The first golf course at the huge Mediterrania Saidia resort will be managed by Troon Golf.

The Palmeral course, designed by Spanish architect Francisco Segales Lopez, is the first of three course planned for the resort, which will cover 696 hectares (1,720 acres) and is ultimately intended to have 30,000 beds, nine hotels, a 1,350-berth marine and a 43,000 sq m shopping mall.

Mediterrania Saidia occupies seven kilometres (four miles) of coastline in the province of Berkane, across the water from the Spanish city of Almeria. The Palmeral course measures 6,800 yards and is the latest addition to the booming Moroccan golf scene

“Morocco has set some impressive targets of becoming one of the world's top new golf destinations,” said Bruce Glasco, Troon Golf's managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “With plans for resorts such as Mediterrania Saidia and the vision of King Mohammed VI to promote the region, we should see Morocco prosper as a highly desired golf destination.”