Golf Club Rotana, formerly known as Palmeraie Golf Club, is one of Marrakech’s most renowned and scenic golf destinations. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., it opened in 1992 and is located within the lush Palmeraie Rotana Resort, about fifteen minutes from the Medina. The course is set in the heart of the city’s famous palm grove — a sprawling oasis filled with more than 100,000 palm trees — offering a serene, resort-style environment with spectacular views of the distant Atlas Mountains.
The 18-hole, par-72 championship course stretches over 6,200 metres and is a classic example of Trent Jones’ design philosophy: wide, inviting fairways that reward bold tee shots, but with strategic bunkering, water hazards and elevated greens that demand precision and control. The layout incorporates a series of shimmering lakes and streams, which not only enhance the course’s beauty but also come into play on several key holes. The fairways weave gracefully through clusters of palms and flowering shrubs, giving the entire experience a distinctly tropical atmosphere rarely found in Moroccan golf.
The course’s signature holes include the long par-5 9th, which curves around a lake toward a raised green, and the par-3 17th, played over water with the mountains visible in the distance. The greens are well-kept and typically fast, while the palm-lined corridors provide a balance between visual drama and playability. The layout offers several tee positions, allowing both beginners and experienced golfers to enjoy the round at their own level.
In 2010, a 9-hole extension designed by Stéphane Talbot was added, giving the resort a total of 27 holes. This allows for a variety of combinations and ensures that guests staying at the Palmeraie Rotana Resort can enjoy multiple configurations of play.
Beyond the golf, the setting is spectacular: the Palmeraie Rotana Resort features luxury accommodation, a spa, swimming pools, and several restaurants and lounges — making it one of Marrakech’s most complete golf and leisure destinations. The combination of resort comfort, iconic design, and natural beauty ensures Golf Club Rotana remains a staple for visitors seeking a refined yet relaxing golf experience in Morocco.
