Few cities can match the golf courses in Marrakech. Within half an hour of the medina, more than a dozen layouts spread across palm groves, olive orchards and rolling desert, almost all with the snow-capped High Atlas on the horizon. Sunshine is plentiful for most of the year, fairways are watered and green while much of Europe is under frost, and after the round, the souks and riads of one of the world’s great old cities are a short drive away.
This guide is written by the Morocco Trip Lines team, the drivers who take golfers from their hotels and riads to the clubs around the city every week. We know the roads, the clubhouse entrances and how long each drive really takes. Below you will find the ten courses we are asked about most often, how they compare, when to play, how to plan a golf week, and the practical details that make golf in Marrakech smooth from the first tee time to the last putt.
In this guide we cover:
- Why golf in Marrakech is so popular with golfers from around the world
- The 10 best golf courses in Marrakech, with what makes each one different
- A comparison table by style, setting and difficulty
- The best months to play and how to plan around the heat
- How to book tee times and what to expect at the clubs
- Getting to the courses, and how a private golf transfer works
- A sample golf week combining rounds with the medina and day trips
Why Golf in Marrakech Is So Popular
Marrakech has become one of the leading golf destinations in Africa and the Mediterranean region for several simple reasons.
Reliable sunshine
The city enjoys a dry climate with mild, sunny winters. While northern Europe is cold and dark, golfers in Marrakech often play in shirtsleeves. Spring and autumn are warm and bright, and even summer mornings are playable for early starters.
Variety in a small area
The courses around the city offer real variety. You can play a classic tree-lined parkland course one day, a desert-style layout with rolling fairways the next, and a modern championship course with water features the day after. Few destinations offer this range within such a short distance.
Short drives from the city
Most golf courses in Marrakech are located on the main roads leading out of the city: the Ouarzazate road to the east, the Amizmiz road to the southwest, the Ourika road to the south and the Palmeraie to the north. Typical drive times from the medina range from about fifteen to thirty-five minutes, depending on the club and the traffic.
Golf plus culture
What sets Marrakech golf apart from many resort destinations is what happens off the course. After a morning round, you can spend the afternoon in a palace, a garden or the souks, then dine in a riad or watch the evening come alive in Jemaa el-Fna. Non-golfing partners have plenty to do, which makes the city ideal for mixed groups.
Strong tradition
Golf has a long history in Morocco, encouraged by royal patronage. The kingdom hosts international professional events, and several of its courses have been designed by famous names in golf architecture, including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones and Colin Montgomerie.
The 10 Best Golf Courses in Marrakech
These are the courses our golfing guests ask about most. They are listed by character rather than by rank, because the best course depends on your game, your style and what you want from the day. Check each club directly for current conditions, dress codes and booking rules before you travel.
1. Royal Golf Marrakech
The oldest course in the city, Royal Golf Marrakech dates back nearly a century and is steeped in history. It lies on the old Ouarzazate road, among mature trees, some of them more than a hundred years old, which give its fairways welcome shade. Famous visitors over the decades include Winston Churchill.
The club now has an 18-hole course and a newer 9-hole loop known as the Menara, which has wider fairways and the club’s only lakes. The classic 18 rewards accuracy more than power: tight, tree-lined holes and well-placed bunkers punish wayward shots. For golfers who love history and traditional design, it is a must.
2. Amelkis Golf Club
Also on the Ouarzazate road, Amelkis is known as one of the most demanding and elegant of the golf courses in Marrakech. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, it blends hazards into the landscape, with water, bunkers and desert scrub framing generous greens. The course is surrounded by a residential estate of villas, and its clubhouse is built in traditional style.
Amelkis has more than one loop, which allows different combinations of holes. It suits mid to low handicappers who enjoy strategic golf and a bit of a challenge.
3. The Palmeraie Golf Course
Set in the famous Palmeraie, the palm grove to the north of the city, this course was designed by Robert Trent Jones in the American style. It has 27 holes, with many lakes in play across the layout, and panoramic views of the Atlas on clear days.
