From vibrant souks to rich Moorish architecture, Morocco’s cities hold endless intrigues enclosed within ancient medina walls. Today we explore the coastal capital of Rabat and neighbouring city of Casablanca for culture, arts and another surprising allure: world-class golfing heritage and greens fit for a king.
Golf and Morocco is a love story that began in 1914 with the founding of the Royal Country Club of Tangier. First practised by British diplomats, the sport did not become popularised until it was brought to light by the late Majesty King Hassan II who believed in turning Morocco into an outpost for the golfing world.
ADVERTISEMENTToday, enthusiasts of the sport can consider teeing off from Rabat or Casablanca to experience Morocco’s unique history, culture and gastronomy, with easy access to some of Africa’s most prestigious greens, including Royal Golf Dar Es Salam and Royal Golf Anfa Mohammedia. These courses are fan favourite destinations all year round thanks to the nation’s temperate climate and notable international events such as the Hassan II Golf Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup.
King Hassan II’s golfing legacy
The Hassan II Golf Trophy is one of the nation’s longest running sporting event, established in 1971 by his late Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco, who was also an avid golfer. In February of each year, the Hasan II tournament returns to the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam course in glorious style alongside the women’s Lalla Meryem Cup.
The Hassan II Trophy is part of the American PGA Tour Champions schedule, while the Lalla Meryem Cup is tied to the European Ladies’ Tour since 2010. It is one of the few tournaments in the world to host men and women’s tours at the same time.
Rabat’s iconic green: Royal Golf Dar Es Salam
The Royal Golf Dar Es Salam was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, one of the greats of golfing architecture. The three courses offer 45 holes, stretching across 440 hectares of manicured lawns and a centrepiece lake, all nestled within a cork oak forest.
Though golf is the main action, there’s plenty more to do on site, including coffee mornings in the 60s-style clubhouse with panoramic views of the vast green and its diverse plant life, Roman motifs and very own Japanese garden. Also on the grounds, there is an outdoor pool, gym and upscale restaurant, as well as a golf school led by the Youth Commission to help aspiring young golfers improve their skills.
ADVERTISEMENTExploring Rabat in between rounds
Rabat, the coastal capital of Morocco, is a hub of modernity and tradition that easily rivals Marrakech for cultural influence. Established by the Almahad Empire on an enticing stretch of Atlantic coastline, Rabat’s 1,000-year history ripples out from the Kasbah of the Oudaïa, the founding fortress or “Ribāṭ” which gives the city its name.
To visit Rabat is to be charmed by a vivid display of Moorish architecture and 20th century flourishes that together tell the epic story of its past. After a morning of spectating at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, one can easily embark on a tour of Rabat’s UNESCO-listed old medina, wandering the maze of high-walled alleyways to uncover a whole host of hidden culinary and cultural treasures, including world heritage sites such as the 12th century Hassan Tower and the archaeological site of Chellah await.
Shopping in Rabat is another time-honoured pastime. Browse rbati handicrafts and traditional goods in the city’s many souks, as well as the lively Rue de Consuls marketplace, a bustling spot famed for its silver jewellery and carpets. Alternatively, step over to the ultra-modern south side of the capital to track local boutiques and high-end brands upon the pristine boulevards of Agdal.
Wherever you are in the capital, you’ll have a multitude of exceptional dining options, ranging from modern Moroccan gastronomy to generations-old restaurants, set within palaces, grand hotels and beyond.
When trying traditional fare, whet your appetite with briouate pastries stuffed with tektouta, a pepper and tomato ratatouille unique to Morocco – before filing up on flavourful, slow-cooked tagines and sweet, delicate cakes such as chebakia, to the tune of live Andalusian music.
Visitors craving something different can also stay satiated by tucking into Rabat's diverse culinary landscape, trying everything from shawarma sharing platters to fresh Mediterranean seafood.
Luxury for the ages: Where to stay in Rabat
When the city’s high stonewalls tinge pink in the setting sun, Rabat offers an exceptional choice of luxurious accommodation to rest up. Palatial builds designed in Moorish-Andalusian styles lie minutes from the old medina and along the Bouregreg River, to provide the perfect springboard to uncover the magic of Rabat.
The top hotels in Rabat come replete with plush amenities, cultivating a sophisticated ambiance through their blend of contemporary and traditional Moroccan styles. Enjoy royal courtyard gardens and afternoons by the pool, with numerous upscale restaurants, sky bars and spa services also provided on site.
Alternative options within putting distance of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam may also satisfy, offering suburban calm backed by Rabat’s green spaces. Convenient in their proximity to the city centre and the golfing action, these options also offer the very best of Moroccan hospitality, with luxury spa options, restaurants and bars.
A strategic jumping-off point: Where to go in Casablanca
Drive one hour south from Rabat along the scenic Atlantic strip to find Casablanca, another fantastic city for golf-loving travellers. More bustling than Rabat, Casablanca is the economic heart of Morocco, where you will find charming historic districts brushing up against modern life and big business.
ADVERTISEMENTJoin the city’s young professionals for watersports in Ain Diab or simply immerse the senses in the souks of the Old Medina. For architecture and Islamic heritage, the stunning Hassan II Mosque is not to be missed, while, across town near the Royal Palace, an alternative view of the city awaits.
Developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, the New Medina, also known as the Habous Quarter, maintains Andalusian styles throughout. Walk its well-kept gardens, small squares and open bazaar, sweetening the deal with a visit to a heritage bakery for authentic Moroccan treats.
Golf travellers considering playing at Royal Golf Anfa Mohammedia can travel there from Casablanca in just 30 minutes. This way, there is time to enjoy the opulent relaxation of offer at Casablanca’s best hotels, where modern luxury and unmatched Moroccan hospitality meet full-service spas, five-star restaurants and encompassing ocean views.
The Hassan II Golf Trophy draws visitors from around the world in February each year, reinforcing Rabat and Casablanca as sublime jumping-off points to experience not only world-class golf but also the vibrant and diverse culture of Morocco.
