Troon Golf & Travel - February 2011

and conserving its natural character and the wonderful sea views.

Off the back tees, it stretches out to be the longest course in Morocco. Happily, however, all standards of golfing expertise are catered to and there are numerous tee placements which make it as much of a delight for the casual golfer as it is for the single-figure handicapper.

The first five holes run a little inland on slightly higher ground, twisting and turning through the luxury villas. The third is a tempting and in favorable conditions reachable par- 5, but with a deceptively elusive green. The fifth is a very pretty downhill one-shotter before you head out into the dunes via the panoramically scenic and well-protected sixth. Seven is a long hole which meanders slowly round to the left to a green down by the beach, and two demanding par-4s return you to the superb clubhouse where brief…or even prolonged... refreshment might be the best way to prepare yourself for the even more impressive back nine.

No. 10 lulls you into a false sense of security as the green sits in a bowl which gathers any approach that leaks out to the right, but from then on you are pretty much on your own with strong hole after strong hole all the way to the finish.

The two short holes at 13 and 15 both ask difficult questions whilst trying to put you off your stroke by looking so pretty. The latter is all the more distracting with its infinity green and photogenic backdrop of the ocean. you then take on two more very demanding par-4s and a superb three-shotter to the home green which is protected by a beast of a small pot-bunker which will swallow up anything other than a precisely struck approach.

Ice plant and other shrubbery line the fairways and simply add to the visual appeal without ever being over-penal for the wayward golfer. With the course running as it does alongside the beach, you would expect the wind to be a constant factor. Happily, it tends not to be too strong; instead, its mood swings simply lead to the need for a variety of club-selection the more you play the course.

Off the course, there is a superb and spacious clubhouse where you can enjoy lunch inside or on the terrace with its excellent views out over the breaking waves. The menu includes local dishes, sandwiches and snacks. In the cooler months— and you must bear in mind that the Moroccan idea of cooler is not the same as yours or mine—soups and stews are also served.

Next to this is a spa and fitness centre where you can enjoy—although that might not be entirely the right word—a hammam. This is a full-body scrub and massage which peels shards of skin from your tired body leaving you cleaner than ever. It is by turns soothing, painful, ticklish and stimulating, and leaves you feeling invigorated and fresh. Don’t be put off, it is most definitely worth it. afterwards, you can lie back in one of the quiet rooms with some Moroccan mint green tea watching the golden sun sink over the beach and into the sea beyond.

The adjacent 5-star, 500-room and suites hotel boasts the largest casino in northern africa. Here you will find more than 400 slot machines and 60 gaming tables; and for those who just can’t get enough, it is open 23 hours of the day! Of greater interest to the gourmet will be the fact that the hotel is home to a good number of mouth-watering restaurants. Outstanding amongst these are

with its excellent
climate and ex-
panding portfolio
of golf courses,
it is becoming an
ever-increasing
draw for the
golfing holiday-
maker seeking
something differ-
ent in an inviting
climate.

Market Place, which looks out over the courtyard gardens and provides sumptuous buffets from the Middle east, North africa, India and asia.

There is also Sel de Mer with its fresh or grilled seafood delicacies on a large barbecue along with a wide selection of tapas.

With the opportunity to dine in a different location every night, you really have no need to go elsewhere, although nearby you can visit two historic ports. el Jadida is a unesco World Heritage site, and azemmour is on the estuary of Oum er-rbia, Morocco's longest river. With its castle and synagogue, it dates back more than 500 years.