Royal Golf Dar Es Salam – Red Course
A grand championship course outside Rabat, routed through cork oak forest and shaped by strategic bunkering, water and demanding green complexes.
Rabat, Morocco
Robert Trent Jones Sr.
1970s
Forest parkland
Visitor play subject to availability
Why Play
Royal Golf Dar Es Salam is one of Africa’s most important golf venues. Set within a vast cork oak forest close to Rabat, the Red Course combines tournament pedigree with a distinctive Moroccan sense of place.
Course Character
The course is broad in scale but rarely straightforward. Tree-lined corridors frame the tee shots, while doglegs and strategically placed bunkers reward players who can shape the ball or select the correct side of the fairway.
Approach play is demanding. Raised greens, deep hazards and uneven lies place a premium on distance control, particularly when the wind moves through the forest.
Playing Intelligence
- Play for angles: favour the side of the fairway that opens the green.
- Respect the trees: recovery options can be limited after an aggressive miss.
- Club for elevation: several approaches play longer than they appear.
- Use conservative targets: centre-green golf often produces the best scoring outcome.
- Protect energy: the course’s scale and walking demands can become significant late in the round.
Signature Holes
9th
A strong conclusion to the outward nine, demanding careful positioning before an exacting approach.
11th
A memorable hole where the forest setting and strategic hazards combine to create both beauty and pressure.
14th
A demanding championship hole that tests both driving confidence and distance control.
18th
A substantial finish that rewards patience and commitment rather than reckless aggression.
Visitor Information
Visitors should confirm tee-time access, green fees, handicap requirements, caddie arrangements, dress code and course-maintenance schedules directly before travel. Tournament dates may affect availability.
Stay • Play • Recover
Stay: Rabat offers high-quality city hotels and riad-style accommodation within reach of the course.
Play: Combine the Red Course with the Blue Course or another leading Moroccan venue.
Recover: Build in hydration, lower-body mobility and a relaxed hammam or spa session after the round.
Clubhouse & Dining
The club provides a traditional championship-golf setting with practice, hospitality and post-round dining facilities. Allow time to enjoy the contrast between the forest course and Rabat’s cultural centre.
Practice Facilities
Warm up with controlled tee shots, long-iron approaches and bunker play. A reliable fairway-finding shot is more valuable here than chasing maximum distance.
Luxury Accommodation
- Central Rabat: the best base for combining golf with dining and cultural experiences.
- Rabat’s diplomatic district: convenient for premium international hotels.
- Kasbah and medina stays: suitable for travellers seeking greater local character.
- Casablanca extension: useful for a broader Moroccan golf itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can visitors play the Red Course?
Visitor play may be available, but golfers should confirm current access and booking conditions directly with the club.
Who designed the Red Course?
The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.
What type of course is it?
It is a championship forest parkland course routed through cork oak woodland.
Where should golfers stay?
Central Rabat provides the most convenient balance of luxury accommodation, dining and sightseeing.
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