Morocco is undeniably a world class golf destination, a magical land rich in culture, exotic cuisine, luxury resorts with world class golf courses and year round sunshine.

[Photo. Tristan Jones. L.E.T. Champions Bronte Law and Ricardo Gonzales with their magnificent trophies.]

The Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat recently hosted two major International golf events, The Hassan II Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup. The resort has two magnificent championship courses, The Red and The Blue. The Hassan Trophy II tournament was played on the Red while The Lalla Meryem Cup on the Blue course.  Designed by Robert Trent Jones, senior, back in the late sixties The Royal Dar Es Salam opened for play in 1971. The course’s signature hole is the par 3 ninth, a testing hole where the tee shot is played over a lily pond to a beautiful island green. The bridge overlooking the green is a popular viewing spot for spectators, Oos and ahs can be heard from around the green as balls land either on the green or in the lily pond.

The Blue is quite similar to the Red, cork oak, eucalyptus and palm trees flank narrow fairways, wooded areas and water hazards that help make these two courses an interesting and testing challenge for players of all levels.  

This year I was very privileged to be invited with EGTMA to attend the event and was especially delighted to visit  this magnificent country again. I had been covering the Lalla Meryem Cup L.E.T. tournament for many years so it was indeed a pleasure for me to watch some of Europe’s best women golfers in action here in Morocco. I was also thrilled to watch Olivia Mehaffey play as I had been following Olivia’s career since she was a little girl playing in Ireland.

[Photo. Tristan Jones L.E.T. Olivia Mahaffey ]

The week began with a pro.am. this is always a great way to watch players when they are relaxed, and of course you may be lucky to get an autograph or selfie, which we did. Quite a few actually.

‘The return of The Champions,’ golfing legends appeared on the course smiling, happily enjoying the occasion. Monte was delightful, friendly and charming as was Bjorn and Jimenez. John Daly was totally chilled, leaning back in his golf cart listening to music. I did manage to get a smile and a photograph! By all accounts it was fun day for the spectators, and those lucky enough to play alongside these golfing greats.

After an exciting week of superb golf it was Argentinia’s Ricardo Gonzalez who claimed the title in the 48th edition of the Hassan II Trophy scoring ten- under – par. Thomas Bjorn from Denmark secured second place with -9, while Australia’s Mark Hensby claimed third place with -7.

A very emotional Gonzales said:  “Winning this tournament holds immense significance for me, particularly considering the illustrious champions who have triumphed here before. Having my son by my side as caddy made this victory even more special. It ranks among the most cherished moments of my professional career.”

In the Lalla Meryem Cup, England’s Bronte Law fired a phenomenal final round of 64 (-9) to come from behind and clinch a three-shot victory. Law powered her way into the lead by carding eight birdies, one eagle and one bogey in the next 16 holes to take her third LET victory.

Speaking about her whirlwind final day, Law who won Q School in 2018 in Morocco said: “I think I should come back to Morocco more often, I’m very happy to come back and win. This win feels a little bit surreal.”

[Photo: Tristan Jones L.E.T Bronte Law.]

“I held out on 14 from the fairway for an eagle and at that moment I thought there was a chance if I kept making birdies. That was the turning point.”

France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard was runner up on -10 after rounds of whilst the overnight leader Mexico’s Maria Fassi and Spain’s Fatima Fernandez Cano tied for third on -9.

Throughout the week, two young Moroccan players Ines Laklalech and Sofia Cherif Essakli stood out with their outstanding performances. Ines made history by finishing in joint 7th place with -6. whilst 14 year old Sofia made the cut in the Lalla Meryem Cup for the second consecutive year.

[Photo: Tristan Jones L.E.T. – L/R Ines Lakalech; Pauline Roussin- Bouchard]

During the week we did manage to see and experience some of the Kingdom’s fabulous capital, Rabat. If and when you do go I would thoroughly recommend taking a guided tour as you do get to see the most important sites. Rabat is very unique city, rich in culture, this is a city where the historic treasures of the past blend naturally with the modern. Some of the historical sites and monuments we visited originated back to the seventh century. The most popular attractions include the city’s iconic Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V,  Kasbah of the Udayas and Necropolis of Chellah. 

 

Our visit to the Old Medina was most enjoyable, cafes, traditional shops selling all types of hand – crafts, including gorgeous leather bags, colourful paintings, hand made rugs, and beautiful fabrics. I would loved to have spent more time browsing the narrow lanes of this fascinating Medina but, alas, there was more magic to see and experience. 

On our final evening our EGTMA group along with The Champions attended a cocktail party at the luxurious Fairmont La Marina, Rabat, Salé Hotel, a fitting finale to a wonderful week. 

 

Ger Bradley

 

Photos: L/R Ger Bradley, Colin Montgomery with his lovely wife Sarah, Ann Mooney.

Room with a view. Sofitel Hotel, Rabat.

Fairmont, La Marina Hotel, evening cocktail party.