undulating barren scrubland 30 minutes southwest of the medina revealing horizon- bending views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Designed by European Tour veteran Niall Cameron and unveiled in October 2014, the course was named Morocco’s best at the 2015 World Golf Awards and features a smart mix of risk and reward for golfers of all abilities. Measuring 6,440 metres from the tips, the holes incorporate the surrounding desert – which is in play – and is pleasantly concluded by the indoor-outdoor La Colline restaurant, where French dishes pair with panoramic views for post-round rejuvenation. assoufid.com
SAMANAH COUNTRY CLUB
Another notable track set southwest of Marrakech, the Jack Nicklaus design, vintage 2008, is pure Jack: stunningly beautiful, provocatively unpredictable and challenging for both mind and muscles with an emphasis on the former thanks in part to no fewer than seven holes where water hazards are very much in play. Stretching 6,800 metres, the par 72 layout is joined by an expansive golf academy and some 600 villas and flats spread across 300 hectares of majestic desert splendour basking in the glow of the towering Atlas peaks. samanah.com
ROYAL PALM GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
The 6,608m layout – Samanah’s near neighbour – is similarly aquatic with equally mesmerising mountain views and a pioneering approach to sustainable course architecture.
The wide Bermuda grass fairways are complemented by generous greens, mature olive trees and rosemary bushes and flowering plants, but even excellent players can be caught out by the beauty and the beast ying-yang, such as the demandingly
long 455m 15th. domaineroyalpalm.com
AMELKIS MARRAKECH
The memorable 27 holes at Amelkis were designed by Cabell B Robinson, right hand man to master architect Robert Trent Jones for nearly 20 years. Featuring numerous water hazards and abundant, sprawling bunkers, the course demands precision and rewards considered shotmaking. Joined by a golf academy and Kasbah-style clubhouse, the course can be played alongside nearby Royal Golf Club, Morocco’s oldest course, as well as Al Maaden. golfamelkis. com
PALMERAIE GOLF CLUB
Lush and laden with undulating greens and water on nearly every hole, the Robert Trent Jones Sr design, opened in 1992, has ripened into a grand golf destination with challenges for all abilities from four tees and 27 holes that provoke and challenge at every turn. Non- golfing family members can find equally ample amusement in Palmeraie Village, complete with 10 restaurants and bars and a state-of-the-art 5,200sq m spa. palmgolfclubmarrakech. com
AL MAADEN GOLF RESORT
The 6,429m course is all bunkers and water and striking mountain views, a jewel box
of a layout that emphasises links- style shots with rolling fairways and spacious greens. Designed by Kyle Phillips – responsible for The Grove in London, the remodel of Paris’s Golf De Morfontaine and Yas Links in
Abu Dhabi – its sculptural aesthetic is well suited to its big-sky setting, a course, like so many in the Red City, that merits a few rounds to enjoy its intricacies. almaaden.com
RESORTING TO THE ATLAS
Just 60 kilometres from Marrakech but a world away from the boisterous medina, Kasbah du Toubkal is perched in the serene High Atlas, 1,820 metres above sea level, overlooking the picturesque villages of the Imlil Valley. With just 14 rooms, the hideaway is all about getting away and is a paragon of integrating with both the surrounding community and environment. kasbahdutoubkal.com