Following the end of the 2023 Ladies European Tour (LET) season, it is once again time for the Tour to hold its Qualifying School. (Q-School)
The first Q-School event this year was the Pre-Qualifier Asia, which was held at Classic Golf and Country Club in India from 8-10 November.
This week sees the Pre-Qualifier Marrakech which is taking place in Morocco and there are three courses hosting the tournament from 10-12 December.
Next week will see the Final Stage of Lalla Aicha Q-School take place from 16-20 December over two courses.
Last year Germany’s Alexandra Försterling was a co-medallist at Final Stage and went on to win twice on the LET in 2023, while 2023 Race to Costa del Sol champion Trichat Cheenglab also came through Q-School finishing in fifth place.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of this week’s Pre-Qualifier Marrakech…
THE COURSES
Samanah Golf by Nicklaus – Samanah Golf Club in Marrakech is a distinguished 18-hole championship course covering 100 hectares, with a par 72 and a length of 6,800 meters. Crafted by Nicklaus Design, it combines Moroccan beauty with top-tier golf architecture. The course, set against the Atlas Mountains, features wide fairways and large greens, suitable for all skill levels. Its design includes strategic bunkers and native flora like olive trees, offering both a challenge and a visual delight. The clubhouse, with its panoramic terraces, overlooks the scenic course and mountains, providing a serene spot for relaxation.
Noria Golf, Marrakech – Noria Golf Club, spanning 72 hectares in Marrakech, is an 18-hole course with a par 72 and a length of 6,700 meters. Designed by Steve Forrest and Associates, it uniquely blends Moroccan aesthetics with modern golf design. The course features traditional elements like olive groves and lavender fields, with the iconic ‘Basin’ adding to its allure. Suitable for all players, it has elevated tees, water hazards, and varied greens amidst native vegetation. The clubhouse, with sunny terraces, offers splendid views of the course.
Palmerie Rotana – Located at the heart of Palmeraie Rotana Resort, the course spans 60 hectares and features undulating fairways dotted with seven glistening lakes. The 18-hole 72-par course has been designed and sculpted by renowned international golf-course architect, Robert Trent Jones Snr. Playing to almost 6214 metres, it ranks among the city’s top golf courses and boasts the peaks of the stunning Atlas Mountains as its backdrop.Golf Club Rotana Palmeraie has won multiple golf awards and hosted several major national and international golf events, including the Resorts Trophy, since 2010.
WHO IS PLAYING
A field of 220 players representing 40 nationalities will compete in the Pre-Qualifier Marrakech. This includes:
- LET members outside the top 135 on the Race to Costa del Sol
- LETAS members outside the top 21 on the Order of Merit
- Professionals not ranked or ranked outside the top 200 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings
- Amateurs ranked outside the Top 25 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings
COMPETITION FORMAT
220 players are divided into three groups with each group playing just one course of the Pre-Qualifier. The tournament is 54 holes of stroke-play competition with no cut.
WHAT THE PLAYERS RECEIVE
Players finishing in the top-26 and ties* at Noria and the top-27 and ties* at Rotana and Samanah will progress to the Final Stage of Lalla Aicha Q-School.
COURSE SETUP
Samanah Golf: 36-36–72; 6,528 yards/5,968 metres (par and yardage subject to change)
Noria Golf: 36-37–73; 6,494 yards/5,939 metres (par and yardage subject to change)
Palmerie Rotana: 36-36–72; 6,254 yards/5,718 metres (par and yardage subject to change)
DRAW
Palmerie Rotana Round One Draw
*There will be no live scoring for the Pre-Qualifier Marrakech with scores being inputted at the end of the round.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow all the action on @LETGolf and @letaccess on Instagram and Twitter and Ladies European Tour/LET Access Series on Facebook – #RaiseOurGame #LETQSchool.
