Twenty-five minutes from Marrakech's medinas and souks, PalmGolf Marrakech Ourika is a proper championship test at over 7,300 yards from the tips, par 72, with the Atlas Mountains sitting there in the background throughout the round. It's set where the foothills meet the plain, so you get that classic Morocco contrast of palms, scrub and bright green fairways.
The routing makes the most of the natural movement in the land, which means plenty of uneven lies and greens with real shape to them. If you're coming on a winter-sun trip, you'll love how quick and true the putting surfaces tend to run, but you do need to stay switched on with pace control. When the afternoon breeze comes down off the mountains, it can firm things up and make distance control into the greens a proper challenge.
In terms of standards, you're in safe hands. The same management group looks after The Els Club Dubai, La Reserva in Sotogrande and Costa Navarino in Greece, so conditioning and service are taken seriously. The practice set-up is strong too, with a full range plus short game and putting areas that give you a fair idea of what you'll face out on the course.
Visitors will love the mountain-backdrop golf and this one delivers in winter when the Atlas is dusted with snow. The course is walkable in the cooler months if you fancy it, although many take a buggy for the heat and the yardage.
Who is this for?
Golfers staying in Marrakech who want a quality round without trekking to the coast and groups mixing golf with food, culture and nightlife in the city.
Who is it best for?
Confident ball-strikers and mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy quick greens, a bit of wind and a course that rewards good positioning over simply swinging harder.
