Morocco Reinforces Golf Ambitions at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam

Rabat — Morocco is once again welcoming some of the biggest names in international golf as the International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco returns to Royal Golf Dar Es Salam from June 11-14.

This marks the fourth edition of one of the Asian Tour’s standout events and further strengthens the country’s position as a leading global golf destination.

Now in its fourth year, the tournament has evolved into far more than a stop on the Asian Tour calendar. Supported by Visit Morocco, the tourism brand of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), it reflects a broader national strategy that links elite sporting events with tourism promotion, international visibility, and the development of local talent.

The event, co-sanctioned by LIV Golf and the Asian Tour, features a $2 million prize purse and a world-class field, with more than 20 LIV Golf players expected to compete alongside Asian Tour stars, rising regional players, and Morocco’s top professionals.

A major storyline this year is the reunion of all three previous champions in Rabat. Defending champion Scott Vincent returns to the venue where he lifted the title last year, joined by 2024 winner Ben Campbell and 2022 champion Jazz Janewattananond, bringing added competitive weight and narrative depth. 

For Campbell, the return carries particular significance. His breakthrough performance in Morocco in 2024 played a pivotal role in elevating his profile, eventually bringing him onto the radar of LIV Golf’s RangeGoats GC, led by captain Bubba Watson, and opening the pathway to his current position on the LIV Golf stage.

Among the headline names in this year’s field are former Masters champions Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson, alongside LIV Golf stars Abraham Ancer and Branden Grace, and Australian standout Elvis Smylie, one of the emerging performers on the LIV Golf circuit.

Beyond the competition, the International Series continues to operate as a key pathway into LIV Golf, offering ranking points and progression opportunities for players aiming to reach the sport’s highest level.

Morocco’s golf scene gains momentum through global exposure

Set on the iconic Red Course of Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, the tournament is staged at one of Morocco’s most prestigious sporting venues. Located within a 440-hectare cork oak forest on the outskirts of Rabat and designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, the course was recently voted Asian Tour Players’ Choice Golf Course of the Year, underlining its global reputation.

The Moroccan challenge is led by Ayoub Lguirati, one of the country’s most accomplished professionals. In a press release shared with Morocco World News (MWN) following the tournament’s official press conference, Moroccan golfer Lguirati said competing in the International Series Morocco alongside some of the sport’s biggest names is a special moment for local players. 

“Having these international-level events in Morocco, especially three weeks in a row, has been a very valuable experience for all of us local players. This week we have Bubba and Sergio, Major champions and green jacket owners. I’ve always dreamed of being in the same field and competing with them, so this is truly a dream come true,” he said.

The local contingent includes El Mehdi Fakori, Ayoub Id-Omar, Youssef El Hali, Nizar Bourehim, and Abderrahmane Fakori, reflecting a growing pipeline of talent seeking to establish itself on the international stage.

Bourehim says he is entering the final week of the three-week Moroccan swing with growing confidence after a strong period of preparation at home.

The Moroccan golfer also believes that competing at home provides a significant advantage, citing the support of family, familiar surroundings, and his extensive knowledge of the course.

“Being at home, seeing my family, and eating Moroccan food helps a lot,” he said. “I’ve been playing this course for about 15 years, so we know it well, but we’re still learning. It’s also incredible to watch how top players prepare and approach their practice rounds.”

Regional participation is also strong, with players from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar adding to an increasingly competitive field across the Middle East and North Africa.

Launched in 2022 with LIV Golf support, the International Series is a set of Asian Tour events held across multiple continents, offering higher prize funds and a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

This year’sseason spans Asia and beyond, including Morocco, before concluding in Saudi Arabia with qualification for the 2027 LIV Golf League.

As Morocco continues to invest in sports tourism and international events, the International Series Morocco stands as a reflection of its broader ambitions, combining elite sport, economic impact, and long-term development of the game.