If you’re a golfer in search of a unique and exotic destination to tee off, look no further than Marrakech, in Morocco. With a stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains and surrounded by the rich culture of North Africa, Marrakech is a great choice for your next golfing adventure abroad. At Glencor Golf, we’re excited to present to you the ultimate guide to golfing in Marrakech, a destination that promises unforgettable moments on the fairways, luxurious resorts, many of which offer all-inclusive options, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Marrakech, often referred to as the ‘Red City’, is gaining a reputation as a the perfect golf escape due to its wide range of all-inclusive resorts which are growing in popularity for golf breaks with British golfers. Marrakech also has a number of excellent golf courses that are all within short transfer rides from the main hotels. Couple this with its year-round sunshine and pleasant climate outside the summer months which make it an ideal destination for British golfers seeking to escape the cold and wet weather back home. With a number of world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects and some true legends of the game, Marrakech has become a great golf break destination for keen golfers. No matter what your handicap is, there are courses to suit every golfer!
But golfing in Marrakech isn’t just about the time on the fairways; it’s also about the vibrant culture, rich North African history, and fine cuisine that awaits beyond your round of golf. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best golf courses, top travel tips, and things to do off the golf course that Marrakech has to offer as well as highlighting our current top five deals.
Everything You Need To Know About Marrakech
- Location: Marrakech is inland in Morocco, approximately 3 hours drive North Easterly from Agadir
- Closest Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport
- Flight Time: Between 3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours dependent on which UK airport you fly from
- Best Time To Travel: High season for golf is February to March, and October to December
- Climate: February to March is around 20-23 degrees celsius, October to December is around 20 to 28 degrees celsius
Best Golf Courses In Marrakech
Assoufid Golf Club
In 2017, Assoufid Golf Club was named Africa’s premier course, an impressive feat for a facility founded in 2014. Designed by former European Tour Player Niall Cameron, it offers a world-class layout appealing to golfers of all levels. Adjacent, a luxurious clubhouse complements your round with post-game relaxation against the stunning Atlas Mountains.
This course, stretching over 7,000 yards from the back tees with a par of 72, offers a desert golfing experience with emerald fairways weaving through arid scrub, emphasising tee accuracy. With five tee options, it’s a must-play in Marrakech whatever your handicap. As you advance, you’ll find the experience increasingly rewarding, especially during the thrilling final holes.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Niall Cameron
- Opened: 2014
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech Golf And Country Club
The renowned American Architect, Cabell B. Robinson, who has masterfully shaped the landscape at Fairmont Royal Palm, and the thoughtful arrangement of shrubs, flowers, and trees has not only elevated the course’s natural aesthetics but also established it as one of Morocco’s most captivating golf destinations.
Opened in 2013, this 7,200-yard, par-72 course offers stunning Atlas Mountain views. While fairways are generous, wayward shots can land in expansive waste areas. Strategy trumps power, notably on the short par-4 third hole with water guarding the right side. The course features five lakes, adding to the challenge.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
- Opened: 2013
Royal Golf Marrakech
Royal Golf Marrakech, Morocco’s oldest course, rests at the foot of the snow-draped Atlas Mountains. Unlike newer counterparts like Golf Alkemis, it exudes an English charm with fewer water hazards and vast bunkers, favoring well-placed sand traps and protective trees.
Over 15,000 trees, including pines, eucalyptus, palms, olives, and oranges, grace the fairways. The famous 15th hole, affectionately known as “Brigitte Bardot” due to its beautiful shapes adds allure. With a rich African golf legacy and a pioneering role in introducing golf to Morocco, Royal Golf Marrakech is a must-visit on your Moroccan golf holiday.
- Holes: 27
- Par: 72
- Designer: Gustave Golias & Arnaud Massy
- Opened: 1927
Golf Samanah
Golf Samanah, founded in 2009, quickly gained recognition as the top Arab region golf course that year. It also earned the “International Golf Development of the Year” award for its exceptional design.
Being the only Moroccan course designed by Jack Nicklaus, it features a desert style that blends with its surroundings. This 18-hole Par 72 Championship course includes an on-site David Leadbetter Golf School, ideal for improving your swing. Post-practice, relax in the ample Golf Samanah clubhouse with a bar for unwinding.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Nicklaus Design
- Opened: 2008
Golf Al Maaden
Golf Al Maaden in Marrakech is an 18-hole championship course sprawling over 72 hectares, with a Par of 72 and a total length of 6,569 meters (7,184 yards). Designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, it skillfully combines the Moroccan oasis spirit with a captivating Scottish touch.