The Palmeraie course is one of the most established in the city and is popular with visitors staying in the Palmeraie area, where many resorts and villas are located. The palm-lined fairways create a classic image of golf in Marrakech.
4. Samanah Golf Club
On the road toward Amizmiz, southwest of the city, Samanah is a championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus and his design team. It is one of the longer courses in the area and is known for its risk-and-reward holes, with water hazards and wide views of the Atlas foothills.
Samanah is a strong choice for experienced golfers who enjoy a test. The scale of the layout and the mountain backdrop make it one of the most memorable rounds near the city.
5. Assoufid Golf Club
Assoufid, on the Guemassa road southwest of the city, is often described as one of the finest courses in Morocco. Designed by Niall Cameron, it sits on naturally rolling desert terrain dotted with cacti, palms and olive trees, and has been recognized with national golf awards.
The design preserves the local landscape and limits water use, which gives the course a distinctive, natural feel. Sloping fairways and well-guarded greens demand careful course management. Many golfers place it at the top of their list of golf courses in Marrakech.
6. Al Maaden Golf Resort
Al Maaden, designed by Kyle Phillips, is built around an unusual concept: a geometric Moroccan water garden created by the Spanish landscape designer Fernando Caruncho. The result is one of the most original layouts in the region, with naturally undulating terrain, water features and trees around the greens.
The resort is close to the city and includes accommodation on site. It is a good choice for golfers who appreciate design and want something different from the classic parkland or desert style.
7. Royal Palm Golf and Country Club
Part of a five-star resort about fifteen kilometers southwest of Jemaa el-Fna, the Royal Palm course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson. It challenges both low and high handicappers, with long par fives and strategic bunkering. Its bunkers have been renovated in recent seasons, improving playing conditions.
The course is ideal for golfers staying at the resort itself, but it is also easy to reach from the city for a day round.
8. The Montgomerie Marrakech
Designed by Colin Montgomerie, this desert-style course is known for good conditions and a layout that suits players of all abilities. It is located in a golf and residential area not far from the airport and the southern edge of the city.
The clubhouse is lively and modern, with restaurants and a rooftop terrace, which makes the Montgomerie a good choice for groups who want to stay on for lunch or drinks after the round.
9. PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika
South of the city on the road to the Ourika Valley, this course was designed by Neil Haworth and Stephane Talbot. It is surrounded by olive and palm trees and combines desert-style holes with water features and wide views of the Atlas.
Multiple tee positions make it playable for a wide range of handicaps. It combines well with a day trip to the Ourika Valley for non-golfing partners, who can head into the mountains while the golfers play.
10. Noria Golf Club
One of the newer courses in the area, Noria is a challenging layout with a strong design identity. Its signature par-three 8th has a rectangular green set between a reflecting pool and a traditional Moroccan tower, one of the most photographed holes around the city.
Noria is a good choice for golfers who want to try one of the newer Marrakech golf courses and enjoy modern, strategic design.
Other courses to consider
Beyond these ten, several other layouts are worth knowing about, including Atlas Golf Marrakech and newer projects on the southern edge of the city. Courses open, change names and change management from time to time, so it is worth checking the latest information when you plan.
Comparing the Courses
This table summarizes the character of each course to help you choose.
| Course | Style | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Golf Marrakech | Classic, tree-lined | Ouarzazate road | History lovers, accurate players |
| Amelkis | Strategic, landscaped | Ouarzazate road | Mid to low handicaps |
| Palmeraie | American style, lakes | Palmeraie, north | Guests staying in the Palmeraie |
| Samanah | Championship, water | Amizmiz road | Experienced golfers |
| Assoufid | Natural desert | Guemassa road | Golfers who love design and landscape |
| Al Maaden | Water garden concept | Close to the city | Golfers seeking something original |
| Royal Palm | Resort, strategic | Amizmiz road area | Resort guests and all handicaps |
| The Montgomerie | Desert style | South of the city | Groups and all abilities |
| PalmGolf Ourika | Desert with water | Ourika road | Mixed groups, varied handicaps |
| Noria | Modern, strategic | South of the city | Golfers seeking newer layouts |
How to choose
If you only play one or two rounds, combine a classic course such as Royal Golf Marrakech with a modern desert layout such as Assoufid or Samanah. For a full week, mix styles: one classic, one parkland or water course, and two or three desert layouts. If your group has a wide range of handicaps, the Montgomerie, PalmGolf Ourika and Royal Palm are forgiving choices.
