Golf weekend in Marrakech: the ideal 3-day itinerary

A golf weekend in Marrakech is not only possible, it's an excellent idea. With direct flights from many European cities, an airport close to the courses and a mild climate for much of the year, three days are enough to play well, work on your game and enjoy the city. I live and coach here. Here is the programme I recommend, day by day, so your weekend is both enjoyable and useful for your golf.

Why a golf weekend in Marrakech works

The main enemy of a short trip is lost time. In Marrakech, Menara airport is close to the city, and most golf courses are less than half an hour's drive away, around the Palmeraie and on the Ourika road. The result: you can land on Friday and hit your first balls the same day.

Weather-wise, October to May is the most pleasant time to play. Summer is very hot: if you come then, play very early in the morning. And bear in mind that winter mornings can be cool: bring an extra layer.

Day 1: arrival, check-in and driving range

The goal on day one: arrive, drop your bags and get moving again without tiring yourself out.

• Arrival and transfer. Go for a late-morning or early-afternoon flight. Book your transfer in advance so you don't waste time at the airport.
• Driving range in the late afternoon. An hour is enough. No heavy technical session after travelling. Start with a few short pitches, then some mid-irons, and finish with a dozen easy drives.
• Putting. 20 minutes on the putting green to get a feel for green speed. It's the best investment of the day: depending on the course and the season, greens in Marrakech can be faster or slower than at home.
• Simple dinner and an early night. Tomorrow, you play 18 holes.

Day 2: the big course

This is the golf day par excellence. Choose the course you most fancy: Royal Golf de Marrakech, Amelkis, Al Maaden, Akenza... I cover them all in my article on the golf courses of Marrakech. Book your tee time in advance, especially in high season, and check prices directly with the club.

My pre-round warm-up

• 5 minutes of mobility (shoulders, hips, trunk rotations).
• 15 balls on the driving range, from wedge to driver, without chasing perfection.
• 10 minutes of putting: 5 long putts for pace, then short putts for confidence.

On the course

Play with a simple plan: aim for the centre of the greens, keep the ball in play off the tee, and avoid heroic shots. Note four numbers per hole: fairway hit or not, green in regulation or not, number of putts, penalties. That's the basis of any serious assessment. Think about your pre-shot routine too: on an unfamiliar course, it's what keeps you steady.

After the round, lunch at the clubhouse and a quiet afternoon. If you still have energy, 30 minutes of short game in the chipping area, working on the part of your game where you lost the most shots.

Day 3: recovery, a second course or the medina

The third day depends on your flight time and how you're feeling.

• Late flight: 9 or 18 holes in the morning on another course, with an early tee time. You compare two layouts and check whether the previous day's adjustments hold up.
• Early afternoon flight: a targeted driving range session, built on the previous day's stats. If you three-putted four times, the putting green is where you spend your time.
• Time to unwind: a recovery morning (stretching, pool, hammam), then a stroll through the medina, Jemaa el-Fna square and the souks. Allow plenty of time; it's easy to get lost.

Before you leave, take ten minutes to write down your three key lessons from the weekend. What worked? What cost you shots? What will you work on when you get home? That's how a golf weekend becomes a real step forward.

Practical tips for your golf weekend in Marrakech

• Luggage: check your airline's policy for golf bags. A hard-shell travel case protects your clubs.
• Clothing: polo shirt, cap, sun cream, and a warm layer for winter mornings. Course dress codes are the usual ones.
• Hydration: even when it isn't very hot, the air is dry. Drink regularly during your round.
• Caddies and golf carts: depending on the club, a caddie may be recommended or compulsory. Check when you book.
• Money: keep a few dirhams for tips and small purchases.
• Accommodation: stay close to the courses rather than in the medina if golf is your priority. Domaine Lamrah, our partner accommodation, offers academy players a 15% discount.

The all-inclusive golf weekend: the Signature Trip

If you'd rather not organise anything, I created exactly this format. The Signature Trip, Weekend format, runs every month from October to June. Six players maximum, 18 holes a day, warm-up at Domaine Lamrah, a dinner debrief every evening and a scramble on the last day where I play with you as the joker. Accommodation, transfers, breakfasts and green fees are included. The price is given when you book.

Would you rather have a weekend focused on technique, on your own or as a pair? Take a look at the progression camp in Marrakech, tailor-made all year round. And to plan your budget, read my article on the cost of a golf trip to Marrakech.