Salam from sunny Marrakech! If you're dreaming of teeing off with the magnificent Atlas Mountains as your backdrop, you've landed in the right place. My first time playing golf in Marrakech was nothing short of magical – standing on the elevated tees at Assoufid, watching my ball soar against the silhouette of snow-capped peaks, I knew I'd found a golfer's paradise unlike any other.
Having played most of the courses here and stayed at the key resorts, I'm excited to share this ultimate guide to planning your Marrakech golf getaway. Whether you're a seasoned player looking for championship challenges or a casual golfer seeking beautiful courses with year-round sunshine, Marrakech offers an incredible blend of world-class golf, luxury accommodations, and exotic cultural experiences that few destinations can match.
So grab your favorite club, and let's explore why Golf Marrakech should be at the top of your travel bucket list!
Why Choose Marrakech for Your Golf Holiday?
Marrakech has quietly emerged as one of North Africa's premier golfing destinations, and for good reason. Situated on the northwestern corner of Africa, Morocco's strategic location makes it easily accessible for European travelers – just a 3.5-hour flight from most major cities.
What makes Marrakech golf truly special is the stunning geography. Most courses feature the dramatic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, creating a visual spectacle that's hard to match anywhere else. The contrast between the lush green fairways and the desert landscape creates a unique playing experience.
Here's why Marrakech should be your next golf destination:
- Year-round sunshine (though winter months from November to April offer the most pleasant temperatures)
- Exceptional value for money compared to other European destinations
- Luxury accommodations at fraction of the cost of other golf resorts
- World-class golf courses designed by renowned architects
- Rich cultural experiences beyond the fairways
- Proximity to Marrakech city center for exploring souks and historical sites
Even during low season, the courses maintain incredible conditioning – the fairways stay remarkably green despite the heat, which speaks volumes about the quality of maintenance.
The Best Golf Courses in Marrakech
After playing most of Marrakech's courses, I've compiled my top recommendations. Each offers something unique, from championship layouts to quirky design features.
1. Assoufid Golf Club
Assoufid consistently ranks as one of Morocco's finest, even taking the crown as "Best Golf Course in Africa" in 2016. This championship layout designed by former European Tour pro Niall Cameron features:
- Dramatic elevation changes with several elevated tee shots
- Well-matured trees creating beautiful framing for each hole
- Strategic design requiring thoughtful club selection
- Exceptional conditioning year-round
- Stunning clubhouse with elegant amenities
The course has a true championship feel – it's longer than some others in the area, allowing big hitters to really open up with their drivers. The fairways are immaculate, and the greens run true and quick.
What I love most about Assoufid is how the designer worked with the natural landscape rather than against it. The undulating terrain creates natural challenges without feeling artificially difficult.
2. Al Maaden Golf
Designed by Kyle Phillips (the genius behind Kingsbarns, Dundonald Links, and Yas Links), Al Maaden is a must-play course. Phillips is considered one of the "GOATS" of golf architecture, and his Marrakech creation doesn't disappoint.
The signature 12th hole, a perfectly proportioned 156-yard par 3, exemplifies the thoughtful design throughout the course. Unlike many Phillips designs, Al Maaden wasn't created to host championships but rather to be enjoyed by golf lovers for years to come – and it shows in the playable yet interesting layout.
The clubhouse is equally impressive, offering magnificent views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains from its terrace. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a post-round drink while soaking in the spectacular scenery.
3. Royal Golf Marrakech
For a sense of history and tradition, Royal Golf Marrakech is unbeatable. Dating back to 1929, it's one of Marrakech's most celebrated courses and enjoys a prime location just 15 minutes from the city center.
What makes Royal Golf Marrakech special:
- Beautiful tree-lined fairways providing welcome shade
- A mature, established feel that newer courses can't replicate
- Quick, firm greens in excellent condition
- White sand bunkers that add visual appeal and strategic challenge
- Rich history and traditional clubhouse atmosphere
The tree-lined corridors create a sense of tranquility that contrasts nicely with the bustling energy of Marrakech itself. It's a perfect course if you want to combine golf with exploring the city.
4. Noria Golf Club
Noria offers something completely different – it's a quirky, memorable course that will have you talking about it long after your holiday ends. The most distinctive feature? Square greens!
Yes, you read that correctly. Several holes feature perfectly square greens that create a unique visual and playing experience. One particularly memorable par 3 has a rectangular green with a rectangular water hazard directly in front and symmetrically placed palm trees on either side.
While some traditionalists might raise an eyebrow, I love how Noria embraces its uniqueness. The course wanted to stand out, and they've certainly achieved that goal. It's a fun addition to any Marrakech golf itinerary.
5. The Fairmont Royal Palm
The Fairmont Royal Palm course offers a desert-style layout with excellent conditioning. Big greens, strategic water hazards, and a great mix of holes make this an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities.
What stands out here is the overall experience – from the grand entrance to the impressive clubhouse with a welcoming patio area. If you're staying at the Fairmont hotel (which I'll discuss later), this course is literally at your doorstep.
Where to Stay: Luxury Accommodations
Marrakech offers exceptional accommodation options for golfers, from all-inclusive resorts to boutique riads in the city center. Here are my top recommendations:
1. The Jaal Riad
Located just two miles from the airport, this five-star hotel offers some of the best facilities I've experienced. The pool is spectacular – one of the largest I've seen at any resort – and the poolside bar is perfect for refreshments after a round.
The Jaal features multiple dining options, including an Italian restaurant and a poolside eatery where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of guests relaxing and socializing. The resort strikes a perfect balance between luxury and comfort.
