Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid presided over the award ceremony for the Hassan II Trophy and the Lalla Meryem Cup, held on Saturday, February 8, at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
The 49th edition of the Hassan II Trophy and the 28th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup concluded with resounding victories for Miguel Angel Jiménez on the PGA Tour Champions and Cara Gainer on the Ladies European Tour.
The charismatic Spanish golfer Miguel Angel Jiménez clinched his 14th victory on the PGA TOUR Champions, finishing the Hassan II Trophy with an impressive score of -11.
The turning point came on the 17th hole, where Jiménez delivered a breathtaking eagle after landing on the green in a single shot, while his closest competitor, Alker, managed only a par. This remarkable feat secured Jiménez’s victory, cementing his place among the legendary Spanish golfers who have triumphed at the Hassan II Trophy.
“This victory holds a special place in my heart. The Hassan II Trophy is a unique tournament, and I am deeply honored to have made my mark here,” Jiménez reflected.
On the women’s side, England’s Cara Gainer celebrated her first-ever victory on the Ladies European Tour at the Lalla Meryem Cup. After a fiercely contested final round, Gainer edged out India’s Diksha Dagar in a playoff, finishing with a final score of -9.
“This is a dream realized. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved today. When I started sinking birdies on the final holes, I knew victory was within my grasp,” Gainer shared, her voice brimming with emotion.
Moroccan talent takes center stage
The tournament also shone a spotlight on Morocco’s golf stars. Ines Laklalech emerged as the top national performer, finishing 35th with a score of +1. Meanwhile, 15-year-old prodigy Sofia Cherif Essakali continued to impress, making the cut for the third consecutive year and finishing 51st at +4, further solidifying her reputation as one of Morocco’s most promising young talents.
Pro-Ams: A celebration of golf for all
True to tradition, the Pro-Ams set the tone for the week, bringing together professionals, amateurs, and juniors in a spirited blend of camaraderie and competition. The team led by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, featuring Mr. Karim Guessous, Mr. Omar Lahjomri, and golf legend Ernie Els during the first round, alongside young star Sofia Cherif Essakali, delivered a standout performance, securing victory in the cumulative event.
A vision for the future of Moroccan golf
This year’s triumphs underscore the unwavering commitment of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, to the growth of golf in Morocco, particularly women’s golf.
This dedication builds on a legacy established in 1993 by the late His Majesty King Hassan II, who founded the Lalla Meryem Cup alongside the Hassan II Trophy to elevate women’s golf and ensure its prominence on the global stage.
The 2025 edition also marked the launch of a groundbreaking initiative: a fundraising campaign to nurture the next generation of Moroccan golf talent. Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, President of both the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Trophy Association, the funds raised will support the First Tee Morocco and USKids programs, providing young golfers with the resources and structure needed to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.
Royal Golf Dar Es Salam: A beacon of sustainability
Throughout the week, all courses at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam were in impeccable condition, hosting players and fans alike. Beyond its world-class facilities, the club has become a model of sustainability, maintaining its lush, green courses using treated wastewater—a testament to its innovative approach to resource management. This commitment to eco-responsibility reflects the broader vision of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, which continues to champion sustainable practices in the sport.
The Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Trophy Association extend their warmest congratulations to the winners, participants, partners, volunteers, and spectators whose passion and dedication made this week-long celebration of golf a resounding success. Special thanks go to the countless individuals and teams whose hard work behind the scenes ensured the event’s seamless execution, further solidifying Morocco’s place as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.