On the North African coast, Morocco is hot and sunny during the summer months and averages around a pleasant 20°C over the winter period, ideal for year-round golf. Places of interest include the historic city of Marrakech which offers some of the best golf resorts in the country tucked away in the more peaceful suburbs, as well as incredible food, bazaars and architecture.
On the southwest coast, next to the Atlas Mountains, the city of Agadir is also known for its superb golf courses overlooking the Atlantic, as well as stylish restaurants, bars and shops. El Jadida, between Agadir and Casablanca, is another great spot where you can soak up Moroccan culture adorned with Portuguese-inspired architecture.
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech with golf at Royal Palm GC, Samanah CC & Assoufid GC
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech is a 5-star haven of relaxation only 10km south of Marrakech and its famous Medina, just 20 minutes from Marrakech Menara Airport. The resort is backed by the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains and offers 134 guest rooms, suites and villas adorned with traditional regional craftsmanship of handwoven rugs and carved woodwork. The resort also boasts one of Cabell B Robinson’s best 18-hole golf courses.
It’s a leafy sanctuary away from the city surrounded by landscaped water gardens with olive and palm trees. There are six restaurants and bars, clay tennis courts, brand-new padel courts, an organic farm, a Kids Club and a state-of-the-art spa with massage cabins, as well as outdoor and indoor pools.
The par 72, the 18-hole golf course at the resort’s Royal Palm Golf & Country Club is beautifully dotted with palm trees, bougainvillaea and oleander shrubs. It’s long and weaving with gorgeous views of the Atlas Mountains and its water features and bunkers make it a fun challenge. The clubhouse has a pro shop as well as a bar and restaurant for al fresco nourishment under the olive trees.
Guests at the resort also gain access to Samanah Country Club and Assoufid Golf Club. Samanah is close to Fairmont Royal Palm and is Jack Nicklaus’ first design in Morocco which opened for play in 2008. The course features generously proportioned fairways with plenty of room for error off the tee. Playing desert golf is a rare treat, but not in Marrakech, and you’ll have the Atlas Mountains in the background.
About 5km from here is Assoufid Golf Club. Designed by Scottish golf pro Niall Cameron, this 18-hole course is undulating and flanked by date palms, cacti and olive trees as it winds its way through the desert. The incredible mountain views will stop you in your tracks.
Tikida Golf Palace Agadir with golf at the 2 Tikida courses + Golf de l’Ocean Agadir
Tikida Golf Palace Agadir is a 5-star resort wonderfully set right by Golf du Soleil and its two superb 18-hole courses, opposite a nature reserve. The resort is a wonderful blend of contemporary architecture and traditional Moroccan features, less than half an hour from Agadir International Airport, just 15 minutes from central Agadir and even closer to the beach.
There are 54 rooms and suites with lovely balcony views of the gardens, pool or golf courses. There’s a large main outdoor pool area as well as a high-quality main restaurant and bar for lunch, dinner and drinks with a terrace offering exceptional views. There’s also an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, solarium terrace and spa which offers various treatments. There are also tennis courts, mini-golf, table tennis, badminton and bowls.
Set between the sea and mountains and surrounded by palm trees, eucalyptus and lakes, the golf courses at Golf du Soleil, both recently renovated, blend wonderful nature and challenging golf. Both are secluded and quiet places to play golf.
The Championship Course is longer and more testing and designed like the courses in Florida with plenty of palms, generous bunkering and lakes, as is the Tikida Course which is easier to play for the average golfer.
Golf de l’Ocean Agadir is only 2km away and is comprised of three 9-hole courses: Dune, Desert and Garden. Close to the nature reserve, this golf complex was built on natural sand dunes planted with eucalyptus, tamarisk, cypress, mimosa, broom and palm trees and four lakes. Each 9 offers a slightly different challenge, but together they represent a great example of Moroccan golf at its best with sun, nature and stunning views. There’s also a fantastic clubhouse for post-golf lunch and drinks and excellent practice facilities.
