Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, The Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (FRMG) and The Hassan II Golf Trophy Association (ATH), chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, held the opening press conference for the 48th edition of the Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 27th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.
On Tuesday, February 20, FRMG and ATH held their traditional inaugural press conference for these events. This annual meeting in Rabat gathers media representatives and two of the world’s most significant golf institutions. Mr. Miller Brady, President of PGA Tour Champions, and Alexandra Armas, CEO of Ladies European Tour were accompanied by Mr. Hassan El Mansouri, FRMG’s Second Vice-President & ATH member; and Mr. Jalil Benazzouz, President of FRMG’s Competition Organization Committee. The title holder Stephen Ames and Moroccan champion Ines Laklalech completed a unique mixed panel.
In his speech, Mr. El Mansouri highlighted this event’s significance: “The Hassan II Trophy has provided an international platform to promote Morocco for over 50 years. In partnership with PGA Champions Tour and complete broadcast on Golf Channel available in nearly 130 countries enhances this promotion further with between 60 to 80 million golfers worldwide; this event is crucial for Morocco.”
Following this, Mr. Miller Brady, President of the PGA Tour Champions, proudly expressed the global significance and prominence of the two tournaments, highlighting the synchronization of these events. He also emphasized the return of these competitions to the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, thus underlining the growing enthusiasm for golf in Morocco. “It is a great pleasure to be back in Morocco, at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, for our second tournament on this magnificent golf course. We warmly thank His Royal Highness for his renewed hospitality. This competition marks the third stage of the PGA Champions Tour this year. We anticipate an even greater challenge this year, with possibly more difficult playing conditions, but we are thrilled to be here,” he added.
An emotional moment was shared by Mr. Stephen Ames, Canadian player of the PGA Tour Champions and winner of the previous edition of the Hassan II Trophy. His return to the Red course of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam was warmly welcomed, expressing his attachment to this iconic venue of Moroccan golf. “I think it’s obvious that I have a soft spot for Morocco… The golf courses where we play here are very American-style and always in excellent condition. The weather is always beautiful: sunny and pleasant,” he shared.
With enthusiasm, Ms. Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour (LET), rejoiced in the LET’s consistent presence in Morocco and the players’ excitement for the events held in the country. “Being in Rabat feels like coming back home. We are delighted to see the positive evolution of the tournament. We thank Morocco for this unique event that contributes to the development of golf,” she stated.
Mr. Jalil Benazzouz, President of the FRMG Competition Organization Commission, also highlighted the peculiarities of the 27th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup, especially with the strong participation of Moroccan players, including Ines Laklalech, Maha Haddioui, and notably the young hope of Moroccan golf, Sofia Cherif Essakali, who will strive to repeat her performance from the previous season.
Ines Laklalech, for her part, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such an event on her home soil. “I am thrilled to be back here for the second time. It is an honor and a privilege to participate in the Lalla Meryem Cup at home, with my family, friends, and the support of Moroccans. I am very excited for the tournament to begin.”
Until February 24th, the two flagship tournaments of the Moroccan golf calendar promise a program rich in emotions and high-level sporting performances. All of these events are broadcast worldwide, reaching millions of households across the globe.
For more information on the full schedule of these events, please visit the official website: hassan2golftrophy.com