Is Marrakech Good for Golf? | A Golfer’s Guide to Morocco’s Premier Destination
Introduction
Marrakech, the vibrant heart of Morocco, is famous for its colorful souks, stunning architecture, and exotic atmosphere—but what many travelers don’t realize is that it’s also one of the most exciting emerging golf destinations in the world. With a backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Marrakech offers ideal conditions for golfers seeking both challenge and charm.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual hobbyist, Marrakech’s growing collection of internationally acclaimed golf courses makes it a premier destination for a golf holiday. Combine that with luxurious resorts, world-class service, and the chance to explore one of North Africa’s most enchanting cities, and you have the perfect recipe for a truly unforgettable golf experience.
So, is Marrakech good for golf? Absolutely, and in this blog, we’ll show you why it deserves a place on every golfer’s travel bucket list.
Why Golf in Marrakech?
Golfing in Marrakech isn’t just about playing 18 holes—it’s about immersing yourself in a unique blend of sport, luxury, and culture. Here are the top reasons why Marrakech is considered a rising star on the global golf map:
Year-Round Sunshine
Thanks to its location between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, Marrakech enjoys a warm, dry climate with over 300 sunny days per year. The golf season lasts almost the entire year, with the most pleasant conditions from October to April—making it a perfect winter escape for European golfers.
Stunning Natural Backdrops
Few golf destinations in the world offer such dramatic scenery. Picture teeing off with views of the majestic Atlas Mountains, desert landscapes, and lush palm groves. Courses in Marrakech are beautifully landscaped and designed to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, creating a visually spectacular and peaceful playing environment.
World-Class Golf Courses
Marrakech is home to more than a dozen high-quality golf courses, many of which were designed by top architects like Jack Nicklaus, Kyle Phillips, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. These courses cater to all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, offering a variety of layouts, challenges, and signature holes.
Luxury and Affordability
Compared to Europe or North America, Marrakech offers an outstanding price-to-value ratio. You can enjoy five-star golf resorts, private villas, caddie services, and fine dining for a fraction of what you’d pay in other major golf destinations. Many resorts offer golf & stay packages tailored to individual or group needs.
Easy Access and Great Infrastructure
Marrakech Menara Airport is well-connected to major cities in Europe, and most golf resorts are just 15–30 minutes from the city center. You can easily combine your golf holiday with sightseeing, spa treatments, shopping in the souks, or a day trip to the desert.
Top Golf Courses in Marrakech
Marrakech boasts some of the finest golf courses in North Africa, each offering a unique design, world-class facilities, and unforgettable scenery. Whether you prefer a championship-level course or a more relaxed layout surrounded by desert gardens and mountain views, there’s something for every golfer.
1. Assoufid Golf Club
One of the top-rated golf courses in Morocco, Assoufid is a beautifully designed 18-hole, par-72 course created by former European Tour player Niall Cameron. Set in a desert-style landscape with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, the course blends rolling fairways with native vegetation, offering both a technical challenge and aesthetic appeal. It’s ideal for golfers who enjoy strategic play and luxury service.
2. Royal Golf Marrakech
This historic course dates back to 1927 and has hosted dignitaries like Winston Churchill. Royal Golf is known for its mature vegetation, palm and eucalyptus trees, and charming, garden-like atmosphere. It features 27 holes split between the original “Old Course” and a newer 9-hole extension, offering a serene and shaded environment perfect for a relaxing round.
3. Al Maaden Golf Resort
Al Maaden blends traditional Moroccan aesthetics with a modern course layout designed by Kyle Phillips. This 18-hole course is framed by lakes, palm trees, and striking geometric art installations across the fairways. Wide, welcoming fairways make it enjoyable for all levels, while subtle elevation changes and strategic bunkers keep experienced players on their toes.
4. Samanah Golf Club
A signature Jack Nicklaus course, Samanah is a true desert-style golf experience. It features wide fairways, deep bunkers, and fast greens—all within a minimalist, open landscape that emphasizes shot-making. As a championship course, it’s one of the most challenging in Marrakech and a must-play for low handicappers.
5. PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika
This relatively new course offers an exceptional layout designed for competition-level golf. PalmGolf Ourika spans 6,700 meters of scenic terrain and features water hazards, undulating greens, and long par-5s. It’s part of the PalmGolf Collection, which emphasizes high service standards, excellent maintenance, and professional-level amenities.
Golf Facilities and Services in Marrakech
Marrakech doesn’t just offer stunning courses, it delivers a complete, high-end golfing experience. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or a pro fine-tuning your swing, the city’s golf facilities are designed to meet every need with style and professionalism.
Professional Golf Academies and Lessons
Many courses in Marrakech offer on-site golf academies with PGA-certified instructors. From private lessons to group clinics and junior programs, golfers of all skill levels can benefit from expert coaching. For example, the Al Maaden Golf Academy and Samanah Golf Academy are known for their modern teaching methods, video swing analysis, and customized training plans.
