This prestigious competition is an opportunity to open up to new horizons, through the participation of the most renowned players on the planet of golf, and to promote the Kingdom as a host country for the greatest sporting events in the world.
The 47th edition of the Hassan II Trophy will serve as a reminder of the great concern with which His late Majesty Hassan II surrounded this sporting event, especially since the late Sovereign was himself an illustrious golfer.
While the history of golf in Morocco dates back more than 90 years, the Kingdom had only three courses in the cities of Marrakech, Tangier and Mohammedia after the Second World War.
Two courses, in Casablanca-Anfa and Kenitra, built by American soldiers present in the Kingdom at the time, then came to enrich this infrastructure. However, golf did not really take off in Morocco until the 1970s.
Following the success of the first edition of the Hassan II Trophy, the courses in Mohammedia and Marrakech underwent restoration work, while the course in Tangier was expanded, bringing the number of holes to 18. In addition, new courses were created in the cities of Fez and Meknes.
Then, new courses were created in several cities, notably in Casablanca, Agadir, Settat and Benslimane, allowing golf lovers, Moroccan and foreign, to practice their favorite sport in a pleasant setting.
The Hassan II Golf Trophy has also contributed, throughout its years of existence, to giving new life to national tourism, with many investors opting for golf tourism projects in the cities of El Jadida, Marrakech, Agadir, Tetouan and Tangier, among others.
In order to further promote golf in Morocco, the Hassan II Trophy Association (ATH) was created in 2001, under the presidency of HRH Prince Moulay Rachid. The ATH has greatly contributed to the development of this sporting discipline in Morocco, notably through the establishment of the “Moroccan Pro Tour” and the creation of the Royal Golf Academy, at the initiative of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
Since its creation, the Association has successfully met several challenges. It has thus ensured the sustainability of the Hassan II Trophy, which attracts world-renowned professionals, and has worked to promote Moroccan golf internationally.
Furthermore, thanks to the support of the ATH and the training policy adopted by the Royal Moroccan Federation of the discipline, Moroccan golfers have distinguished themselves in various Arab and European events.
In this context, a “golf and studies” program has been created for beneficiaries, most of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, training in the various golf professions is provided in Morocco.
The increase in national and international golf competitions hosted by the Kingdom throughout the year illustrates the prominent place currently occupied by golf in Morocco and the high level displayed by practitioners of this sport on a national scale, thanks in particular to the support of the ATH.
In addition to the participation of foreign professional players, the Hassan II Trophy has seen the emergence of several Moroccan golfers, such as Moussa Fatmi, who shone from 1972 by winning several national titles, Mohamed Makroune, a professional since 1982, and players of the new generation such as Mohamed Sayeh, Younesse Hassani, Abdelhak Sabi and Fayçal Serghini.
Regarding women’s golf, the Lalla Meryem Cup, which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year, was created in 1993 at the initiative of the late HM Hassan II, in order to strengthen the presence of women in the development of national sport.
Women entered the national golf world in the 1980s thanks to pioneers Malika Demnati and Zoubida Hillali. The torch was then passed to other players such as Lalla Soumia Ouazzani, Mounia Amalou, Maha Haddioui, Ines Laklalech, Intissar Rich, among others.
The 47th edition of the Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 26th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup will be held from February 6 to 11, 2023 at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI.
This prestigious competition begins a new era through the PGA Tour Champions which welcomes the most recognized senior players on the planet of golf.
Colin Montgomerie, José Maria Olazàbal, Bernhard Langer and David Toms are among the 66 legends expected for this special edition of the Hassan II Trophy, which places the event under the banner of the Return of the Champions.
Furthermore, the Lalla Meryem Cup, which is part of the Ladies European Tour (LET), will bring together the European elite of women’s golf on the Blue Course.
Morocco remains to this day the only country to organize, in the same city, on the same dates and at the same location, a men’s and women’s event included in the European golf calendars.
2024-08-24 17:18:32