Marrakech Golf for Every Handicap
Not every course suits every player. Matching courses to your group’s ability makes the week more enjoyable for everyone.
High handicappers and beginners
Generous fairways, forgiving rough and several tee positions matter most. The Montgomerie, PalmGolf Ourika and the Menara loop at Royal Golf Marrakech are good places to start. Playing from forward tees on the longer courses also makes a big difference, and there is no shame in it on a holiday.
Mid handicappers
Most of the golf courses in Marrakech are well suited to mid handicappers. Amelkis, the Palmeraie and Royal Palm offer strategic holes without being punishing, and desert layouts such as Assoufid reward thoughtful play more than raw distance.
Low handicappers
Better players will enjoy the length and challenge of Samanah, the precision demanded by the classic Royal Golf course and the design of Assoufid and Al Maaden from the back tees. Ask the clubs about their championship tees and any handicap limits for them.
Mixed groups
If your group has very different abilities, choose forgiving courses for shared rounds and let the stronger players add an extra round at a more demanding layout. A scramble or Stableford format also keeps everyone in the game.
Playing Desert and Parkland Courses
Two broad styles dominate golf in Marrakech, and each calls for a slightly different approach.
Desert-style courses
On desert layouts, the fairways are framed by natural terrain, sand, rocks and native plants rather than thick rough. Missing the fairway can mean an awkward lie or a lost ball, so accuracy off the tee matters. Fairways can be firm, which gives extra roll, and greens may be approached with bump-and-run shots as well as high pitches.
Parkland and tree-lined courses
On older courses such as Royal Golf Marrakech and the Palmeraie, mature trees define the holes. Shots that stray can be blocked out, and shade changes how the greens play through the day. Course management and a reliable short game are more valuable here than length.
Reading the greens
Greens in a dry climate can be quick, especially in the afternoon. Take time on the practice green before each round to adjust your pace, and ask your caddie about the local tendencies, as breaks often follow the slope of the land toward the valley or away from the mountains.
Wind and light
Afternoons can bring wind across the open desert courses, while mornings are usually calm. The clear air also makes distances hard to judge at first, especially with the Atlas in the background, so trust your yardages rather than your eyes.
A Short History of Golf in Morocco
Golf arrived in Morocco in the early twentieth century, and Marrakech was one of its first homes. The original Royal Golf course was built at the request of the Pasha of Marrakech, and it soon welcomed visiting statesmen and celebrities.
The game grew significantly under royal patronage, particularly during the reign of King Hassan II, a passionate golfer who encouraged the construction of new courses and created international professional events. Today, the kingdom hosts tournaments on both the men’s and women’s professional tours, and its courses regularly appear in international rankings.
In recent decades, Marrakech has seen a wave of new courses designed by leading architects, transforming the city from a single historic club into one of the major golf destinations in the region.
Common Mistakes on a Marrakech Golf Trip
After driving many golfers to the courses, we see the same mistakes again and again.
Booking too many rounds
Playing every day sounds appealing, but after a flight and in warm weather, it can be tiring. Most golfers enjoy four or five rounds in a week, with a rest day in the middle.
Leaving tee times too late
In peak season, the best morning slots at popular courses fill up early. Reserve the key rounds before you travel, and confirm them a few days ahead.
Playing summer afternoons
From June to August, afternoon temperatures are very high. Choose the earliest tee times available and finish by late morning.
Forgetting the handicap certificate
Some clubs will not let you play without proof of handicap. Keep a digital copy on your phone as a backup.
