The first time I went to Morocco was in the early 2000’s when I was attending a three-day wedding in Ceuta, the southernmost part of Spain. One of the days the entire wedding party crossed the border into Tangier, Morocco. By this time, I had lived abroad in a Japan, South Africa, France and Spain and traveled quite a bit throughout Europe. As we explored the old medina in Tangier what first struck me about Morocco was the architecture, style of dress, and the constant mix of French and Arabic. It felt mysterious and majestic. It intrigued me and I wanted to learn and explore more.
Fast forward to today and I have just returned from perhaps my 12th trip to Morocco. They call Morocco the Kingdom of Light and for good reason. The light, especially in the morning and early evenings, just illuminates nature and objects differently and they take on a special glow. There is also the inner light from the people. You will be hard pressed to find kinder, nicer, more generous people. As a culture they are hospitable by nature and very proud of their heritage, culture and tradition which is plentiful. Take a stroll in any souk (open market) in any city and you will be given an incredible insight into this culture and people. On this trip I was in Rabat, the nation’s capital, for the 49th edition of the Hassan II Trophy (PGA TOUR Champions Tour) and the 28th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup (Ladies European Tour) played at the Royal Dar Es Salam on the red and blue Robert Trent Jones designed courses. Imagine having your choice of watching two professional golf tournaments on adjoining golf courses. You can easily go from one to another and follow your favorite players male and female and explore the beauty and design of each course.
This is the most advanced, equal and well-run event you will find outside of possibly a major. In the end it was the most interesting Spainard, Miguel Angel Jimenez, who took home the Khandjar, the gold jeweled dagger and Englishwoman Cara Gainer who took home the Minaudiere golden purse for her first professional win after a nail-biting playoff. This Hassan II Trophy was created by the late King Hassan II who was an avid and passionate golfer and had the vision to bring great golfers from around the world to Morocco to compete.
The Hassan II Trophy has occurred for 49 years, and the dual event has been happening for 28 years in Morocco, a country that had the vision and modernity long before it was trendy to support women in sports. As I return time and time again and I meet new people and reunite with friends, play golf or attend tournaments or travel throughout the country each time I experience Morocco in a new light. Not surprising, after all it is the Kingdom of Light for a reason.
