Top 5 Golf Courses in Marrakech You Must Play in 2026

Marrakech, Morocco’s enchanting “Red City,” has emerged as one of the world’s premier golf destinations, offering an extraordinary blend of challenging courses, stunning landscapes, and luxurious amenities. With year-round sunshine, breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, and a rich cultural backdrop, Marrakech provides a golfing experience unlike any other. As we look ahead to 2026, the city’s golf scene continues to evolve, maintaining its reputation for excellence while embracing sustainable practices and innovative course designs.

This comprehensive guide explores the top 5 golf courses in Marrakech that every golfer should experience. From championship layouts designed by golf legends to hidden gems offering intimate playing experiences, these courses represent the pinnacle of Moroccan golf. Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to add a few rounds to your cultural exploration of Marrakech, these courses promise unforgettable memories and challenging play.

1. Royal Golf Marrakech

Established in 1927, Royal Golf Marrakech stands as the oldest and most prestigious golf course in Morocco. Originally designed by the legendary architect Arnaud Massy, the course has undergone several renovations while maintaining its classic character and historical significance. The course is set within a stunning 100-hectare royal park filled with thousands of olive, palm, and orange trees, creating a serene oasis just minutes from the bustling Medina.

Course Features and Highlights

• Par and Length: Par 72, 6,500 yards from championship tees
• Signature Hole: The par-3 16th, featuring an island green surrounded by royal palms
• Architect: Original design by Arnaud Massy, renovated by Cabell Robinson in 2014
• Unique Feature: Historic clubhouse dating back to the 1930s with original architectural details

The course layout presents a perfect balance of challenge and playability, with wide fairways that reward strategic positioning and greens that demand precision. The mature trees lining each fairway not only provide aesthetic beauty but also strategic considerations, requiring thoughtful shot selection throughout the round. Recent sustainability initiatives have transformed the course’s maintenance practices, with water conservation systems and organic turf management becoming priorities for 2026.

For more information about Royal Golf Marrakech’s history and upcoming tournaments, visit the official Royal Golf Marrakech website.

2. Assoufid Golf Club

Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Assoufid Golf Club has quickly established itself as one of Africa’s finest golfing destinations since opening in 2014. Designed by renowned architect Niall Cameron, this desert-style course seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring native vegetation and minimal water usage. The course has received numerous accolades, including being ranked among the top courses in Morocco by multiple golf publications.

What Makes Assoufid Special

• Par and Length: Par 72, 7,200 yards from back tees
• Signature Feature: Spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains from every hole
• Sustainability: Certified by GEO Foundation for sustainable golf course management
• Practice Facilities: State-of-the-art academy with TrackMan technology and short game area

The course design emphasizes strategic play, with risk-reward opportunities on nearly every hole. The fairways are framed by natural desert landscape, requiring accurate tee shots, while the large, undulating greens test even the most skilled putters. The club’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident throughout, with native plantings and wildlife habitats preserved alongside the playing areas. By 2026, Assoufid plans to implement additional solar power initiatives to further reduce its environmental footprint.

3. Al Maaden Golf Resort

Al Maaden Golf Resort represents a perfect fusion of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern golf course design. Created by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, known for his work on Kingsbarns in Scotland, this course offers a unique playing experience that combines strategic design elements with breathtaking visual appeal. The resort’s distinctive feature is its integration of authentic Moroccan art and architecture throughout the property, including the spectacular clubhouse inspired by traditional riads.

Design Philosophy and Playing Experience

• Par and Length: Par 72, 7,000 yards from championship tees
• Architectural Highlight: The 18th hole plays toward a magnificent clubhouse with Atlas Mountain views
• Water Features: Strategic use of water hazards inspired by traditional Moroccan irrigation systems
• Art Integration: Contemporary Moroccan art installations throughout the course

The course routing takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with elevation changes providing both challenge and visual interest. Phillips’ design philosophy of creating “strategic options” is evident on every hole, allowing golfers of different skill levels to choose their preferred approach. The greens complexes are particularly noteworthy, with subtle breaks and tiers that reward careful study and execution. The resort has announced plans for a comprehensive practice facility expansion to be completed by 2026, including a new short game area and indoor simulator bays.

