Morocco
Location: Casablanca and Rabat, Morocco
Course: Royal Golf Dar Es Salam
Lalla Meryem Cup Tournament Recap
It's my rookie year on the Ladies European Tour and my first event was the Lalla Meryem Cup in Rabat, Morocco. I was in Morocco at the end of last year for Q school and it was special to have my first event back in the place things began. I had an amazing experience in Morocco for Q school and this trip was no different. I started my week off exploring and stayed with my friend Kenza in Casablanca for a couple nights before making my way to Rabat for the tournament. Hassan II Golf Trophy Association hosted an amazing event, and I made my first cut, finishing T44. Though I had a tough 4th round and didn't finished where I wanted, I learned so much and had an unforgettable first tournament experience!
PC: Tristian Jones
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, MO
I arrived to Morocco a couple days early before the tournament started so I stayed with my Moroccan friend Kenza. I met Kenza the last time I was here! She showed me around town, took me to lunch, and made sure I had everything I needed during my stay. We stayed in touch, and when I found out I was coming back to Morocco I knew she would be my first stop! This time I had the pleasure of staying with her and her family at her house which was really special. They treated me like one of their own and it was incredible to be fully immersed in Moroccan culture! One morning, Kenza's dad took us around the city and one of the stops was Hassan II, the fourth biggest mosque in the world. I don't think I can even describe in words the magnitude of its beauty, so here are a few snapshot and selfies of Kenza and I!
Tastes of Morocco
olive stands of the local street markets
Kenza's dad trying to decide what olives to buy because the options in the street markets are endless!
My morning with Kenza and her dad included serval stops at various local street food/produce markets that were filled with spices, fruit, fresh vegetables, meats, and fish! Kenza asked me earlier in the day if I liked oysters and little did I know they were bringing me especially to this market so I could eat some! The fish market staff shucked a couple right in front of me, and I squeezed a little lemon and slurped them up! They were fresh as could be!
Our breakfast spread all homemade!
Home Cooking
One of the most special memories I had in all my time in Morocco was cooking traditional moroccan food with Kenza, her sister, and her mom, Niama. After a full morning and early afternoon of meandering and eating, we came home to her mom making Pastilla for a family friend's reception. Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish (one of my personal favorites) that is made up of thin layers of phyllo dough filled with chicken or seafood. The layers are individually placed and wrapped, the seasoned chicken mixture is placed in the middle, and then it is baked until the outside is crispy and flakey. Cooking is a huge part of the culture in Morocco, so I was so excited to jump right in and get my hands dirty! And I know you are wondering---the pastilla turned out great.
Kasbah des Oudaia, Rabat, Mo
My travel buddy, Jenny Haglund and I also found some time to do some exploring in Rabat on one of the practice round days before the tournament. We ventured out toward the water where this Kasbash, a type of fortress that was built in the 12th century, sits. It was a cool structure with incredible views, and a little city inside resides in the middle. This cityincluded a café, a sprinkling of little shops with handmade Morocco goods, and little streets to wander down. If you ever take a trip to Morocco I highly recommend making a stop here!
Rabat Medina
Morocco, thank you for being the site of my first LET event, giving me the opportunity to spend time Kenza and her family, stimulating my tastebuds with your delicious food, and exciting me with your beautiful sights! This was an absolutely unforgettable trip. I am so grateful for the incredible memories, old friends, new friends, and once in a lifetime experiences. I can't wait to go back next year!
Next stop--> Spain.
Loves of Love,
Dre