Top-Tier Clubhouses and Pro Shops
Expect luxurious clubhouses with panoramic views, elegant lounges, and gourmet restaurants. These are not just rest stops, they’re social hubs where golfers can relax before or after a round. Pro shops are fully stocked with the latest golf apparel, shoes, accessories, and equipment from leading brands, and many offer custom fitting services.
Golf Carts, Caddies & Rentals
All major golf courses in Marrakech provide high-quality golf carts and optional professional caddies who are knowledgeable about course layout, distances, and strategy. Club and shoe rentals are also available for those traveling light, making it easy for international visitors to play without extra baggage.
Practice Facilities
Driving ranges, putting greens, and short-game areas are standard at most courses. Facilities like Assoufid and PalmGolf Ourika offer expansive practice areas with high-quality turf, chipping zones, and bunkers, perfect for warming up or spending a dedicated session on improvement.
Dining & Relaxation
Many golf resorts in Marrakech offer fine dining experiences right on the course, featuring Moroccan and international cuisine. After your game, enjoy mint tea or a cocktail on a shaded terrace, book a massage at the resort spa, or unwind in a traditional hammam.
Experience Golf in Marrakech
Escape to Morocco and tee off on some of the most stunning golf courses in the world. With year-round sunshine, luxury resorts, and breathtaking landscapes, your ultimate golf experience starts here.
Golf & Stay Packages in Marrakech
One of the key reasons Marrakech stands out as a premier golf destination is the seamless integration of luxury accommodations with world-class golf courses. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a group tour, or a solo golf retreat, you’ll find a wide range of golf & stay packages that combine comfort, convenience, and exceptional value.
Luxury Resorts with Onsite Golf Courses
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
This 5-star resort is set within a private estate and features its own 18-hole course designed by Cabell B. Robinson. Guests enjoy spacious suites or villas with Atlas Mountain views, a world-class spa, and gourmet dining options. The golf course offers lush fairways, undulating greens, and luxurious practice facilities—making it perfect for a high-end golf holiday.
Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Just a short drive from the city center, this lavish resort offers exclusive access to nearby courses like Royal Golf and Al Maaden. It’s ideal for those who want a peaceful retreat with private pool villas, holistic wellness experiences, and fine Moroccan cuisine after a round on the green.
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
Although it doesn’t have a course on-site, the Four Seasons partners with nearby clubs like Assoufid and Samanah to offer exclusive golf packages. This is a great option for travelers who want five-star service, exceptional spa facilities, and the flexibility to play on different courses throughout their stay.
Kenzi Menara Palace
An affordable luxury resort near the medina, Kenzi Menara is popular among golf travelers looking for both cultural access and easy course transfers. Many tour operators offer bundled packages that include tee times, transfers, and guided excursions in Marrakech.
What’s Included in a Typical Golf Holiday Package?
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Accommodation in 4 or 5-star resorts
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Daily breakfast and/or meals
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Green fees at selected golf courses
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Transfers between the hotel, airport, and golf courses
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Optional extras: spa treatments, guided tours, or cultural activities
Tailored Golf Holidays
Several Moroccan tour companies and luxury travel agents offer fully customizable golf packages. Whether you want to play five different courses in five days or mix golf with hammam sessions, desert tours, and city sightseeing, Marrakech makes it easy to create your dream itinerary.
When to Go: Best Time to Golf in Marrakech
One of Marrakech’s greatest advantages as a golf destination is its mild climate and year-round playability. While many European courses close or become less pleasant during the colder months, Marrakech offers ideal golfing weather almost every day of the year.
Peak Golf Season: October to April
This is the most popular time to golf in Marrakech. During these months, the temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F), making it perfect for a full day on the course. The skies are usually clear, the greens are in top condition, and most golf resorts run seasonal events or offer special packages.
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Ideal for: Full-day golfing, extended golf holidays, sightseeing, and spa retreats
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Bonus: Views of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains add a dramatic touch to the scenery
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings blooming gardens and vibrant colors to the courses, especially at historic places like Royal Golf. It’s a great time for golf and nature lovers alike.
Autumn (October–November)
Autumn offers cooler mornings and golden sunsets—an amazing time to enjoy twilight tee times or mix golf with cultural activities in the evening.
Summer Golf: June to September
While summer in Marrakech can get hot, often above 38°C (100°F), golfing is still possible with a few adjustments. Most courses offer early morning or late afternoon tee times to avoid the midday heat, and many have shaded rest stops and misting systems. It’s also the best time to score discounted rates on green fees and resort stays.
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Ideal for: Budget travelers, experienced golfers accustomed to warm climates
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Tip: Stay hydrated, wear UV-protective clothing, and opt for courses with good shade and breeze
Winter (December–February)
Winter is mild in Marrakech, with daytime highs between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F). It’s a popular time for European golfers escaping cold, rainy conditions back home. Book early, as this period is in high demand.
Other Activities to Enjoy in Marrakech
Marrakech is more than just a golfer’s paradise, it’s a city that offers unforgettable experiences both on and off the course. Whether you’re traveling with a partner who doesn’t play golf or just looking to unwind between rounds, the city is full of vibrant culture, pampering, and adventure.
