Golf holidays Morocco

Golf holidays in Morocco – outstanding golf courses and oriental atmosphere

Morocco is, in my view, one of the most exciting golf destinations around the Mediterranean. Anyone who associates a golf holiday in Morocco only with Marrakech, souks and the desert is seriously underestimating the country. Modern golf resorts, historic courses, spectacular landscapes and a pleasantly mild climate make Morocco an excellent destination for a golf trip, particularly during the European autumn and winter months.

What makes Morocco special is the combination. In the morning, you can stand on the first tee with the Atlas Mountains in the background or feel the fresh Atlantic breeze, and just a few hours later find yourself in the middle of a medina, enjoying Moroccan cuisine and experiencing a completely different culture. For me, this contrast is exactly what makes a golf holiday in Morocco so appealing.

Marrakech – Morocco’s golfing capital

For golfers, Marrakech is undoubtedly one of the country’s most important destinations. Around the city there is an impressive selection of very different golf courses. Stay for a week and you can practically play a different course every day.

Well-known names include Royal Golf Marrakech, Amelkis Golf Club, The Montgomerie Marrakech, Al Maaden Golf Marrakech, Assoufid Golf Club and Samanah Golf Club. This variety is what I particularly enjoy: one day you play a mature, traditional course full of history, the next a modern resort course with wide fairways, large greens and spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.

Early morning rounds are particularly enjoyable. The air is clear, temperatures are pleasant and, when visibility is good, the often snow-covered peaks of the Atlas Mountains provide a backdrop that is difficult to find on European golf courses.

From a golfing perspective, Marrakech should not be underestimated either. Water hazards, numerous bunkers, strategically positioned palm trees and sometimes very fast greens demand concentration. At the same time, there are plenty of courses that remain enjoyable for golfers with medium or higher handicaps.

Agadir – golf holidays on the Atlantic

Golfers looking to combine their Morocco golf holiday with beach and sea should consider Agadir. This Atlantic destination has a very different atmosphere from Marrakech: more relaxed, maritime and ideal for players who like to spend a few hours by the pool or on the beach after their round.

Courses such as Golf du Soleil, Golf Les Dunes, Golf de l’Océan and Tazegzout Golf offer plenty of variety. Tazegzout in particular is beautifully situated and offers impressive views towards the Atlantic.

The wind can play a much greater role here than in Marrakech, quickly changing the character of a round and adding an extra challenge for experienced golfers.

El Jadida and Mazagan – golf by the Atlantic coast

The Atlantic coast around El Jadida is another interesting option for a golf trip to Morocco. Here, high-quality resort holidays can be combined with golf close to the ocean. The landscape is considerably more open than in Marrakech, while the wind and coastal setting give the courses their own distinctive character.

This region is particularly suitable for golfers who do not necessarily need to play a different course every day but prefer a comfortable golf resort where golf, wellness, good food and relaxation can be combined.

Rabat and Casablanca – Morocco for golf explorers

Rabat and the Casablanca region are often overlooked on traditional golf holidays, but they are certainly interesting for keen golfers. Morocco has a long golfing tradition, and these areas offer courses that are generally less influenced by international golf tourism.

Those who already know Morocco or are planning an individual tour can combine several golf regions. Marrakech with Rabat or Casablanca, followed by a few days on the Atlantic coast, can turn a simple golf holiday into a fascinating golf journey through Morocco.

Best time for a golf holiday in Morocco

One of Morocco’s major advantages is its climate. While many golf courses in Central and Northern Europe are barely playable during winter, Morocco is entering one of its most attractive golfing seasons.

Autumn, winter and spring are particularly suitable for a golf holiday. Temperatures are generally much more pleasant than during the hot summer months. Marrakech, in particular, is an attractive alternative to traditional winter golf destinations such as the Canary Islands or southern Spain.

During midsummer, temperatures inland can become very high. Golfers travelling at this time should choose early tee times or consider a destination on the Atlantic coast.

Riad or golf resort?

For me, this is one of the most interesting decisions when planning a golf holiday in Marrakech. A traditional golf resort is convenient: short distances, plenty of comfort, swimming pools, spas and, in some cases, a golf course right outside the hotel.

However, golfers who want to experience Morocco more intensely should consider staying in a riad in Marrakech. Behind the often inconspicuous walls of the medina are beautiful courtyards, small pools, rooftop terraces and individually designed rooms. Returning through the narrow streets of the old town after a day on the golf course is an experience that a conventional resort holiday simply cannot replicate.

My ideal combination is simple: play different golf courses during the day and immerse yourself in Moroccan life in the evening.

Golf, cuisine and culture

A golf trip to Morocco should never be just about green fees. The country has far too much to offer. In Marrakech, walking through the medina and souks and spending an evening around the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa are as much part of the experience as a good round of golf.

Then there is Moroccan cuisine: tagine, couscous, grilled meats, fresh fish on the coast, oriental spices and a mint tea after your round all form part of the experience.

With a little more time, you can take an excursion into the Atlas Mountains or combine golf with several days on the Atlantic coast. This diversity is precisely what distinguishes Morocco from many conventional golf destinations.

My view as a golfer

Morocco is not a destination that relies solely on sunshine and attractive green fees. Its real strength is the combination of high-quality golf courses, excellent variety, a favourable climate, oriental culture and relatively short travelling times from Europe.

Marrakech is the first choice for golfers wanting to play as many different courses as possible. Agadir is ideal for combining golf with beaches and the Atlantic Ocean, while El Jadida, Rabat and Casablanca offer further possibilities for returning visitors.

If you want to play golf during the European winter and experience more than just a hotel, golf course and swimming pool, Morocco deserves a place on your list. A week here genuinely feels like travelling – not simply seven nights with a few green fees.

A golf holiday in Morocco combines exactly what I look for in a great golf trip: interesting courses, pleasant weather, excellent food, a completely different culture and enough variety to make you start thinking about your next visit before the final round is even over.