Hassan II Golf Trophy: 35 years of international fame

2007-10-22



Since its creation in 1971, the Hassan II Golf Trophy has become an annual event attracting international professionals prompted by the desire to discover the natural treasures of Morocco and to move on the many links growing in the Kingdom under the High Solicitude of His Majesty, the late Hassan II.

This prestigious golf competition, thanks to the broad international media coverage, represents an opportunity of opening to the rest of the world and a confirmation of the good reputation and image of Morocco. The 35th edition, to be held from the 24th to the 28th of October on the course of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, will be an occasion to remind the solicitude His Majesty the late Hassan II granted to this sporting event, especially that the late Sovereign was himself an eminent golfer.

It is important to pinpoint that Morocco has over 85 years of golf history: After the Second World War, only the cities of Marrakech, Tangier and Mohammedia had golf courses. Two links, in Casablanca-Anfa and in Kénitra, built by the American soldiers camped at that time in the Kingdom, came to enrich this infrastructure. Still, golf in Morocco made great strides under the reign of His Majesty the late Hassan II. After the success of the first edition, the courses of Mohammedia and Marrakech were renovated, and that of Tangier was extended to bear up to 18 holes, while new courses were built in the two imperial cities of Fez and Meknès.

This dynamics continued with the creation of new Golf courses in several cities, in particular in Casablanca, Agadir, Settat and Benslimane. Splendid spaces for golfers, for both Moroccans and foreigners, to express their passion of golf within a pleasant framework.

Throughout its 35 years of existence, this large celebration of the golf celebration contributed to give a new breath to national tourism. Sports tourism sets up accordingly in new promising axes, arousing the interest of investors. Moreover, thanks to the Hassan II Golf Trophy event, Morocco is able to attract the interest of international media, by covering the competition, and reporting the good organization, hospitality, and the original framework offered by the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.

Placed under the presidency of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, the Hassan II Golf Trophy Society has largely contributed to the development of the golf game. Among the actions carried out within this framework, we note in particular the conception of the "Moroccan Pro Tour" and the creation of the Royal Academy, on the initiative of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.

To ensure the continuity of the Hassan II Golf Trophy and to level the national golf were challenges, raised by the Hassan II Golf Trophy Society, who professionalized the organization of this competition, by tying several partnerships with national and international companies.

The most remarkable partnership was incontestably the one with "Emaar". From this day on, Emaar is the official sponsor of this sporting competition and thus, the name has become the "Hassan II Golf Trophy by Emaar".

The multiplication of the competitions everywhere in Morocco and throughout the year is going to demonstrate the place of choice that the golf game occupies in the Kingdom. The result of this is the appearance of Moroccan golfers of good quality and young talents which clear their way towards glory.

In this direction, the Hassan II Golf Trophy is illustrating several Moroccans. Moussa Fatmi, who has been a revelation since 1972 by winning several national titles, Mohammed Makroune, as well as players of rising generation such as Mohammed Sayeh, Younesse Hassani, professionals since 1982, Abdelhak Sabi and Fayçal Serghini, are all names that gave glory to the national golf game.

The female Moroccan gender also landed in the adventure from the 1980s. The pioneers of this evolution are Malika Demnati and Zoubida Hillali. The torch then passed to other players like Lalla Soumia Ouazzani, currently playing as a professional, and Mounia Amalou.