Morocco confirms its place as one of the world's golf destinations with this double event in Rabat. Behind the scenes of the Hassan II Golf Trophy and Lalla Meryem Cup, which have just ended.

In a single venue, the Royal Golf Dar es Salam in Rabat, two international professional tournaments took place simultaneously in recent days. These were the 48th edition of the Hassan II Golf Trophy for the PGA TOUR Champions and the 27th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup for the Ladies European Tour.

 

Hassan II Golf Trophy

The tournament was established in 1971 at the behest of His Majesty Hassan II, an avid golf enthusiast, with the dream of elevating Morocco to an international golf destination. In 2024, the PGA Tour Champion's top players returned to the red course at Dar es Salam Golf. The red course has been fortunate for Italy: in 2017, Edoardo Molinari won a European Tour event there.

The 2024 project, sponsored by King Mohammed VI, saw Prince Moulay Rachid taking a personal interest in his dual role as head of the Moroccan federation and president of the tournament.

Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Jose Maria Olazabal, John Daly, and Thomas Bjorn were among the 66 legendary champions competing over three rounds for a prize pool of two million dollars. Argentine Ricardo Gonzalez won the title and $320,000 with a total of 209 strokes (-10). Thomas Bjorn was second with 210 strokes (-9).

 

Lalla Meryem Cup

As mentioned, Morocco is the first country to host an international men's and women's event in the same city and on the same dates. The Lalla Meryem Cup, first held in 1993, is named after Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco. Since 2010, the competition has become one of the Ladies European Tour's most prestigious events, attracting 108 professionals from 33 countries this year. They also played three rounds, but the prize fund was 450,000 euros.

In Rabat (blue course), with ambitions of reaching the Paris Olympics, were Italy's excellent Alessandra Fanali and Virginia Elena Carta. Both made the cut, finishing 24th and 30th, respectively. With a total of 206 strokes and a great final round of 64, 28-year-old Englishwoman Bronte Law took the victory, earning a check for 67,500 euros.

 

Morocco golf destination

Beyond organizing this double event, it can certainly be said that Hassan II's dream has not only been realized but continues to grow.

The government actively promotes Morocco as a golf destination through these prestigious events, which play a fundamental role in drawing attention to this perfect golfing locale.

The favorable climate year-round, magnificent courses designed by top architects, culture, food, and hospitality attract thousands of golfing tourists annually. Marrakech alone welcomes over 50,000 players each year.

Morocco plans to invest 6.1 billion dirhams ($580 million) by 2026 to develop tourism and attract more visitors. The goal is to reach 17.5 million visitors by 2026, up from 11 million last year. Part of these investments will be dedicated to golf tourism.

 

Rabat and golf

Since becoming the capital in 1912, Rabat has transformed into a beautiful seaside city with a rich history, now undergoing a cultural and artistic transformation. Though often overlooked by travelers drawn to Marrakech's ancient allure, Rabat is among the top destinations to visit in Africa in 2024, according to Condé Nast Traveller.

The city may not boast as many golf courses as Marrakech, but it offers beautiful experiences. Playing both challenging but unforgettable courses at the Royal Golf Dar es Salam is worth the trip.

Direct Ryanair flights are available from Ciampino on Wednesdays and Sundays. Alternatively, you can fly to Casablanca with daily flights from major Italian cities, with about an hour and twenty minutes transfer to Rabat.

 

Curiosities from golf in Morocco

The trophies

Beyond the prize money, winners receive two unique trophies. The senior tour offers a jewel-encrusted golden dagger, and the ladies receive a beautiful pouch, also adorned with prestigious stones.

 

Golf and children

I witnessed many children peacefully invading the course. This is thanks to a country-wide initiative starting from the Ministry of Education, encouraging schoolchildren to engage actively in golf. The Hassan II tournament has also joined First Tee, a non-profit initiative from the USA, aiming to inspire, educate, and integrate children and teenagers through golf. Over two hundred Moroccan children have participated so far.

 

Unique stop in Africa

The 2024 PGA TOUR Champions season includes 28 events across 19 U.S. states. Outside the United States, only three other countries host events: Scotland, Canada, and Morocco, the sole African venue.

 

The Royal Golf Dar es Salam (Rabat)

Designed by Robert Trent Jones and inaugurated in 1971, the King's Club offers 45 holes, as wonderful as they are challenging. I recommend a set of three balls dedicated to hole 9, a par 3 with a beautiful island green.

 

Written by Francesca Galeano, founder and general manager at Golf Tour Experience