2. Le Naoura Barriere
Situated in the heart of Marrakech, Le Naoura Barriere sprawls across stunning landscaped gardens. The hotel offers 85 superbly appointed guest rooms with state-of-the-art amenities and 28 individually designed villas, each with unique furniture and color schemes.
After a day on the golf course, the hotel's spa is a welcome retreat, offering relaxing treatments, two traditional Moroccan hammams, and a fitness center. The location is ideal for golfers who also want to explore the city's attractions.
3. The Movenpick
The Movenpick features an incredible entrance – something like a bird cage with a grand door that opens slowly to reveal a beautiful pool and restaurant area inside. During my stay, I enjoyed excellent breakfasts and appreciated how close it was to both the city center and the golf courses.
The rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, making it a great base for your golf trip.
4. The Fairmont Royal Palm
For the ultimate luxury golf experience, the Fairmont Royal Palm is hard to beat. Consistently rated among the best golf hotels in Morocco, it offers spacious, luxury rooms with stunning pool views. The hotel is adjacent to its own golf course, allowing you to step directly from your accommodation onto the first tee.
When to Visit for the Best Golf Experience
While Marrakech offers golf year-round, timing your visit can make a significant difference to your experience:
Winter (November to April)
This is prime golfing season in Marrakech. Temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), making for comfortable playing conditions. The Atlas Mountains are often snow-capped during this period, creating spectacular backdrops for your golf photos.
Courses are in peak condition during these months, and you'll find the best combination of weather and course maintenance. This is when I'd recommend planning your trip if possible.
Summer (May to October)
Summer in Marrakech brings intense heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F). While courses remain surprisingly well-maintained even in these conditions, playing in such heat can be challenging.
If you do visit during summer, consider early morning tee times to avoid the worst of the heat. Many hotels offer reduced rates during this period, so there are savings to be found if you can tolerate the higher temperatures.
Beyond the Golf Course: Exploring Marrakech
A golf holiday in Marrakech offers so much more than just great courses. The city itself is a vibrant cultural destination that deserves exploration:
The Medina and Souks
No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the famous souks (markets) in the old medina. The main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes alive in the evenings with food stalls, performers, and an electric atmosphere that's unforgettable.
The surrounding narrow streets house countless shops selling everything from spices and textiles to artisanal crafts. It's a maze-like experience that can feel overwhelming at first, but it's the heart of traditional Marrakech culture.
A word of advice: research specific bars and restaurants beforehand if you're looking for alcoholic beverages, as many local establishments don't serve alcohol.
Experiencing Ramadan
If your golf trip coincides with Ramadan, you're in for a special cultural experience. While this holy month brings some changes to daily routines, it can enhance your visit with unique insights into Moroccan culture.
During Ramadan, many locals fast from sunrise to sunset. While it's not illegal for visitors to eat in public, being discreet is appreciated as a sign of respect. Most tourist areas still have restaurants open during the day, particularly in Marrakech, though operating hours may be adjusted.
The evenings during Ramadan are magical – streets come alive after sunset as people break their fast, markets stay open late, and there's a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Joining locals for iftar (the breaking of the fast) can be a wonderful way to experience authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Practical Tips for Your Marrakech Golf Holiday
Based on my experiences, here are some practical tips to make your Marrakech golf trip run smoothly:
Transportation
Most courses are within a 15-30 minute drive from central Marrakech. Your hotel can arrange transportation, or taxis are readily available. Some golf packages include transfers between hotels and courses.
Packing for Golf
- Winter months: Pack layers as mornings can be cool before warming up mid-day
- Summer months: Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential; consider a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen
- Hydration: Bring a refillable water bottle as staying hydrated is crucial, especially in warmer months
Golf Equipment
Most courses offer high-quality rental equipment if you prefer not to travel with your clubs. However, if you're particular about your equipment, the major airlines serving Marrakech (including EasyJet) accommodate golf bags, though additional fees may apply.
Booking Tee Times
During peak season (November-April), booking tee times in advance is recommended. Your hotel concierge can often assist with this, or booking through a golf travel specialist ensures you get preferred tee times.
Is Marrakech Golf Good Value for Money?
When comparing Marrakech to other European golf destinations like Portugal, Spain, or Turkey, it offers exceptional value. The combination of:
- Lower green fees than comparable quality courses in Europe
- Luxury accommodation at reasonable prices
- Affordable dining options
- Short flight times from European cities
- Low-cost airline accessibility
All these factors make Marrakech an increasingly popular choice for golf travelers seeking quality experiences without breaking the bank.
Flight access has improved significantly in recent years as low-cost European airlines have extended their routes to include Marrakech, making it more economically viable than ever for traveling golfers.
Final Thoughts: Why Marrakech Should Be Your Next Golf Destination
After spending time playing Marrakech's courses and experiencing its unique blend of golf, culture, and hospitality, I'm convinced it deserves a spot on every golfer's bucket list. Few destinations offer such a perfect combination of quality courses, stunning scenery, luxury accommodation, and exotic cultural experiences.
Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to combine golf with exploring this fascinating city, Marrakech delivers an experience that's hard to match elsewhere. The courses cater to all skill levels, from challenging championship layouts to more forgiving resort courses.
My personal recommendation? Plan a 5-7 day trip, play at least 3-4 different courses, and be sure to include time for exploring the medina and experiencing the local culture. Winter months offer the best playing conditions, but shoulder seasons can provide excellent value.
Have you played golf in Marrakech or are you planning a trip? I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions in the comments below. And if you've enjoyed this guide, please share it with fellow golf enthusiasts who might be looking for their next golfing adventure!
Remember to check the latest travel advisories and course conditions before booking your Marrakech golf holiday. Shukran (thank you) for reading, and happy golfing!