New world-class golf course, The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid, set to open spring 2012

Text: Landmark Media International Ltd

The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid, one of the best new courses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, featuring spectacular views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, is set to open in spring 2012. The championship layout, an extraordinary debut design by Scottish PGA professional Niall Cameron, forms part of an exquisite new resort and private residential development on a 222-hectare estate that is set to become Morocco’s premier golf venue.

A luxury, 98-room Rocco Forte Collection hotel and spa, is planned, along with a sumptuous golf clubhouse, currently under construction and set to open next year.

The estate’s first private residence, one of 80 luxury villas each set within a one-hectare plot, has been completed and is now occupied. Twelve more homes are being built as part of an initial release of property.

Yet it is the location, just 20-minutes from the ancient center of the vibrant ‘Red City’ of Marrakech, and a 10-minute drive from the international airport, in view of North Africa’s majestic Atlas Mountains, that is capturing visitors’ imagination.

“I had to pinch myself when I first saw the site for the golf course,” said Niall Cameron, who previously oversaw the development of the Kyle Philips designed Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Siciliy. “The setting, with the views to the mountains, is mesmerizing – you can see why people from all over the world are drawn here.

“The terrain for the golf course was ideal. The palm and olive groves, set on undulating rolls and folds in the landscape, enabled us to incorporate mature trees into the design.

“We also have a creek running through the course, which we have brought into play. It’s a strategic design, prompting the golfer to think about how they tackle each shot, but it’s also highly enjoyable and opens out on the back nine so you can fully appreciate the landscape and views to the mountains.”

Morocco is among the fastest growing golf destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and The Marrakech Golf Club, Assoufid, is perfectly situated to become the home club or resort for the discerning international golfer.

Within a three-hour flight time of most European capital cities, Marrakech is a legendary haven for artists, fashionistas, movie stars, business people, statesmen and their families. While tourists enjoy the sights, sounds and heady aromas of the souks, residents head for discreetly favored restaurants, clubs and shopping.

For those with a taste for the outdoors, skiing, walking and 4x4 driving in the Atlas Mountains is a 90-minute driveaway, while the beach is a two-hour trip. Lake Lalla Takerkoust, just 30km from Marrakech, offers a wealth of water sports including jet skiing, water skiing, kite surfing and wind surfing.

The 6,420-meter (7,020-yard), par-72 golf course is scheduled to open in March 2012.