Few countries have the advantage of a golf enthusiast for a king. King Hassan II, father of the present King Mohammad VI, used to play off 8 hcp and his sons are following in his footsteps. And yet, the great courses throughout the country that provide such fine golf at reasonable prices are more or less unknown to European golfers.

Dar es Salam Golf Course

The North-African setting is so totally different to that which most golfers will have experienced. The ancient world that still flourishes in many parts of Morocco, unchanged for centuries rubs shoulders seemingly unperturbed with the modern day world of the jet engine, high technology and modern building techniques. But slowly the rich and poor relationship is changing as a middle class begins to emerge within the country and with it the awareness of tourism which leads on to the construction of amenities that will see it flourish. Golf is one such. Ameri­can golf architect Robert Trent Jones made his mark on the country in the seventies when he designed the 45 holes in the capital Rabat at the Dar Es Salam golf course.

Royal Marrakech Golf Course

To this he has added the latest course to open in Morocco, Palmeraie Golf Club, Marrakech, a really outstanding five star resort; in contrast the quiet unhurried fairways of the Royal Marrakech Golf Club are also well worth a visit, having been established since 1923. Only two years younger than the Royal Marrakech, the traditional course at Royal Golf de Mohammedia could have been lifted out of Scotland and makes a fine challenge to any golfer. You will find most courses are prefixed with "The Royal" -  one advantage of having a golfing monarch.

Cabell Robinson's El Jadida course on the Atlantic coast

A more recent addition to the golfing scene can be found on the Atlantic coast at the town of El Jadida. This Cabell Robinson layout is rapidly making a name for itself.

El Jadida Golf Hotel

The market places in all major towns present a maize of shops and stalls selling everyuthing under the sun, while swarming with veiled women and kaftan cloaked customers. Mixed aromas of spices, teas, leather and fruit mingle to add to an already heady sensation. It's certainly different!

 A water carrier in Marrakech

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