Morocco Hosts Crucial MENA Golf Tour Clash

Morocco is in the spotlight this week as the MENA Golf Tour arrives in Tangier for the Al Houara Classic from February 26 to 28. The tournament marks the first of two consecutive events at the renowned Al Houara Golf Club, one of the world’s top-ranked golf resorts.

Set between the Rif Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the championship course was designed by Masters champion Vijay Singh and celebrated architect Graham Marsh. The par-72 layout stretches across 110 hectares of dunes and forest, offering a challenging and scenic test for players. The venue is ranked second in Morocco and fifth in Africa by Top100GolfCourses, and is also listed among Golf.com’s Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World.

As the season nears its conclusion, the Rankings race has reached a decisive stage. With the season-ending Al Ain Championship just weeks away, every point in Morocco carries major importance.

Chris Wood and Juan Salama lead the standings heading into the tournament. However, the absence of third-placed Jack Davidson from this week’s field opens the door for others to climb the rankings. Among them is PGA Aroeira Challenge winner Ludovico Addabbo, who arrives in Tangier aiming to build on his recent victory in Portugal.

Wood, a two-time winner this season, said Al Houara demands the very best from players and praised the strong competition throughout the year. Salama added that his mindset remains unchanged as he focuses on enjoying the course and delivering his best performance.

The tournament also features a strong Moroccan presence. Leading local professional Ayoub Lguirati, a regular competitor on the Asian Development Tour, will compete on a host invitation. He is joined by fellow Moroccan professionals Ayoub Id Omar, Ayoub Ssouadi, Aissa El Kahdri and Othman Raouzi, as well as several promising amateurs. Their participation highlights the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation’s commitment to developing local talent and providing international exposure.

International contenders further strengthen the field. England’s Tom Sloman and Ben Jones are expected to challenge, while Italy’s Aron Zemmer and Scotland’s David Rudd add depth to the competition. HotelPlanner Tour representatives Ashley Chesters, Mark Power and Mathieu Decottignies-Lafon are also in the lineup, alongside emerging Q-School graduates eager to make their mark.

The Al Houara Classic is followed immediately by the Hilton Classic from March 2 to 4, giving players back-to-back opportunities at the same venue. With the Rankings race tightening and the season approaching its final stretch, Tangier is set to deliver a week of high-quality golf action.

Keith Waters, Chairman and Commissioner of the MENA Golf Tour, described Al Houara Golf Club as a world-class venue and a fitting stage for this critical phase of the season. He added that Morocco is expected to showcase outstanding golf as the battle for supremacy intensifies.