Golf in Marrakech
Marrakech is an excellent golf destination, whether to play a round as part of your holiday or dedicate the whole of your stay to the green. It’s the ideal place for a winter golfing break, with temperatures from November to the end of April around the low- to mid-twenties.
There are six 18- or 27-hole courses and one nine-hole course within a short drive of the city, laid out by some of the top names in golf course design. All courses have excellent facilities, with a practice ground and/or driving range and the services of a professional and caddies – and of course they all have a clubhouse, restaurant and bar.
If you would like to enjoy a round of golf during your stay at Villa Dinari, we can make all the arrangements for you; transfers to and from the courses, pre-book tee times and make restaurant reservations. We can also arrange a complete package, which includes accommodation, transfers and green fees.
Palmeraie Golf
Palmeraie Golf is situated in the Palmeraie on the outskirts of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most important natural palm oasis. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it opened in 1993 as an 18-hole course, extended to 27 holes in 2009. It is quite a technical course, with plenty of water hazards and many of Trent Jones’ trademarks – unusual shaped bunkers, dog-leg holes, undulating greens and, in this particular instance, lots of palm trees.
The Royal Golf Club of Marrakech
Royal Golf opened in 1923, on the instructions of the then Pasha of Marrakech who fell in love with the game after a visit to Great Britain, Royal Golf is the second oldest golf course in Morocco. Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Eisenhower, all played the fairways, as did the late King Hassan II, a self confessed golf fanatic. Set at the foot of the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, the luxurious vegetation, technicality and stunning landscapes makes this an excellent course, with 27 holes spread over three nine-hole stretches.
Amelkis Golf
Named after a Queen of the Berber tribes, Amelkis Golf Club was designed by Cabell Robinson, a protégée of Robert Trent Jones, and opened in 1995. Its 27 holes are spread out over three nine-hole stretches, with one 18-hole round of about 6,300m from the white tees. The Amelkis Golf is a difficult and technical course, with many blind shots and nice water hazards. It is a quite a spectacular course, hilly, bumpy, with traps at each hole – a course strewn with ambushes and huge bunkers defending each green. Amelkis hosted a European Tour event within its first five years, the 2000 Moroccan Open.
Al Maaden Golf
Set in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Kyle Philips-designed 18-hole course combines a love a nature with technical imagination, and blends beautifully into a fabulous wooded scenery alternating flatlands and reliefs. The course is designed on a varied terrain, with undulating fairways and scattered with one hundred and four bunkers, numerous water obstacles, and greens surrounded by palm, cypress and almond trees. Al Maaden golf course is adapted to all levels of play, although the mirror lakes in the centre of the two 9-hole stretches add excitement to the challenge, and a bunker and an uphill green give the course a demanding finish. Opened in 2010.
Samanah Golf
When Jack Nicklaus designed the eighteen-hole course at Samanah Golf he created demanding greens that need a lot of concentration; technical, but playable for all levels. There are wonderful views of the High Atlas Mountains, particularly from the 13th hole. The eighteenth hole can be particularly difficult, with a lot of bunkers on the fairway and a dogleg to the left, bordered by a large water hazard.
Atlas Golf
Atlas Golf is a nine-hole golf course designed by Alain Prat, which opened in 2010. The third hole is a challenging 151m par three, with a variety of water hazards and bunkers. The club offers special golf training and lessons, tailored to the individual’s needs. An excellent course for beginners, who can be set on their way by a friendly pro.
Assoufid Golf
This is a brand new desert course designed by Scottish designer Niall Cameron, which opened at the beginning of 2012 and has ambitions to be one of Marrakech’s best. It has a variety of green fairways and brown desert landscaping, with a particularly challenging par four at the sixth hole, and a dogleg to the right.
For more information on the above courses visit worldofgolf.co.uk
“Just returned from a fabulous week’s holiday at the gorgeous Villa Dinari. We were a group of four couples, all golfers. I was dubious about golf in Marrakesh, but the courses are wonderful, and my personal favourite, the Amelkis has views of the snow capped Atlas mountains, such a treat.
The Villa is wonderful, beautiful gardens and pool, lovely rooms and the food is delicious.
Perfect!”
Nicky, Brighton
“We travelled as a group of golfers looking for some sun, relaxation, good food, good company and good golf. With Heather’s help we played five rounds of golf at five excellent courses. She organised our golf and transport as well as arranging for a guided tour of Marrakesh. In all respects we were not disappointed.
Heather and Abdul were wonderfully welcoming and created a house party experience. Their staff could not be more helpful . Our room was in the main house and was stylish, modern and comfortable. We took many of our meals at the Villa and without exception they were delicious. The pool area, bar and sundowner snacks and drinks were a welcome tonic after a long day of golf.
In all respects we were not disappointed. We cannot wait to return.”