Underestimating transport
Arranging taxis with golf bags at dawn, or finding a ride back from a remote clubhouse, can cause stress and late starts. Plan your transport for the whole week before you arrive.
The Best Time to Play Golf in Marrakech
The climate is one of the main reasons golfers choose Marrakech, but conditions change through the year.
| Season | Conditions | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm, dry, often ideal | Peak season; book tee times early |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild sunny days, cool mornings | Popular escape from European winters; layers for early starts |
| Spring (March to May) | Warm and bright, green landscapes | Excellent conditions; busy around Easter |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot in the afternoon | Play at dawn; many clubs offer early tee times |
Planning around the heat
From late spring to early autumn, the best time to play is early morning, when it is cooler and the light over the Atlas is beautiful. An early tee time also leaves the afternoon free for a rest or a visit to the city. In winter, morning frost is rare, but the first hour can be cool, so bring a light layer.
Course maintenance periods
Like most clubs in warm climates, some Marrakech golf courses close for overseeding or maintenance for a short period, often in autumn. Check with the club before booking if you are traveling at the beginning of the high season.
Ramadan and holidays
During Ramadan, clubs remain open, but clubhouse service and opening times may change. Public holidays can bring more local players at weekends. Plan ahead if your trip falls during these periods.
Booking Tee Times and What to Expect at the Clubs
A little preparation makes every round smoother.
Booking tee times
Tee times can be booked directly with each club, through your hotel or riad, or through golf booking platforms. In peak season, popular courses fill up, so reserve your tee time well in advance, especially for weekend mornings. Confirm the cancellation policy, which varies from club to club.
Handicap certificates
Many clubs ask for proof of handicap, and some set maximum handicap limits, particularly for championship courses. Bring your handicap certificate or a digital record from your home club.
Dress codes
Standard golf attire is expected: collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, and golf shoes with soft spikes. Some clubhouse restaurants have a smart-casual dress code in the evening.
Buggies, caddies and rental clubs
Most clubs offer buggies, and some courses make them compulsory in summer or at certain times. Caddies are available at several clubs and can be a great help on unfamiliar layouts. Rental clubs are usually available if you prefer not to travel with your own, though quality varies, so ask in advance.
Practice facilities
Most courses have a driving range, putting green and chipping area. Arrive early enough to warm up, especially on your first round after a flight.
The 19th hole
Clubhouses range from traditional Moroccan buildings to modern lounges with terraces. Many serve excellent lunches, and a mint tea or a cold drink overlooking the course and the Atlas is part of the experience.
Getting to the Golf Courses in Marrakech
Since almost every course lies outside the medina, getting there is part of planning every round.
Taxis
Petit taxis are cheap but small, often without enough space for several golf bags, and are not allowed to travel far outside the city. Grand taxis can go further but are not always comfortable or easy to arrange for an early tee time. Agree on the return trip in advance, as finding a taxi at some clubs is not easy.
Hotel shuttles
Some resorts offer shuttles to partner courses. They are convenient if they match your schedule, but they may run only at fixed times or only to certain clubs.
Renting a car
A rental car gives freedom, but you will need to navigate the city traffic, find parking near your riad and drive back after the round. For groups with several golf bags, a standard rental car is often too small.
A private golf transfer
For most golfers, a private golf transfer is the easiest option. A driver collects you from your hotel or riad at the right time for your tee time, loads your bags into a spacious vehicle and takes you directly to the clubhouse. After the round, the same driver brings you back, or takes you on to lunch, a garden or the medina.
How a Private Golf Transfer Works
Our golf transfer service is built around the rhythm of a golf day.
Before the round
You send us your tee times, the courses and your accommodation. We plan pickup times with enough margin for traffic and for checking in at the club. Your driver meets you at your hotel or, for riads inside the medina, at the nearest point a vehicle can reach.
Space for golf bags
Our vehicles are chosen for capacity, with room for golf bags, trolleys and shoes as well as passengers. For larger groups, we provide larger vans so everyone travels together.
