Little more than 3 hours by air from most Western European cities, Marrakech is the perfect location for a winter golf holiday. It’s also nice to escape the hurly-burly of Marrakech for a quiet round during a short break amid beautiful, rural surroundings against the backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas mountains.
The climate is perfect, typically 18-23 degrees from November through March, with minimal interruptions from rain, quite a contrast with the European winter!
Here we take a brief look at four of our favourite Marrakech golf courses from the current total of six – and there are more on the drawing board!
Amelkis Golf Club – situated a stone’s throw from the old Royal Club (currently closed for refurbishment) and dating from 1995, this is a 27 hole course (with a final 9 under construction), renowned for its many, often fearsome bunkers and large picturesque water features. Although short on shade, the course is punctuated by palm trees and flowering shrubs and bordered, in part, by some extravagantly stylish villas. There is a driving range and practice area and an evocative, kabash-style clubhouse with bar and restaurant terrace overlooking the 18th.
Palmeraie Golf Club – another 27 hole course, designed Robert Trent Jones, this one is situated in the fashionable Palmeraie district 10km north of Marrakech. With its numerous bunkers and lakes, the latter attracting egrets and other water fowl, the 6200 m course is a serious golfing challenge in a scenic location. Run by the former Director of golf at Deauville, the Palmeraie club, with its practice ground and terracing overlooking the 9th and 18th, has an excellent restaurant and lounge bar.
Al Maaden
The latest addition to the Marrakech golfing scene, having opened in October 2009, this is the closest course to the vibrant centre of Marrakech. With its countless, often huge bunkers and geometrically laid out water features which double as reservoirs for course watering, the Al Maaden provides an exciting and testing golf challenge as well as the most spectacular views over unspoilt countryside to the ever-present outline of the High Atlas.
A low-lying, easily walkable course designed by Kyle Phillips, the Al Maaden is distinguished by its strategically placed bunkers and punishing run-off areas around the greens which call for accuracy from tee to fairway.
With its excellent restaurant and bar arranged in terraces looking out over the course, facilities in the stylishly contemporary clubhouse are second to none. There is a splendid driving range and practice area.
Samanah Golf Club
Located in a rural area 14 kms from Marrakech and 8 kms from the airport, this is a ‘desert type’ course, designed by the Nicklaus company, its fairways populated with cacti, palms and olive trees and surrounded by an upmarket villa development.
Key features of the course are its large bunkers and top quality greens, ensured by a sophisticated watering system. The large, modern clubhouse is well appointed with a stylish players bar, TV lounge and restaurant.
Les Borjs de la Kasbah is happy to organise golfing breaks for small groups and larger societies (maximum capacity 33). As well as accommodation, we can arrange transfers to and from the courses, pre-book tee times and on-course meals. We are able to set up a special ‘Gala Evening’ finale at the hotel combining presentation of prizes with a traditional gastronomic dinner accompanied by Moroccan musical entertainment, dancers and other performers.
Contact us to request further details and we’ll be happy to quote you for the creation of a tailor-made package to meet your specific requirements.
