Flanked by soul-stirring desert dunes and grand mountain landscapes, Marrakech is a unique golfing destination balancing outdoor adventure with the sparkling energy of a medieval Berber city.
Go from a morning of swing practice on royal greens to an afternoon and evening exploring the city’s expansive Medina. Upon this maze of cobblestoned streets, bustling alleyways meet solaceful riad experiences, fusing ancient Moroccan heritage and modern-world comforts.
ADVERTISEMENTJoin us as we fuse world-class greens with ancient heritage and urban culture, exploring a selection of rich cultural attractions alongside the top spots for golfing in Marrakech.
Lose yourself in the magic of Marrakech Medina
The Marrakech Medina is a living labyrinth, where each alley tells a story. A grand gateway marks the entrance to Semmarine souk’s main artery, where an array of Berber and Arabic crafts, goods and textiles colour each alleyway
Further in, the popular Attarine souk welcomes visitors with clinkling displays of finely wrought brass and copper work, while, deeper still, the sharp scent of tanning workshops leads us to artisans touting babouches and other leather goods. Amongst it all, fragrant spices and fresh produce typifying Moroccan cuisine pile high, adding another layer of sensory depth to the experience.
Soon enough, you’ll come across the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square, lured by the loud pulse of Moroccan music and the smoky scent of sizzling food stalls. When the sun dips below the horizon, the energy of Djemaa el-Fna heightens, transforming the space into a theatre of musicians, storytellers and acrobats.
Alternatively, swap the medina ramparts for the wide-open boulevards of Marrakech’s most cosmopolitan districts, such as Gueliz and Hivernage, for a luxurious and international shopping experience.
ADVERTISEMENTRest and recharge: finding serenity in the city
To relax after a bustling market experience, visiting one of the city’s many riads is a must. These small oriental palaces often double up as museums and overlook beautiful courtyards, where you can admire Moroccan architectural heritage over traditional teas and sweet treats.
History buffs can try the Musee Riad Belghazi, a 17th-century riad housing a collection of historic artefacts, while the exteriors of the 18th-century palace known as Dar El Bacha Museum offer one of the most stunning architectural backdrops in the city. The Menara garden, with its olive groves and vast reflection pool, is similarly photogenic.
A taste of Marrakech: the city’s flavours on every plate
Marrakech’s culinary scene extends across the entire city, spanning intimate courtyards, rooftop terraces and humble family-run institutions. Each meal feels like a discovery and the variety of traditional Moroccan dishes is staggering.
Serving up everything from spiced tagines to fresh colourful salads, the city’s chefs take pride in blending old recipes with local ingredients, creating dishes that speak to the heart of Moroccan culture.
A speciality dish unique to Marrakech is the tangia, traditionally slow-cooked in a clay pot over ashes.
Golfing in Marrakech: where the Atlas frames your game
Assoufid Golf Club Marrakech
From meandering the Medina to mastering the city’s best greens, your golfing trip to Marrakech levels up at Assoufid Golf Club.
Located just outside the city, Assoufid Golf Club provides an easy escape from the urban rush. The challenging 18-hole course is designed with the natural contours of the desert in mind, benefitting from the shade of olive and palm groves throughout.
Assoufid’s showstopping 13th hole is a particular highlight, complete with a canyon pass that runs 150 metres downhill, overlooking unbeatable views of the Atlas Mountains.
Al Maaden Golf Resorts
For those seeking a strategic course, Al Maaden offers its own unique appeal. A creative green laid at the foot of the Atlas Mountains within an open-air sculpture park, the Al Maaden Golf Club feels a world away from the city despite being just 10 minutes from Djemaa el-Fna square.
The course was designed in 2010 by Karl Philips with modern precision in mind, featuring crisp lines and carefully placed water features and bunkers that blend deceivingly with the flat plains to provide a challenge for golfers at every level.
ADVERTISEMENTRoyal Golf de Marrakech
For a spot of golfing heritage in a forested oasis, Royal Golf Marrakech can’t be beaten. The original 18-hole course here is almost 100 years old, while the 9-hole extension built in 2007 maintains the harmony of the natural environment, with signature bunkers and wild gazelles all about.
Since 1927, Royal Golf Marrakech continues to innovate its facilities, recently switching to sustainable water management and receiving an award for Best New Clubhouse by Golfing Magazine.
There are plenty more spots for golfing near Marrakech, including Royal Palm Marrakech, Amelkis Golf Club, Golf Club Rotana Palmeraie, PalmGolf Ourika Marrakech, The Montgomerie Marrakech, Samanah Golf Club Marrakech, Noria Golf Club, The Tony Jacklin Marrakech and Atlas Golf Marrakech.
Marrakech is just one of many destinations in Morocco perfect for golfers wishing to pair outdoor adventure with rich urban experiences. For more inspiration and information about golfing in Morocco, tune in to our 10-part TV series Golf Travel Tales, hosted by Immy Barclay.
