Palmeraie Golf Club by Pickalbatros, now part of the Palmeraie Rotana Resort, is one of Marrakech’s most iconic golf courses and a true oasis of greenery and tranquillity in the heart of the desert landscape. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., the 18-hole, par-72 championship course opened in 1992 and quickly became a cornerstone of Moroccan golf. Surrounded by the city’s famous palm grove, the course offers a unique blend of tropical vegetation, water features and breathtaking views of the distant Atlas Mountains.
The design follows Trent Jones’ philosophy of combining generous landing areas with strategic complexity. The fairways meander through clusters of date palms, olive trees and flowering shrubs, creating a resort-style setting that is both beautiful and challenging. Several holes feature sparkling lakes and streams, which not only enhance the aesthetic but also test decision-making on approaches. The greens are subtly contoured, rewarding accurate iron play and confident putting.
The standout holes include the par-5 9th, a sweeping dogleg around water that tempts aggressive play, and the par-3 17th, which requires a precise shot over a shimmering lake framed by palm trees. The course’s lush vegetation and natural curves give it a tropical ambience rarely found in Moroccan golf, and despite its resort appeal, the routing offers enough challenge to engage low-handicap players.
In 2010, a 9-hole addition by architect Stéphane Talbot expanded the facility to 27 holes, allowing for multiple course combinations and ensuring a fresh experience with each round. The club has hosted a number of prestigious amateur and professional tournaments, helping cement its reputation as one of Marrakech’s must-play golf venues.
The Palmeraie Rotana Resort surrounding the course offers luxury accommodation, a spa, restaurants, swimming pools and leisure activities, making it an ideal base for golfers and holidaymakers alike. The atmosphere is peaceful, refined and quintessentially Moroccan — where palm-lined fairways meet the artistry of world-class design.
