As a guest of the Royal Family, Jack Nicklaus visited Morocco recently to help promote and grow the game of golf throughout Morocco.
The Golden Bear’s visit was timed with the Hassan II Golf Trophy, which was being played at Dar Es Salam golf course in the capital city of Rabat and for the first time as a European Tour-sanctioned event. The Golden Bear returned the invitation and hospitality when he hosted His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid for a day at The Bear’s Club.
His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid’s father, the late King Hassan II, who passed away in 1999, is credited for bringing golf to Morocco, and the Hassan II Golf Trophy has been played for more than 37 years, with some of the biggest names in the history of the sport being attracted to the event.
His Royal Highness, who shares his late father’s love for the game, extended an invitation to the Golden Bear to visit his country, the tournament, and to discuss ways in which golf can not only grow throughout the country but contribute to the nation’s growing tourism. Nicklaus not only spent parts of two days with His Royal Highness, he visited area courses and potential sites, and met with representatives of some of the top developers in Morocco.
“His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid could not have been kinder or more hospitable during our visit,” Nicklaus said. “He has such enthusiasm and a passion for the game of golf. The only thing he was more passionate about was his country and his people, and what he could do to benefit them. He envisions golf as a key driver to help both.
“Morocco has all the ingredients to be a very successful golf market. It has fantastic weather, wonderful access from major international cities, and beautiful land, including close to 2,000 kilometers of coastline. Most important, it has an abundance of people who already have a deep-rooted affection for the game. While we were there, we witnessed their collective energy to see golf grow at all levels and in the right way.”
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