After the round
Many golfers like to stay for lunch or a drink at the 19th hole. Our flexible return standby means your driver waits and brings you back when you are ready. You can also continue directly to another destination, such as the medina or a restaurant.
A whole golf week
For a full golf week, we can plan all your transfers in one booking, including your Marrakech airport transfer on arrival and departure. See our private golf course transfers page for more details and to send an enquiry.
A Sample Golf Week in Marrakech
This sample plan shows how golf in Marrakech combines with the city and its surroundings.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Marrakech airport and transfer to your hotel or riad. Spend the evening settling in, perhaps with a first walk to Jemaa el-Fna.
Day 2: Classic golf and the medina
Play an early tee time at Royal Golf Marrakech, then return to the city for a late lunch. In the afternoon, explore the medina. Our Marrakech medina guide covers the best sights and routes.
Day 3: Desert golf
Play Assoufid in the morning. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the pool or in a hammam.
Day 4: Championship day
Take on Samanah or Al Maaden, then enjoy a long lunch at the clubhouse with views of the Atlas.
Day 5: A rest day in the mountains
Take a break from golf with a day in the High Atlas, the Ourika Valley or the desert plateau of Agafay. Our day trips from Marrakech guide compares the options.
Day 6: Final rounds
Play the Palmeraie or the Montgomerie, depending on where you are staying, and end the week with a farewell dinner in a riad.
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Where to Stay for a Golf Trip
Your choice of accommodation shapes the logistics of your golf week.
Golf resorts
Several courses, such as Royal Palm and Al Maaden, have accommodation on site or nearby. Staying at a golf resort means very short trips to the first tee and easy access to practice facilities, but you will be further from the medina.
The Palmeraie
The Palmeraie, to the north, has many resorts and private villas set among palm trees, close to the Palmeraie course and a reasonable drive from other clubs.
Riads in the medina
Staying in a riad puts you at the heart of the city’s culture and food. The trade-off is that vehicles cannot reach most riads directly, so your driver meets you at the nearest point. For a golf week, a riad near one of the medina gates makes the logistics easier.
Hivernage and Gueliz
The modern districts of Hivernage and Gueliz offer hotels with easy road access, close to both the medina and the main routes to the golf courses in Marrakech.
Golf for Mixed Groups and Families
Marrakech is ideal for groups where not everyone plays golf.
Non-golfing partners
While the golfers play, others can visit gardens, museums and palaces, take a cooking class, relax in a spa or join a day trip to the mountains. Meeting for lunch at a clubhouse or back in the city makes it easy to share part of each day.
Beginners and juniors
Several clubs offer lessons with resident professionals, practice facilities and shorter tees, making them suitable for beginners and junior golfers. Ask the club in advance about lessons and equipment.
Corporate groups and golf societies
Marrakech is popular for golf societies, corporate trips and small tournaments. Many clubs can organize competitions, scoring and prize-giving. For groups, coordinated transport is especially important so that everyone arrives at the first tee on time.
Practical Tips for Golfers
A few details make a golf trip to Marrakech easier.
Traveling with clubs
Most airlines accept golf bags as checked luggage, sometimes with a fee. Use a padded travel bag, and check your airline’s rules before you fly. At the airport in Marrakech, golf bags usually arrive at the oversized luggage area.
Sun and hydration
Even in winter, the sun is strong. Wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water during the round, especially in the warmer months.
Money and tipping
Card payment is widely accepted at clubhouses, but carry some cash for caddies and small purchases. Tipping caddies, drivers and clubhouse staff is customary and appreciated.
Language
French is widely spoken at the clubs, and English is common at the major courses. Staff are used to welcoming international golfers.
Recovery after the round
A round in the sun, especially after a flight, can leave you stiff and tired. Many hotels and riads have spas, and a traditional hammam with a black soap scrub followed by a massage is one of the best ways to recover before the next day’s round. Stretch before your tee time, keep hydrated in the evening and do not underestimate the effect of several consecutive days in the sun.
Photos on the course
The views of the Atlas from many fairways are spectacular, especially in winter when the peaks are covered in snow. Keep photos quick so you do not slow the pace of play, and save the longer shoots for the clubhouse terrace after the round.
