GolfPlus - Nov 19 Digital Edition (Nov 19) | Page 30

Feature UNIQUE GOLFING EXPERIENCE IN MOROCCO By Chitranjan Bakhshi MUST PLAY GOLF COURSES Royal Golf Dar Essalam: The course has two amazing 18-Hole Golf Courses. In addition, They have the most spectacular training Academy with 9 holes. Traced by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam is only about fifteen minutes from the center of Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Berber tent at the poolside of the hotel Royal Golf Meknes: The course is in the gardens of Sultan Moulay Ismail surrounded by walls that the Royal Golf of Meknes unrolls its fairways. The play is a privilege because it is the only golf of a Royal Palace which is open to the public. The Michlifen Golf & Country Club: The course is set in majestic and unspoiled nature in the heart of the Middle Atlas, a region known for its charming alpine architecture. At 1650 meters above sea level, between mountains and forests of cedars or oaks, a beautiful setting for a superb 18 holes. Throughout your journey, you will see breathtaking 360 ° views, centuries-old trees and rocky outcrops reminiscent of the force of time. Chitranjan Bakhshi, Yash Soni from Par Excellence Golf, UK with Peter Walton, CEO-IAGTO (Center) at the IGTM’19 orocco is one of the hottest destinations in the world for golf holidays. Millions of dollars have been invested over the last few years, giving the golf enthusiasts dozens of top golf courses around the kingdom to play on. Coupled with Morocco’s great climate, easy accessibility and exotic but welcoming nature it’s no surprise that golfers from around the world are fl ocking to the country and bringing their clubs with them. Golf in Morocco is popular because of the support of the Royal family. The late King Hassan II, was an avid golfer as was his sister, Lalla Ayishi. Today, the younger brother of the king, Prince Moulay Rachid is a lover of the game, and with the continued royal patronage, the game of Golf in the country is fl ourishing! There are around 25 golf courses in all the main cities: Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Casablanca, Tangiers and Fez, and many more world class courses across the country. Top international designers such as Gary Player, 34 G o l f P l u s NOVEMBER Rolling fresh Dominican Cigars at IGTM Kyle Phillips and Jack Nicklaus have been brought in to sculpt these courses, ensuring that they are not only challenging and fun, but also that they make the most of their unique Moroccan location. The Nicklaus signature course has 18 stunning holes constructed in the spectacular Little Anti-Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The course also has a 5 star deluxe hotel which has over 70 rooms and suites. One can even have a traditional dinner in a Berber tent at the poolside of the hotel! With a view to promote the destination to the international golf tourism industry, the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) is the annual golf trade show for the golf tourism industry. The once a year event celebrates the renowned Golf Tourism Initiative which brings together the best of the Golf Travel Community every year. Initiatives organised included golf tournaments and FAM tours pre and post show for participants at some of the region’s best golf courses. The host city of Marrakech provided the perfect blend of climate, culture, and golf welcoming golf enthusiasts from around the 2019 Royal Golf Fez: The 9 holes golf course is characterized by fairways winding between the woods and along the wadi, where lagoons and water features have been arranged on both sides of the canal, to offer golfers a unique gaming experience. Chitranjan Bakhshi along with Andrew Cooke of Visit England and Peter Salmon of Vita Golf, Iceland world to help grow and build the game in the midst of the Royal Golf Courses. The city of Fez has the oldest functional Suk in the world, which is also recognised by the UNESCO as an heritage site.