MOROCCO’S RABAT Golfing Delights
Discovering Rabat, City of Light - Morocco’s Capital of Culture with verdant parks and gardens, hills, tree lined boulevards contrast vividly with the Kasbah des Udayas – a Berber era Royal fort, Medina, the Marina fronting the Atlantic’s surf with wide beaches. Rabat has so much to discovery…. plus, golf.
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Story and images by Susanne Kemper
any French and Swiss will remember French/Swiss PGA Pro Eliane Berthet, a leading international pro for over 20 years (10 yrs European Tour) triple French Champion, who has lived in Rabat for over 20 years, hosting global golfers, coaching, plus escorting golfers, playing golf at various courses during their visits. Her hostess charms match her golfing expertise for the perfect introduction to Morocco’s fairways.
making precise iron play into greens a must. Water comes into play primarily starting at the famed 9th with its island green and on homeward nine, particularly 11, 12, and 17. Wind is critical as the tall eucalyptus, pines, mask its swirling effects. Updated for the 2018 Hassan II Trophy, the Red is a physical and mental test for all levels – always maintained beautifully, golfers adore it.
ROYAL DAR ES SALAM GOLF COURSES
In 2018 major work by Duncan to some fairways, the bunkers and all greens’ contours, slopes on the Blue were reworked including green entrances. The lined tightly fairways with their massive trees, foliage were aired, with bunker alignment improved and retouched shaping really enhancing the look from tee. Strategy is key as are tee shots to enable scoring. A great test of golf, fair but demanding top shot making – Jones’ jewel sparkles brightly again.
The Royal Country Club of Tangier opened in 1914 is Morocco’s oldest club. Royal Dar Es Salam inaugurated in 1971 by the late King Hassan II showcases a 45- hole layout created by legendary designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. with its Red Course becoming a global legend just updated by James Duncan restoring its original attributes. RED COURSE PAR 73
The opening four holes are tree lined with strategic bunkering demanding control and length off the tees, plus classic deep greenside bunkers are found throughout. Greens are larger, steeper with challenging undulations
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Ladies GOLF Summer/Autumn 2017 • ISSUE 23
BLUE COURSE, PAR 73
GREEN COURSE.
The 9-hole layout was reworked by Duncan too; the short, technical layout stretches from the Dunes of Merzouga to the Imlil Valley. A great play - some feel a great warm-up. www.ladiesinsportpublications.com
