Kingdom of Golf MOROCCO

BY: ANDREW MARSHALL

The first port of call for our five day Moroccan golf journey was the Palmeraie Rotana Resort, an oasis of luxury and refinement nestled in the heart of a lush, cool palm grove ten minutes from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. This exquisite property is richly decorated in intricate Moorish designs that feature large archways, opulent furnishings and a décor in rich earth tones. After checking in we were asked to make ourselves comfortable on a collection of carpets and cushions by a water fountain in the tiled foyer area.

Before long, resident tea-maker Mr. Aziz Igouzoulen appeared through an archway wearing a flowing white robe and a maroon fez hat, carrying a silver tray with an elegant metal teapot packed with fresh mint leaves, tea and sugar. After the tea had brewed for a few minutes, Aziz made a spectacle of pouring the fragrant golden liquid from a great height into the small decorative glasses. With a grin wider than Tiger Woods winning the 2019 Masters, he handed us the tea overflowing with the delicious aroma of fresh Moroccan mint saying, “Welcome to Marrakech and I hope you play some good golf.”