Perched high above Tangier with sweeping views just minutes from the city center, the Royal Country Club is far more than a golf course. It’s a living monument to Morocco’s diplomatic and sporting legacy—a century-old institution that holds a special place in the nation’s cultural identity. Founded in 1914, it stands today as the oldest golf course in the Mediterranean region and among the most historic on the African continent.
Originally named the Diplomatic Country Club, it was born at a time when Tangier held international status—a unique crossroads of cultures and a diplomatic hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In that climate of cosmopolitan exchange, a group of British expatriates set out to build a golf course on the rolling hills overlooking the bay. The initiative took shape during the reign of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz, with the vision of offering a social and athletic space for the foreign community living in the city.
The course’s initial layout embraced the British tradition, winding through cypress, fir, and eucalyptus trees. Architects Cotton and Pennink designed a challenging and technical course, carefully adapted to the natural contours of the landscape. By 1916, the site was officially opened, marking Morocco’s early entrance onto the international golf stage. With 18 holes spread over more than 60 hectares, the club quickly became a destination for passionate golfers seeking both skill and serenity.
As the decades passed, the course continued to evolve. In 1939, renowned architect Charles Hugh Alison—whose work graces some of the world’s most iconic golf courses—was brought in to redesign nine of the holes. His changes added new complexity to the layout, introducing narrow fairways and elevated greens, all while preserving the original spirit of the place and working in harmony with the wooded terrain.
Morocco’s independence in 1956 marked a turning point for the club. What had once been a domain for diplomats and expatriates slowly began opening its fairways to Moroccan players. It became a symbol of continuity in a rapidly changing era. By the late 1960s, King Hassan II had taken a personal interest in the club’s future, seeing golf not only as a sport of refinement but also as a strategic tool for diplomacy and national image-building. In 1974, the course was expanded to stretch beyond six kilometers in length.
The most recent major renovation came in 2000, when Swiss architect Peter Harradine led a comprehensive redesign. His work stayed true to the club’s storied past while updating its infrastructure to meet modern standards. The new course, measuring 6,060 meters with a par 70, strikes a delicate balance between tradition and technical precision. It preserves the timeless charm of its origins while delivering a layout that meets the demands of contemporary players.
In 2018, the Royal Country Club of Tangier was officially designated a national heritage site. This recognition affirmed its significance far beyond sport. The club is a reservoir of memory, a place where the deep ties between Tangier and the wider world remain visible. It embodies a sense of quiet elegance and consistency—values deeply rooted in both the culture of golf and the spirit of the city.
Even today, its shaded paths weave through towering century-old trees, in a hushed atmosphere broken only by the soft thud of clubs striking balls. On any given day, you might see rising Moroccan stars, international players from Europe or America, and prominent figures from the business or diplomatic spheres—all drawn to this singular venue, all united by a reverence for the game and the history embedded in every blade of grass.
The Royal Country Club of Tangier is more than just a course—it’s a living chapter of Moroccan history. As the country continues to pursue bold ambitions on the global sports stage, especially through high-profile international events, this club remains a cornerstone of Morocco’s golfing heritage.