Nestled in hilly terrain with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, the course seamlessly merges with the lush woodland setting, offering undulating fairways, diverse plains, and natural contours. Its varied design caters to golfers of all levels, featuring elevated tees, water challenges, and greens set amid distinctive vegetation, such as palm trees, cypress, and almond trees. Golf Al Maaden near Marrakech presents a strategic test for players while ensuring an enjoyable experience—making it an excellent choice for your Moroccan golf holiday.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Kyle Phillips
- Opened: 2010
Noria Golf Club
Noria Golf Club in Marrakech, Morocco, is a par-72, 18-hole championship golf course, spanning 6,589 meters (7,206 yards) from professional tees. Amateurs can choose from four alternative lengths (4,579 – 6,116 meters) for an enjoyable yet challenging round. A must-visit on your Moroccan golf holiday not only due to the square greens and water hazards, it offers a unique experience near the Atlas Mountains.
Comprising two balanced par-36, nine-hole loops winding through olive groves, lavender fields, and desert landscapes, the course culminates in a parallel finish by a reflecting pool, framed by the Atlas Mountains and a striking clubhouse.
The club’s name is derived from its incorporation of a traditional Moroccan landscape feature on the 15th hole.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Steve Forrest
- Opened: 2014
Other Things To Do In Marrakech
Marrakech is amazing for offering a blend of culture, history, and activities for those looking for more on their next golf break. What sets it apart for other regions such as Belek in Turkey is that you are not just confined to your resort and a beach – there is so much to explore!
Lose yourself in the winding, mazy streets of Marrakech’s ancient medina, where you can haggle in bustling souks for colourful textiles, intricate ceramics, and exotic spices. Don’t forget to visit the famous Jardin Majorelle, a tranquil oasis filled with exotic plants and vibrant blue architecture.
After working up an appetite from exploring the medina in the city centre, you can taste the flavours of tagines, couscous, and street food at local cafes and market stalls or dine in style at various rooftop restaurants that boast panoramic views of the city.
Away from the hustle and bustle, you can discover the visually stunning Palais Bahia and the historic Palais El Badi, both steeped in Moorish architecture and history. Definitely two places to get the camera out for!
However if you want to avoid the crowds then unwinding in traditional Moroccan hammams and spas with rejuvenating treatments will keep you ready for the fairways the following day..
Outside of the city completely, you can venture to the Atlas Mountains on camel, the desert on quad bikes, or coastal town such as Essaouira (approx 200km) for a taste of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. However if you want to see as much as you can if time is precious then soar above the city and its surroundings to witness breathtaking vistas with a hot air balloon flight.
Marrakech promises an enchanting, culturally rich escape for golfers looking to experience more than just the greens.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Marrakech Golf Holiday
- Travel for 5 or 7 Nights: Lots of golf resorts offer packages based on either 5 or 7 nights which offer great value and help keep costs down as opposed to creating a bespoke option.
- Book tee times early: Although golf in Marrakech is growing, it always pays to book early to get the best tee times.
- Consider All-Inclusive: For large groups or those unfamiliar with Moroccan cuisine, it is worth considering an all-inclusive golf holiday in Marrakech as you can get some fabulous deals and save the hassle of running a kitty.
- Pre-Book Buggies In Advance: We always recommend pre-booking buggies in advance if you require one, especially if traveling in months with a warmer climate. You can do this via our team when booking accommodation and green fees.
- Check the temperature ahead of travel: Although popular for a summer holiday destination, the temperature is probably too hot to be lugging a golf bag around 18 holes – in fact it is probably not too enjoyable in a buggy either in that sort of heat.
Top 5 Golf Holiday Deals Playing Belek’s Best Golf Courses
We have hand picked some of our most popular golf holiday deals in Marrakech, playing the city’s finest courses and staying in quality accommodation:
- 4* Be Live Experience Marrakech Palmeraie
- 5* Be Live Collection Marrakech Adults Only
- 5* Kenzi Menara Palace And Resort
- 4* Iberostar Club Palmeraie
- 5* Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge And Spa
About Glencor Golf
For an unforgettable golfing adventure in Marrakech, get in contact with our knowledgeable team at Glencor Golf. We bring extensive expertise from our own experiences of both staying and playing in Morocco. You can contact us by phone on 01904 406550 or by sending an email to info@glencorgolf.com . We’re here to guide you in planning your perfect golf break to this beautiful city!
