Hassan II Golf Trophy

Origins

In the late 1960s, His Late Majesty King Hassan II had a vision of establishing Morocco on the international golf scene. The choice of this sport reflected a clear objective: to use sports as a means of fostering openness and promoting tourism.
The project took shape with the creation of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, designed by architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. Nestled in the heart of a vast cork oak forest, the site became the anchor for the future tournament.

The Inaugural Event

In December 1971, the first edition of the Hassan II Golf Trophy was held on the Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. It brought together several major players from the international circuit and immediately established the tournament as a global event.
The victory of Orville Moody, winner of the 1969 U.S. Open, opened the tournament’s record books and gave the event its first major sporting achievement. From its very beginnings, the event found its place on the calendar and, year after year, laid the groundwork for a lasting presence on the international golf scene.

Memorable Victories

The early editions established the Hassan II Golf Trophy’s sporting legacy. Billy Casper won in 1973 and again in 1975, before Lee Trevino added his name to the list of champions in 1977.
In the early 1990s, the tournament experienced one of its greatest sporting moments with the 1991 playoff, won by Vijay Singh over Payne Stewart. Stewart went on to win in 1992 and 1993, securing two consecutive victories following this memorable run.

1993 – Co-ed Competition as a Milestone

The year 1993 also marked the creation of the Lalla Meryem Golf Cup by His Late Majesty King Hassan II. Held at the same venue and during the same week as the Hassan II Golf Trophy, this women’s competition introduced a rare format in professional golf and cemented the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam’s place in a dual sporting legacy.
This streak continued with victories by Nick Price in 1995 and Colin Montgomerie in 1997.

1999 – A Legacy That Lives On

In 1999, David Toms won the Hassan II Golf Trophy in an edition that marked the continuity of its history. The presentation of the trophy by His Majesty King Mohammed VI highlighted the special significance of this moment, carrying forward the legacy envisioned by His Late Majesty King Hassan II.
This continuity was then formalized in 2002 with the creation of the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, which supports the tournament’s development and ensures the preservation of its traditions.
During this period, the list of winners continued to grow with Santiago Luna, a three-time champion, Sam Torrance in 2006, Pádraig Harrington in 2007, and Ernie Els in 2008, before the tournament underwent a new evolution in the late 2000s.

A New Dimension

Starting in the late 2010s, the tournament entered a new phase of its development. Its inclusion in the European tours reflected a commitment to adapting to changes in the global golf landscape. Renovations were undertaken at the historic site to support this growth.

Between 2011 and 2015, the Hassan II Golf Trophy was held in Agadir at the Golf du Palais Royal, another course designed by Robert Trent Jones. In 2016, the return to the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam marked a new chapter. The victory of South Korean Jeunghun Wang ushered in a new generation of winners and cemented the tournament’s place in a renewed international landscape.

2018: A New Momentum

2018 marked a major milestone in the history of Moroccan golf. With the election of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid as president of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, a new era began, characterized by a strengthened organizational structure, a clear vision, and ambitions on both the national and international stages. Training young talent, supporting clubs, structuring the golf industry, and implementing performance programs provide a broader framework for this progress.
In this context, the Hassan II Golf Trophy continues to evolve. Its inclusion on the PGA Tour Champions allows it to once again welcome major figures in world golf and to continue a sporting tradition established since the tournament’s earliest editions.

The 50th Edition

Today, the 50th edition offers a unique perspective on this journey. It highlights the milestones built up over the decades: a founding vision, an iconic venue, generations of champions, and a constant ability to adapt.
It reveals what has endured over time: a vision, a place, symbols, and the ability of an event to span the ages while preserving its identity. Fifty editions later, the Hassan II Golf Trophy stands as one of the great constants of golf in Morocco and as a story destined to continue.