Gary Player was on Morocco’s Atlantic coast last weekend to open his firm’s newest course at Golf de Mogador, located in the port town of Essaouira.

Player inaugurated the course by leading guests in a ceremonial opening round during the first Mogador Classic Tournament. After the round, he said: “I am blown away by the beauty of what we have created here in Essaouira and my greatest hope is that the course increases tourism and creates jobs for the warm and gracious people of Morocco.”

Built among natural sand dunes, the layout has ocean views and greens that, the designers say, allow for the seasonal windy conditions, making the course playable by all golfers, yet still challenging.

During his visit, Player inspected Mogador’s second course, currently under construction, and commented that it will complement the first course nicely. The second course is slated to open in late 2010.