Golf in Morocco
North Africa, with a climate paralleling that of Spain, is increasingly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming golfing destinations. In recent years, this recognition has translated into the staging of a European Tour event, the Trophee Hassan 2, at the Golf du Palais Royal in Agadir.
Many golfers might see golf outside Europe as constrictively expensive, but with Golfbreaks.com, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Morocco is easily accessible from anywhere in Europe, with a variety of international airports that can be reached from various locations within the United Kingdom. Some of the palatial luxury of Northern Africa is reflected in much of the accommodation available to the golfer, and some of the settings are quite simply staggering.
Diversity
One of the many appeals of golf in Morocco is its diversity. In recent years, golf courses have sprung up in all regions of the country. Year round heat means that every location is sure to be accompanied by glorious sunshine, only serving to add to the experience. If you want a traditional golfing break combining golf with sun, sea and good seafood restaurants, there are ample resorts to take your fancy on the shores of the Mediterranean. What’s more, the Mediterranean coastline is miniscule in comparison to that of the Atlantic, where beautiful cities such as Agadir host a significant number of perfectly manicured golf courses.
If you’d prefer a more culturally significant break – mixing golf with sightseeing – then you won’t be disappointed with what is on offer in Morocco, with resorts in places such as Fez and Marrakech – one of the most fascinating yet bizarre cities in the world. Parts of Morocco are also located in the foothills of the Atlas mountain range, offering a stunning backdrop to golf played in the region. You certainly aren’t short on options when electing to plan a holiday in the North African nation.
Climate and cost
Geographical diversity brings with it diversity of climate, weather and temperature, although the biggest problem you will face is choosing between degrees of heat and humidity. The north of the country possesses a Mediterranean climate – continual sunshine all year round with hottest temperatures between April and September. The Atlantic coast sees most rainfall but also its fair share of sun, with temperatures rising going further south as the Sahara Desert encroaches closer to the coast. The Atlas and Rif Mountains present a milder and more pleasant climate through the year, and are perfect for those that wish to combine scenery with temperate ambience.
The trend with the increasingly prominent golfing locations is low cost, and Morocco is no exception. Food and transport are incredibly cheap, and with so many resorts opening over the last few years, competition has driven down the price of the all round golfing package.
In truth, there are so many viable locations that it is extremely difficult to focus upon only one, but the newly constructed Mazagan Beach Resort is something to behold.
Mazagan Beach Resort
Mazagan Beach Resort is located in the town of El Jadida on the Atlantic coast, 90km south of the city of Casablanca.
The Gary Payer designed championship golf course is the longest in Morocco at 7,494 yards, although playing off a variety of different tees can significantly reduce the yardage.
Player – now seen as one of the most prestigious designers in the game – won many of his professional titles on links courses, something that provided inspiration for the spectacular links course he has created on the shores of the Atlantic.
The course
Player has relied heavily on working with the land at his disposal. Most of the holes follow the natural slopes and undulations of the dunes and other natural features present in the area. Significant focus has also been put on ecology and sustainable development. A real emphasis has been placed on working with, not modifying, the land, and water used on the course is all recycled. As such, the natural character and beauty of the seaside location has been preserved. Fairways are generous, and the length of the course should be no means deter the average handicap golfer from coming here.
After the round, the accommodating and luxurious clubhouse will welcome you in and provide you with some scintillating sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Other local attractions
As with so many other resorts in Morocco, the golf isn’t the only attraction, and there is plenty to keep the family occupied should that be the purpose of the holiday.
Five star Riad’s overlook the golf course, the Ocean, the lagoons and the luxurious gardens that form part of the resorts collective charm. All centred on traditional Moroccan design, the 492 rooms of the five star resort feature ochre walls, green tiled roofs and lavish interior design. Every room and suit at the grand Riad offer 24 hour room service, international newspaper delivery and a shoe shining service, amongst others.
It is difficult to picture a location with a more rounded selection of entertainment for the whole family. Even without golf, the range of outdoor activities at the guests’ disposal is quite something. From water sports to Nordic walking, mountain biking to helicopter rides, Magazan is a fully functional beach resort. One might even be forgiven for forgetting that a world class golf course is the main attraction.
The resort also puts on daily excursions to some culturally significant and stunningly picturesque locations. If you have children and wish to afford yourselves some temporary respite, Magazan offers children’s clubs for all ages, perfect if you are visiting a UNESCO World Heritage site (El Jadida) or spending every day on the best golf course you have ever played.
It is rare to find a golf course that is both challenging but fair; sustainable yet striking and natural but in perfect condition. With Morocco being awarded the 2010 title of ‘golf destination of the year’ by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, and Magazan being one of the finest resorts in the country, prospective visitors should need no further motivation to contact www.golfbreaks.com, who offer Spring breaks from just £289 per person for 3 nights' B&B and 2 rounds of golf at Mazagan Golf Course including transfers.
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