AWARD-WINNING ASSOUFID GOLF CLUB IN MARRAKECH CONTINUES TO BE RECOGNISED AS THE STANDOUT COURSE IN MOROCCO
Marrakech, Morocco – Assoufid Golf Club in Marrakech, consistently ranked #1 in Morocco, continues to collect prestigious industry awards, spearheading the North African country’s development as one of the world’s leading new golf destinations.
The critically-acclaimed course, which opened in 2014, has now been awarded ‘Morocco’s Golf Experience of the Year 2020′ by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), a global trade organisation comprising 2,700 members in 101 countries.
The influential body, that boasts 700 golf tour operators in 63 countries as members who control more than 87% of golf holiday packages sold globally, also recognised Morocco as one of the top 15 golf destinations in the world.
This important golf tourism accolade proceeded another World Golf Awards triumph for Assoufid Golf Club, ‘Morocco’s Best Golf Course 2019’, a category it has dominated for six consecutive years, adding to ‘Africa’s Best Golf Course’ awards in 2016 and 2017.
Assoufid Golf Club sits against the dramatic backdrop of North Africa’s snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and benefits from an inspiring and undulating desert-style design, created by former European Tour professional, Niall Cameron.
The Par 72 layout, featuring cacti, palm and olive trees, is conveniently situated just 20-minutes from Marrakech’s vibrant old town (medina) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and just 10-minutes from the recently re-developed international airport.
Guy Maxwell, Golf Director at Assoufid Golf Club, said: “Marrakech is rapidly evolving into a golf destination of global importance, not only attracting European golfers seeking a new challenge, but visitors from further afield, keen to blend the magic of Marrakech with world-class golf, and a perfect all-year-round sporting climate.
“It is testament to our team’s efforts that we continue to be at the top of many must-play lists for golf visitors to Morocco. The course offers an exceptional challenge, beautiful conditioning and we are also very proud of our 5-star customer service.”
Plans are also in place for Assoufid Golf Club to be further enhanced by the development of an iconic five-star luxury hotel, residences and retail component to serve guests and residents.
An agreement was signed with Marriott International to introduce the iconic St. Regis brand which includes 80 keys (60 rooms and 20 villas) equipped with exclusive amenities such as a world-class spa, a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as three specialty restaurants for a world-class culinary experience.
The development also includes 22 branded residences, 28 real estate residences of tourist promotion (RIPT), 25 residential villas, 120 apartments and a retail area at 2,312 square meters.
Alongside this exciting golf and hospitality proposition, the city continues to attract millions of visitors each year with must-visit sites including, the Djemaa el Fna Square, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Tower and the Saadian Tombs.
For more information about Assoufid Golf Club, visit: www.assoufid.com
– ENDS –
Contacts:
Assoufid Golf Club
Guy Maxwell
Director of Golf
E-mail: g.maxwell@assoufid.com
Media Enquiries:
John McKenzie
Landmark Golf Marketing & Communications
Email: john@landmark-media.com
Tel: +44 1780 723056
About Assoufid Golf Club
Set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Assoufid Golf Club winds its way through a naturally undulating desert landscape. Located 10km from Marrakech’s medina, this 18-hole, par-72 golf course provides golfers with an exclusive golf experience.
Excitingly diverse, challenging, and rich with desert wildlife, this gently undulating golf course featuring palm trees, cacti and olive trees was meticulously designed to blend with its natural surroundings.
Designed by Niall Cameron, a Scottish golf professional and former European Tour player, Assoufid’s desert-style course is complemented by a Clubhouse which includes a reception area, Pro Shop, locker rooms, a private members’ lounge and La Colline Restaurant, managed by renowned French chef Damien Durand.
Additional facilities include a driving range, a practice putting green and a chipping area. Assoufid Golf Club and its clubhouse officially opened on October 1, 2014 and is now accepting membership applications.
About Marrakech
Commonly labelled as the ‘red city’, Marrakech attracts millions of visitors each year. It is located near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and is the third largest city in Morocco, with a population of around one million people.
Like many Moroccan cities, the city of Marrakesh comprises both an old fortified city (the medina) and modern neighbourhoods. It is served by Menara International Airport, a rail link to Casablanca and the north, and excellent road infrastructure connecting it to Agadir, Essaouira, Rabat, Fez, Tangier and Ouarzazate.
Marrakech has the largest traditional Berber market (souk) in Morocco and has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna, listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage site. The square bustles with acrobats, storytellers, water sellers, dancers and musicians. By night, food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant.
About the Developer
United Real Estate Company K.S.C.P (URC) is the majority owner, developer and manager of the Assoufid development. One of the Middle East and North Africa’s leading real estate developers, URC was founded in 1973 and was listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange in 1984, with consolidated assets of KD 631.1 million (US$ 2 Billion) as of 30 September 2019.
URC primarily operates through a number of operating subsidiaries and investment arms across the MENA region. The company’s core business is real estate development and operations and enjoys a diversified portfolio of assets that include retail complexes, hotels, residential properties, high-rise office buildings, as well as mixed-use developments.
About the Shareholder
United Gulf Bank B.S.C. (UGB) holds 40% in the Assoufid development. The bank is the merchant banking subsidiary of KIPCO Group. Its proprietary investments include assets in commercial banking, real estate, private equity, and quoted securities. As of 31 December 2014, assets under management exceeded US$11.6 billion.
UGB and its subsidiary KAMCO have a proven track record of successfully completing more than 60 investment banking transactions for its clients since 2001 with an aggregate value of over US$8 billion including corporate finance, advisory, new issue placement and underwriting, corporate restructuring, bond issuance and mergers and acquisitions.
UGB’s core subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures include Burgan Bank, KAMCO Investment Company K.S.C.P., FIMBank – Malta, North Africa Holding Company, United Gulf Financial Services – North Africa, Takaud Savings & Pension Company, FIM Bank Plc, United Capital Transport Company and United Real Estate Company (URC).