For insights into sustainable golf course design and maintenance practices similar to those at Al Maaden, explore resources from the GEO Foundation.

4. Samanah Golf Club by Nicklaus Design

Samanah Golf Club stands as Jack Nicklaus’ first signature design in North Africa, bringing the Golden Bear’s design philosophy to the Moroccan landscape. Opened in 2009, this championship course has hosted several professional tournaments and continues to challenge golfers with its strategic layout and impeccable conditioning. The course is part of a larger residential community but maintains exclusive access for golfers, ensuring optimal playing conditions and pace of play.

Nicklaus Design Characteristics

• Par and Length: Par 72, 7,400 yards from professional tees
• Design Signature: Risk-reward par-5s that can be reached in two with precise shots
• Bunkering: Strategic placement of over 100 bunkers throughout the course
• Tournament History: Host of the Samanah Masters on the MENA Tour

True to Nicklaus’ design principles, Samanah offers multiple teeing options that dramatically change the character of each hole, making the course enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The fairways are generously wide in landing areas but narrow approaching the greens, emphasizing the importance of course management. The greens are large and feature subtle contours that become more pronounced on tournament pin placements. Recent investments in irrigation technology have improved water efficiency by 30%, with further enhancements planned through 2026.

5. PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika

Located in the picturesque Ourika Valley, approximately 30 minutes from central Marrakech, PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika offers a tranquil golfing experience surrounded by natural beauty. Designed by architect Alain Prat, this course features 27 holes divided into three distinct nines: the Atlas, the Palm, and the Ourika. Each nine offers a different character and challenge, allowing golfers to create varied 18-hole combinations for return visits.

Three-Nines Configuration and Features

• Total Configuration: 27 holes (three nines of par 36 each)
• Atlas Nine: Mountain views and elevation changes
• Palm Nine: Traditional parkland style with mature palm trees
• Ourika Nine: Riverside holes following the natural flow of the Ourika River

The course design takes full advantage of the natural landscape, with the Atlas nine offering dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views, the Palm nine providing classic parkland golf under mature trees, and the Ourika nine featuring strategic water hazards and riverside holes. This variety ensures that every round offers new challenges and visual experiences. The club has implemented comprehensive environmental programs, including native species preservation and water recycling systems, with plans to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2026.

Planning Your Marrakech Golf Trip

When planning your golf trip to Marrakech, consider these essential factors to maximize your experience:

1. Best Time to Visit: October through April offers ideal golfing weather with daytime temperatures between 18-25°C (64-77°F)
2. Booking Tee Times: Reserve in advance, especially during peak season (November-March)
3. Course Conditions: Most courses maintain excellent year-round conditions, with overseeding typically completed by October
4. Cultural Considerations: Respect local customs and dress modestly when traveling between courses and attractions
5. Multi-Course Packages: Many resorts offer stay-and-play packages that provide access to multiple courses

For comprehensive travel planning and current entry requirements for Morocco, consult the official Moroccan National Tourist Office website.

Conclusion: Marrakech’s Golfing Renaissance

Marrakech has firmly established itself as a world-class golf destination, offering diverse courses that cater to every golfer’s preferences and skill level. From the historic charm of Royal Golf Marrakech to the modern design of Assoufid, each course presents a unique interpretation of golf in this magical setting. The commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship evident across these courses ensures that Marrakech’s golf offerings will continue to thrive and evolve through 2026 and beyond.

The combination of challenging golf, spectacular scenery, and rich cultural experiences makes Marrakech an unforgettable destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking championship-level challenges or leisurely rounds in breathtaking surroundings, Marrakech’s top golf courses deliver exceptional experiences that extend far beyond the fairways.

Call to Action

Ready to experience the magic of golf in Marrakech? Start planning your 2026 golf adventure today by exploring package deals, checking course availability, and considering off-peak travel for the best value. Contact your preferred golf travel specialist or visit individual course websites to book your tee times and accommodations. Don’t miss the opportunity to create lasting memories on these exceptional courses while discovering the wonders of Morocco’s Red City.

Note: Course information, policies, and conditions may change. Always verify current details directly with each golf course before planning your visit.