Situated less than 20 minutes north of central Marrakech, Pickalbatros Golf Club is a 27-hole championship venue designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. If you're a bit of a course-design geek (I am), the name will jump out straight away. He's worked on Ryder Cup venues like Valderrama and Hazeltine National, and you'll see that same 'think your way round' feel here, big palm-lined sightlines, water on a handful of key holes and green sites that reward the right angle in.
Pickalbatros has welcomed golfers since 1992, making it Marrakech's second-oldest course and a popular pick for a Morocco golf holiday. The big plus for travelling groups and couples is convenience. You've got on-site accommodation and a well-established resort set-up, so sorting tee times and post-round relaxation is pretty painless.
One of the standout features is the palm grove that frames the holes. It dates back to the 11th century and, according to local history, began when soldiers of Almoravid Sultan Youssef ben Tachfine returned from the Sahara with dates. Those plantings eventually became a vast palm area that still gives the course its shade, shape and unmistakable Marrakech feel.
The 27 holes are arranged as three nine-hole loops, so you can often get a bit of variety across the week depending on the day's routing. Expect mature palms throughout with water coming into play on a few holes, so keep an eye on your lines into the greens. The course suits mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy strategic golf in a resort setting, though higher handicappers will find it playable if they manage their game sensibly.
Please note: a golf buggy or caddy is compulsory when playing the course.
Play Pickalbatros Golf Club on your next Marrakech golf break.
Who is this for? Marrakech-based golf breaks, quick winter-sun getaways, groups who want on-site golf and accommodation in one place.
Who is it best for? Golfers who enjoy tree-lined strategy, players happy to shape shots and plot their way round, mid-handicappers looking for a fair but testing resort round.
