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.

Many 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. ROYAL DAR ES SALAM GOLF COURSES 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 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. BLUE COURSE, PAR 73 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. 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. Story and images by Susanne Kemper

main pic: Club House DAR ES; below: BAHIA from the air bottom: BAR ES Blue course

ROYAL GOLF ANFA MOHAMMEDIA CLUB Second oldest club, Royal Anfa Mohammedia Golf Club has 18 holes bordering the Atlantic in Mohammedia just 30 minutes from Casablanca airport and Rabat and Anfa’s 9-hole circuit (Par 70, 5537m) in Casablanca. The membership of 4000 includes many from abroad. Fronting the Atlantic Mohammedia’s 18-hole championship layout stretches 5744 meters, par 72, with numerous sands plus several strategic water hazards. Wind is key, with the front nine being “links golf” along the ocean. The signature eight is memorable with its three-tiered green-three putts are easy here! Greens possess many burrows, undulations, but roll well. Returning nine are more protected from the Atlantic’s caprices with dense trees, foliage. A great play. Caddies are mandatory, well trained and knowledgeable. Book carts in advance. Anfa’s 9-hole layout stretches 5537 metres, par 70. Anfa’s stylish Club House “is Casablanca’s place to be” with a bevy of international golfers and Morocco’s bourgeoisie creating an entertaining ambiance.

BAHIA GOLF BEACH CLUB, BOURNIKA Fronting the Atlantic, Bahia Beach Golf Club offers 9 holes with the second 9 to open late June 2019. A new modern Club House with all the amenities including fitness, hammam, sauna plus indoor and al fresco terrace dining. Cabell Robinson’s stunning design will stretch 6832-yard, par-72 from the tips and is very walkable. No holes directly front the Atlantic, but wind will definitely be a key. Carts are

available. A golf academy and extensive practice facilities will please the most demanding. FACT FILE Royal Golf Dar es Salam www.rgdes.ma Royal Golf Anfa Mohammedia www.rgam.ma Bahia Golf Beach Club, www.info@bgb.ma La Tour Hassan Hotel www.latourhassan.com