Respecting the course
Repair pitch marks, rake bunkers and keep to the pace of play. In dry climates, protecting the course is especially important, and several clubs work hard to limit water use.
Packing List for a Golf Week
Packing well saves time and stress at the first tee. Our guests usually bring:
- Clubs in a padded travel bag, with a few spare balls, tees and gloves
- Golf shoes with soft spikes, plus comfortable shoes for the city
- Collared shirts, tailored shorts and light trousers
- A light sweater or wind jacket for cool winter mornings
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle
- Your handicap certificate, printed or saved on your phone
- Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for visits to the medina
Questions to Ask Before You Book a Club
Each club has its own rules. Before you confirm a round, it is worth asking:
- Is a buggy compulsory, or can we walk?
- Are caddies available, and should we reserve them in advance?
- Is there a maximum handicap, and do you need to see a certificate?
- What is the dress code on the course and in the clubhouse?
- Is the course in maintenance or overseeding on our dates?
- What is the cancellation policy if our plans change?
- Is the restaurant open for lunch after our round?
Clear answers to these questions avoid surprises on the day and help you plan your transport around the full round, including lunch.
Combining Golf With a Wider Moroccan Trip
Many golfers combine a few days of golf in Marrakech with a wider journey through Morocco.
Golf and the desert
After a few rounds, a trip over the High Atlas to the kasbahs and the Sahara makes a memorable contrast. Our Morocco itinerary guide shows how to build routes of 7, 10 and 14 days.
Golf across Morocco
Morocco has other golf destinations too, including Agadir, Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier. With your own vehicle and driver, you can combine courses in different cities. Our guide to hiring a private driver in Morocco explains how it works.
Before you plan
For independent rankings and reviews, the Top 100 Golf Courses guide to golf resorts in Marrakech is a useful reference alongside the club websites.
Golf Courses in Marrakech FAQ
How many golf courses are there in Marrakech?
There are more than a dozen golf courses around Marrakech, most within about fifteen to thirty-five minutes of the medina, with new layouts opening from time to time.
What is the best golf course in Marrakech?
It depends on your game. Assoufid and Samanah are often ranked among the best, Royal Golf Marrakech offers history and tradition, and Al Maaden stands out for its original design.
When is the best time for golf in Marrakech?
Autumn, winter and spring offer the best conditions. In summer, play early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
Do I need a handicap certificate?
Many clubs ask for proof of handicap and some set maximum limits. Bring your certificate or a digital record from your home club.
Can I rent clubs at the courses?
Most clubs offer rental sets. Quality varies, so ask in advance if you prefer a particular type of club.
How far are the golf courses from the medina?
Most courses are about fifteen to thirty-five minutes by road from the medina, depending on the club and traffic.
How do I get to my tee time?
A private golf transfer is the easiest option, especially with golf bags. Taxis and hotel shuttles are alternatives, but they are less flexible.
Can your driver wait while we play?
Yes. Our flexible return standby lets your driver bring you back when you finish your round or your lunch at the 19th hole.
Is there space for golf bags in your vehicles?
Yes. Our vehicles are chosen with space for golf bags, and we provide larger vans for groups.
How do I book a golf transfer?
Send your tee times, courses and accommodation through the enquiry form on our golf transfers page, and we will reply with a tailored plan.
Planning Your Round of Golf in Marrakech
The golf courses in Marrakech offer something for every golfer: a historic classic among century-old trees, desert layouts shaped by the landscape, championship courses designed by the great names of the game, and modern clubs with a strong design identity. Add reliable sunshine, the High Atlas on the horizon and a vibrant old city a short drive away, and it is easy to see why golfers return again and again.
Choose a mix of courses, book your tee times early, play in the cool of the morning and leave time to enjoy the city.
When you are ready, send us your tee times and accommodation through our private Marrakech golf transfers page. We will plan every pickup around your rounds, with space for your bags and a driver ready to bring you back whenever you finish.
