International triumphs and Moroccan excellence:
Bronte Law and Ricardo Gonzalez on top, Ines Laklalech and Sofia Cherif Essakali etch their names in history.
Held under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Moulay Rachid and Princess Lalla Meryem presided over the award ceremony for the Hassan II Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup, held from February 19 to 24 at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
England’s Bronte Law secured victory in the 27th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup, while Argentina’s Ricardo González claimed the title in the 48th edition of the Hassan II Trophy.
On the Red Course, the competition for the top spot intensified. Argentina’s Ricardo Gonzalez emerged victorious, showcasing impeccable control and strategy throughout the tournament. Thomas Bjørn from Denmark secured second place with a score of -9, closely trailed by Mark Hensby from Australia in third place with a score of -7.
Reflecting on his win, Ricardo Gonzalez shared his sentiments: “Winning this tournament holds immense significance for me, particularly considering the illustrious champions who have triumphed here before. Having my son by my side as a caddie made this victory even more special. It ranks among the most cherished moments of my professional career.”
In the Lalla Meryem Cup, Bronte Law won with a total score of -13, achieving a remarkable -9 on the final day. Law managed to overcome an 8-point deficit from Maria Fassi, who led the previous day. Her formidable performance and unwavering determination propelled her to the top, solidifying her position as the undisputed champion. Pauline Roussin Bouchard from France secured second place with a score of -10, while Fatima Fernandez Cano from Spain finished in third place with a total score of -9.
Beaming with joy after her win, Bronte Law expressed, “This victory symbolizes the dedication I poured into the off-season. I faced some challenges last year and worked extensively with my mental coach. It demonstrates that when I give my best and believe in myself, I can still compete at the highest level.”
Throughout the week, two Moroccan talents stood out with their outstanding performances: Ines Laklalech and Sofia Cherif Essakali. Ines, buoyed by the enthusiastic support of her fans, made history by finishing in joint 7th place with a total score of -6, marking the best performance ever achieved by a Moroccan player in this competition. Meanwhile, Sofia, the young prodigy, reaffirmed her status by impressively making the cut in the Lalla Meryem Cup for the second consecutive year, showcasing her determination and exceptional talent at just 14 years old.
Following the tradition of this prestigious event, preceding the professional competitions, players from the PGA Tour Champions and Ladies European Tour partnered with amateurs in the pro-ams.
One highlight worth mentioning is the success of the “Pro-am Hassan II Kids Cup by First Tee,” which provided youngsters in the First Tee Morocco program with a unique experience and the opportunity to play alongside legends of the sport.
In this memorable week, golf once again demonstrated its power to inspire and bring people together through its values, creating enduring memories for participants, whether they were professionals, amateurs, or spectators.
For further details and to revisit the highlights of these exceptional tournaments, stay tuned to our official website and immerse yourself in the action: hassan2golftrophy.com