How Much Does a Golf Trip to Marrakech Cost? A Detailed Budget

How much does a golf trip to Marrakech cost? It's one of the questions I'm asked most often. The honest answer: it all depends on the season, the courses you choose, your accommodation and the number of players. I live and play in Marrakech, and I run golf camps there all year round. Here is how I break down a budget, item by item, so you can estimate yours with no nasty surprises.

The cost items in a Marrakech golf trip budget

A golf trip is always made up of the same building blocks. Some are fixed, others vary enormously:

• the return flight;
• accommodation;
• green fees (the most variable item);
• coaching, if you want to improve and not just play;
• transfers between the airport, the hotel and the courses;
• meals and extras (golf cart hire, range balls, caddie, tips).

Make a list, cost each line with real quotes, and you'll have your budget. Let's go through each item.

Flights and accommodation: the two items to plan ahead

The flight

Marrakech is served by plenty of direct flights from France, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain, including low-cost airlines. Fares depend mainly on when you book and on school holidays. The autumn half-term, Christmas, February and Easter holidays push prices up. Also factor in the fee for your golf bag: it isn't always included and can add up. Check the airline's baggage policy before comparing.

Accommodation

Options range from riads in the medina to resorts with their own golf course. For a golf trip, I recommend staying close to the courses, in the Palmeraie or on the Ourika road, rather than in the heart of the medina: you save time every morning. The academy's partner accommodation is Domaine Lamrah, where RM Golf Academy players get a 15% discount. Prices vary with the season and room type: ask for a quote for your dates.

Green fees in Marrakech: the most variable cost

I'm not going to give you precise figures here: they change with the club, the season, the tee time and the deals with hotels. What I can tell you is how it works.

• The season matters a lot. From autumn to spring it's peak golf season: prices are higher and tee times are in greater demand. In summer, prices often drop, but it's very hot.
• Each course has its own price list. Royal Golf de Marrakech, Amelkis, Al Maaden and Akenza are not positioned the same way. I introduce them in my article on the golf courses of Marrakech.
• Extras are added on. Golf cart, caddie (often mandatory or recommended depending on the course), bucket of balls. Ask what's included.
• Packages exist. Hotels and organisers often offer multi-course packs. Compare them with the per-round price.

My advice: before booking, check each club's website or contact its office directly and ask for the price on your exact dates. It's the only way to get a reliable figure.

Coaching: RM Golf Academy rates

If you're coming to Marrakech to improve, coaching is the item that really changes the return on investment of your trip. Here are my rates, with no surprises:

• Semi-intensive progression camp (3-hour half-days): €160 on your own, €105 per person for two, €87 per person for three. Green fees not included.
• Intensive progression camp: on quotation, depending on the number of days and your goals.
• Private lessons: 90-minute assessment at €90, 5-lesson pack (one hour each) at €300, Beginner pack (eight 45-minute sessions and a 9-hole round, green fee not included) at €490.
• Signature Trip: a fully organised trip to play with me, price given at booking (see below for what's included).

Details are on the golf camp in Marrakech page.

Transfers, meals and extras

Transfers. Marrakech-Menara airport is close to the city and the main courses. Taxi, private driver or hire car: it all depends on how many courses you plan to play. In a group, a driver for the week is often simpler than a hire car, and you avoid driving after a day of golf. Ask for quotes in advance and agree the fare before getting into a taxi.

Meals. Marrakech offers the full range, from small neighbourhood restaurants to fine dining. Clubhouses generally serve decent food at lunchtime. If your accommodation includes breakfast, that's one less item to budget for.

The extras. Tips for caddies (customary in Morocco), range balls, a visit to the medina, a hammam. Set aside a little spending money, preferably in dirhams.

How to get the best price for your golf trip to Marrakech

• Come as a group. It's the most effective tip. On my Semi-intensive camp, the price per person drops from €160 on your own to €87 for three. Transfers and the driver are shared too.
• Choose your dates carefully. Avoid school holidays if you can. The shoulder seasons (early autumn, late spring) often offer a good balance between weather and price.
• Book early. Flights and accommodation, especially in high season.
• Mix course and driving range. A half-day of technical work costs less than 18 holes and often helps you improve faster. The best programme combines both.
• Go all-inclusive if you want peace of mind. You know from the start what you're paying.

The all-inclusive option: the Signature Trip

If you don't want to organise anything, the Signature Trip is made for you. Two formats every month from October to June: a Weekend or a Full week with a day off. On the programme: 18 holes a day, warm-up at Domaine Lamrah, a dinner debrief and a scramble on the final day where I play as the joker. Six players maximum. Accommodation at Domaine Lamrah, transfers, breakfasts and green fees are included: you get the price when you book, and all you need to add is your flight and your free evenings' dinners.

To compare all the options, see the golf trip to Marrakech page, or read my complete guide to golf camps in Marrakech.