Tee Off at Royal Golf Anfa Mohammedia

Thousands of European golfers make the trip to Morocco every year, and there's a good reason for that. The weather is kind, the courses are plentiful, and the green fees are a fraction of what you'd pay in France or Spain for something comparable. Among the names that come up again and again in conversations between serious players, the Royal Golf d'Anfa Mohammedia holds a special place.

It's not the most talked-about club in the country. That's precisely the point.

The Course and Its Setting

The Royal Golf d'Anfa Mohammedia is one of the oldest clubs in Morocco. Founded in the mid-twentieth century, it has moved through the decades without losing what makes it distinctive: the soul of a historic club, which has become genuinely rare in a country where new golf resorts seem to appear every season. You feel that history from the moment you step onto the course. The trees are tall and mature, the fairways are shaded, and the whole place carries an atmosphere that is at once elegant and unhurried.

The layout is 18 holes, par 72, designed to be demanding without tipping over into frustrating. Better players will find plenty to think about: well-placed dog-legs, strategic bunkering, and greens that are quick enough to punish anything less than a committed stroke. Mid-handicappers will appreciate how readable the layout is, with generous fairways that give you a genuine chance to work through your round rather than just survive it. It's the kind of course where you leave feeling like you could play better next time, which is probably the best thing you can say about any track.

The greens are well maintained year-round, and the general upkeep of the course is solid. Several holes open up to Atlantic views, which goes some way towards making a fluffed chip feel less catastrophic.

What tends to catch visitors off guard is the vegetation. Most people arrive with a mental image of Morocco as dusty, ochre, and arid, then walk out onto a course that is deeply green, lined with century-old eucalyptus trees, palms, and flowering shrubs. The overall effect is of a lush enclave sitting between the city and the ocean, and that generosity of landscape makes a real difference to how a round feels. You play, you breathe, you take your time.

The pace of play is relaxed, without the quiet pressure you can sense at some busier clubs. Groups have room to move at their own rhythm, and the local birdlife, settled high in the old trees, occasionally joins the scene with complete indifference to whatever score you're trying to protect.

Practical Information

The club is in Mohammedia, a coastal town roughly 25 kilometres northeast of Casablanca. Getting there from Casa is easy: about half an hour by car on the A3, or a short train ride from Casa-Voyageurs station.

On fees, expect to pay considerably less than you would at a comparable resort on the Andalusian coast. Equipment hire is available on site, which is worth knowing if you're flying in and don't want to deal with checking clubs. The clubhouse has a restaurant and adequate changing facilities. Staff are used to visiting players and French is spoken without any difficulty. Lessons are available too, either for beginners or for anyone who wants to tune something up before heading out.

The best time to play is between October and April, when temperatures are comfortable and the sun is present without being punishing. July and August can be genuinely hot, and 18 holes in that kind of heat is a different proposition entirely, especially with younger players in tow.

Tips for Visiting Players

The dress code is what you'd expect from any reputable club: no jeans, no round-neck t-shirts, proper golf shoes. Nothing unusual, but worth knowing before you arrive.

Book your tee time in advance, particularly at weekends or during peak season. The club attracts a healthy mix of members and visiting players, and Saturday mornings especially can fill up quickly.

Stay on top of hydration, even outside the summer months. The Moroccan sun is strong all year, and a full walking round earns its place. Bring sun cream, a hat, and a light layer for cooler winter mornings.

If you're travelling with non-golfing family members, Mohammedia itself has enough going on to keep everyone occupied while you're out on the course.

What to Do Nearby

Mohammedia: The town is easy-going and considerably less touristy than Casablanca. The seafront, the local fish restaurants, and the generally unhurried atmosphere make it a genuinely pleasant base for anyone who wants something a little off the beaten path.

Casablanca: Twenty-five kilometres away, Morocco's economic capital is the obvious day trip. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, is unmissable. The Corniche, the business district, and the old medina round out the picture.

The Atlantic coast: Mohammedia sits right on the ocean. The beaches are clean, accessible, and far quieter than those at Agadir or Essaouira. A good option for a relaxed afternoon after a morning round.

El Jadida: About 90 kilometres to the south, this coastal city is home to a Portuguese fortified town that's listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Half a day is enough to do it justice, and the coastal drive down is worth the trip on its own.

Azemmour: A small medieval town on the banks of the Oum Er-Rbia river, Azemmour is the kind of place that hurried tourists consistently miss and later regret. Its colourful lanes, quiet medina, and sense of being slightly outside of time make it a rewarding detour for anyone with a bit of curiosity.

The Royal Golf d'Anfa Mohammedia is a club for golfers who aren't looking for a shiny resort with an infinity pool. It's the real thing: character, history, and a course that asks something of you.

Pair that with the relaxed pace of Mohammedia and the easy access to Casablanca, and you've got a very solid base for a golf trip to Morocco that actually stays with you.