Explore the Historic Medina
Step into the beating heart of Marrakech with a visit to the UNESCO-listed medina. Wander through winding alleyways lined with colorful souks, where you can shop for handmade carpets, leather goods, ceramics, and spices. Visit iconic sites like Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace for a glimpse into Moroccan heritage.
Relax in a Traditional Hammam or Spa
After a long day on the course, there’s no better way to unwind than with a Moroccan hammam ritual or a full-body massage. Many golf resorts offer onsite spas that combine modern luxury with ancient wellness traditions, featuring essential oils, argan-based treatments, and tranquil ambiance.
Take a Cooking Class
Discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine with a hands-on cooking experience. Learn how to prepare dishes like lamb tagine, couscous, or pastilla from expert chefs. Some classes include a market visit where you can shop for fresh ingredients just like the locals.
Enjoy Desert Adventures
Just outside the city, you can swap your golf shoes for desert boots. Take a camel ride in the Agafay Desert, go quad biking across dry riverbeds, or enjoy a sunset dinner under the stars in a Berber camp. It’s the perfect balance of action and atmosphere.
Atlas Mountain Excursions
If you’re staying for more than a few days, a day trip to the Atlas Mountains is highly recommended. Visit traditional Berber villages, hike through scenic valleys, or enjoy lunch in a kasbah with panoramic views.
Fine Dining and Rooftop Experiences
Marrakech is a city for food lovers. From rooftop restaurants in the medina to Michelin-style tasting menus in luxury resorts, there’s no shortage of incredible places to eat. Pair your meal with Moroccan wine or mint tea and watch the sunset over the city’s red rooftops.
Tips for Planning Your Golf Trip to Marrakech
Planning a golf trip to Marrakech can be exciting and straightforward if you keep a few key tips in mind. From booking your tee times to packing the right gear, these practical pointers will help ensure your golf holiday is smooth and enjoyable.
Book Tee Times in Advance
Marrakech’s popular courses can fill up quickly, especially during the high season (October to April). To guarantee your preferred tee times, it’s best to book well in advance—either directly with the golf clubs or through your hotel or travel agent.
Understand Dress Codes and Etiquette
Most golf courses in Marrakech enforce a smart-casual dress code. Collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and golf shoes are standard. Avoid denim, tank tops, and sportswear not designed for golf. Respect local customs and etiquette, including punctuality and caddie guidance.
Transportation and Transfers
Many golf resorts provide shuttle services to and from the airport and between courses. If you prefer independent travel, taxis are readily available but confirm prices beforehand. Renting a car is another option if you want to explore beyond golf.
Packing Essentials
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget your golf gloves, comfortable shoes, and any personal clubs or equipment if you prefer your own gear. If traveling internationally, check airline policies for transporting golf bags.
Consider Golf Insurance
It’s wise to have travel insurance that covers golf-related activities, including equipment loss or damage and injury protection. Many insurance providers offer specialized policies for golfers.
Plan for Non-Golf Activities
Marrakech is rich in culture and experiences beyond golf. Schedule time to explore the medina, enjoy spa treatments, or take day trips to the desert and mountains to make the most of your visit.
Is Marrakech Worth It for Golfers?
When it comes to combining exceptional golf with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and luxurious comfort, Marrakech truly stands out as a world-class destination. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn or a seasoned golfer chasing new challenges, the city’s diverse courses offer something for every level.
Marrakech’s reliable climate means you can play year-round, and the affordability of golf packages compared to European or American resorts makes it an attractive choice. Beyond the fairways, the city’s vibrant medina, luxurious spas, and breathtaking natural surroundings provide plenty of opportunities to relax and explore.
In short, Marrakech is not just good for golf; it’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to elevate their golfing holiday with a unique blend of sport, culture, and unforgettable experiences. So pack your clubs and get ready to tee off in one of Africa’s most enchanting cities.
FAQs About Golf in Marrakech
Q: Can beginners enjoy golfing in Marrakech?
Absolutely! Many courses offer beginner-friendly layouts and golf academies provide lessons tailored to all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or refining your game, Marrakech welcomes golfers of every experience.
Q: Are golf instructors available on-site?
Yes, most major courses have PGA-certified instructors who offer private lessons, group clinics, and even junior programs. Booking in advance is recommended for personalized coaching.
Q: Is golf expensive in Marrakech?
Compared to many international golf destinations, Marrakech offers excellent value. Green fees, equipment rentals, and accommodation packages are generally more affordable while maintaining high quality.
Q: Can I rent golf clubs and equipment locally?
Yes, all leading golf clubs and resorts provide club rentals, carts, and other necessary equipment, making it easy to travel light.
Q: How do I get to golf courses from the city center or airport?
Most golf resorts offer shuttle services, and taxis are widely available. Some accommodations include transfers as part of golf packages. Renting a car is also a convenient option for exploring multiple courses.
Q: What’s the best time of year to golf in Marrakech?
The prime golfing season runs from October to April when temperatures are mild and comfortable. Early mornings and late afternoons are best during the hotter summer months.
