Akenza Golf Resort

Eight canyon crossings give Akenza Golf its rhythm, asking you to judge each shot against the land rather than simply follow a flat, resort style route. This 18 hole, par 72 layout in Zouhria uses the folds, wadis and natural run-off of the Al Haouz terrain, so the ball is rarely played from the same sort of lie twice. Elevation changes and uneven stances place a premium on balance and distance control, while the firm fairways of summer can add useful yards or send a marginal tee shot into trouble. It is a round for committed swings and sensible course management.

The High Atlas Mountains sit beyond the course, coming into particularly sharp focus on clear days, but the ground immediately in play demands most of the attention. Wind can change the shape of a hole quickly, making a conservative club from the tee the right choice at times. Akenza has a rawer feel than many courses around Marrakech, with the original terrain given a central role rather than being smoothed away. Confident mid and low handicap players will enjoy the decisions it creates, although groups of mixed abilities who welcome a searching round can also make a good day of it.

Akenza Golf works well as part of a Marrakech based stay, with rounds often combined with other courses including Al Maaden Golf Resort Marrakech, Samanah Country Club, Royal Marrakech Golf Club and Assoufid Golf Club Marrakech. Marrakech Menara Airport is the usual arrival point for golf holidays in this part of Morocco, placing the course within easy reach of the city’s hotels, restaurants and evening life between rounds.