Ahead of the Trophee Hassan II, europeantour.com explores host venue Golf du Palais Royal and its picturesque royal grounds, with the help of a man who already has two European Tour victories to his name this season – Andy Sullivan.
Golf du Palais Royal is the home of the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, and the palatial surroundings here in Agadir are reflected on the immaculately kept, challenging 7,041-yard par 72 course, which is opened exclusively for the Trophee Hassan II.
The links-style, Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed course, which runs along the Atlantic Ocean in places and is known for its bumpy fairways and small, undulating greens, is clearly a course Sullivan enjoys.
“I think it’s an absolutely fantastic - I don’t think there’s a bad hole on it. The par threes will play the biggest part this week for me,” said Sullivan, who finished second behind Alejandro Cañizares last year.
“I think it’s always nice when you play somewhere well because you relish returning a little bit more. Last year I came home in 29 for a 63 to finish, so I have some nice memories.
It’s hard not to enjoy the surroundings we’re in as well – what with being in the King’s back garden.
Andy Sullivan
Sullivan won’t be the only player alluding to the importance of the par threes, of which there are five at the Golf du Palais Royal, including the signature 12th hole.
The tricky bunkers protecting the green at the 211-yard short hole will be of less concern to the players than the water – which excites and intimidates in equal measure.
The Golf du Palais Royal was the location of the Moroccan Open throughout the 1990s, and ever since the prestigious Trophee Hassan II returned to its distinctive palace walls as a European Tour event in 2011, we have seen some good scoring, with the field often talking very highly of the layout.
Although the players were met with strong winds during their practice rounds on Tuesday and in Wednesday’s Pro-Am, the forecast suggests it might not be blowing as much during tournament days – which will allow for some attacking golf.
“I think there’s a few holes out there that can be considered easier, but they can also catch you out at the same time,” said Sullivan, who can make his Major Championship debut at Augusta in two weeks’ time by either finishing second alone or winning.
“There’s a lot of risk and reward out there. You’ll see lot of red numbers, but big numbers too, but you have to give this course the respect it deserves - if you take anything for granted it will bite you.
“Especially holes two, three and four – get through them level par and you are a happy man. Obviously at the start of the round as well it will be quite key to getting off to a good start. Also 18 is a great finishing hole, there’s a birdie to be made there, but you could easily walk off with a double.”
Sullivan’s sensational start to the 2015 season has seen the affable 28 year old win both The South African Open Championship Hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni and the Joburg Open.
Another player who has enjoyed recent success, but on another tour, is 2014 Ladies European Tour Order of Merit winner Charley Hull.
Hull will be defending her Lalla Meryem Cup title just up the road from here, as the Trophée Hassan II is being played concurrently with the Ladies European Tour event at the neighbouring Golf du l’Ocean course – just one other aspect of what makes this event, and course, so unique.
