Morocco offers something few golf destinations can match

Tee off somewhere unexpected: Why Morocco should be your next golf getaway

Photo courtesy of Royal Golf Marrakech

When golfers think about planning their next bucket-list trip, destinations like Scotland, Ireland and Portugal often leap to the top of the docket. But there's another destination quietly earning its place among the world's best golf escapes. Enter, Morocco.

With more than 40 championship-calibre courses, year-round sunshine, luxury resorts and centuries of culture just beyond the fairway, Morocco offers something few golf destinations can match. It's a place where you can spend the morning playing a course designed by some of the world's leading architects, then wander through an ancient medina, unwind at a traditional hammam or enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the Atlantic before the day is done.

Where Championship Golf Meets Moroccan Hospitality

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Photo courtesy of Royal Golf Marrakech

Morocco has spent decades investing in golf, attracting internationally respected designers and creating courses that challenge experienced players while remaining welcoming for those simply looking to enjoy a memorable round.

From the palm-lined fairways of Marrakech to dramatic Atlantic Ocean views in Agadir and the elegant courses surrounding Rabat and Casablanca, each region offers its own distinct style of play and scenery. Many courses are paired with luxury hotels and resorts, making it easy to combine golf with a relaxing vacation.

Earlier this year, Morocco once again showcased its growing reputation as a world-class golf destination by hosting both the Hassan II Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat. These paired tournaments are among the few in the world to stage major men's and women's professional competitions on the same course during the same week, highlighting Morocco's long-standing commitment to the sport.

More Than Just a Golf Trip

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Photo courtesy of Royal Golf Marrakech

One of Morocco's greatest strengths is that the experience doesn't end at the 18th hole. In Marrakech, golfers can spend the afternoon wandering the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa, admiring the intricate architecture of Bahia Palace or enjoying sunset cocktails overlooking the city's medina.

Along the Atlantic coast in Agadir, it's easy to swap the fairway for the beach, stroll the lively marina or take a day trip to the laid-back surf town of Taghazout. In Rabat, visitors can explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, stroll through the Andalusian Gardens or visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art before settling in for dinner by the Bouregreg River.

Food is just as much a part of the journey. Savour a slow-cooked lamb tagine in Marrakech, freshly grilled Atlantic seafood in Essaouira or Agadir, or a traditional pastilla, Morocco's famous sweet-and-savoury dish. Pair dinner with a glass of fresh mint tea before ending the day with a restorative hammam and spa treatment, the perfect way to soothe tired muscles before heading back to the course the next morning.

A Great Value for American and Canadian Golfers

Compared to many of the world's best-known golf destinations, Morocco offers the opportunity to experience championship-calibre golf without the expected premium price tag. Green fees are often significantly lower than those of comparable courses in Europe or North America. Similarly, luxury accommodations, indulgent spa treatments, chef-driven restaurants and private cultural experiences can often be enjoyed at a lower cost than in many other international golf destinations. Even once you're off the course, dining, transportation and spa experiences are often more affordable than travellers might expect, making it easier to extend your stay or add a few extra experiences to your itinerary.

Morocco's year-round golfing climate adds even more value. While many Canadian and northern U.S. courses are closed or covered in snow throughout the winter months, Morocco offers comfortable temperatures that make it possible to play year-round.

Getting to Morocco is easier than many golfers realize. Royal Air Maroc allows passengers to travel with their golf bags free of charge, removing one of the biggest hassles and costs associated with planning an international golf trip.

Your Next Golf Story Starts in Morocco

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Photo courtesy of Royal Golf Marrakech

Golf may be the reason you book the trip, but it may not end up being the reason you decide to go back.

In Morocco, every tee time comes with the opportunity to discover vibrant cities, unforgettable cuisine, spectacular landscapes and a culture that has welcomed travellers for centuries. For more information about golf in Morocco, visit visitmorocco.com/en.