What Is 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy was a professional golf tournament held from February 27 to March 1, 2020, at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco. It was part of the 2020 Sunshine Tour schedule and won by South African golfer Dean Burmester with a score of 14-under-par 274.

Key Facts

The 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy took place from February 27 to March 1, 2020
It was hosted at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco
Dean Burmester won the tournament with a 14-under-par 274 score
The event was part of the Sunshine Tour's 2020 schedule
The tournament featured a prize purse of $1.5 million

Overview

The 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy was a prominent event on the Sunshine Tour calendar, attracting professional golfers from across Africa, Europe, and beyond. Held annually in Morocco, the tournament honors the legacy of the late King Hassan II and promotes international golf diplomacy.

This edition marked the 34th playing of the event, continuing its tradition as a key stop in the African golf circuit. Despite global concerns over the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament proceeded as scheduled with strict health protocols.

Location: The tournament was hosted at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, a historic course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1971.
Dates: Play ran from February 27 to March 1, 2020, concluding just before widespread global travel restrictions were implemented.
Winner:Dean Burmester claimed victory with a 72-hole total of 274 (−14), securing his first win of the 2020 season.
Prize Fund: The event offered a total purse of $1.5 million, with Burmester earning $250,000 for first place.
Format: The tournament followed a standard 72-hole stroke play format with a 36-hole cut reducing the field after the second round.

How It Works

The Hassan II Golf Trophy operates as a co-sanctioned event between the Sunshine Tour and the European Challenge Tour, blending talent and ranking points across circuits. Players earn Official World Golf Ranking points, making it a strategic target for those aiming to climb the global standings.

Co-Sanctioning: The event is jointly sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and Challenge Tour, allowing members of both tours to compete for ranking points and prize money.
Player Field: The 2020 field included 120 professionals, with top African players joined by European and Middle Eastern competitors.
Course Setup: Royal Golf Dar Es Salam played to a length of 7,347 yards at par 73, presenting a unique challenge due to its tree-lined fairways and fast greens.
Weather Impact: Windy conditions on Saturday and Sunday affected scoring, with only 12 players finishing under par for the tournament.
Technology Use: ShotLink tracking was used to capture real-time data, providing broadcast and statistical insights during live coverage.
Amateur Participation: Unlike some elite events, this tournament did not include amateur entries; all participants were professional golfers.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy compared closely with other Sunshine Tour events in terms of prestige, prize money, and field strength. Below is a comparison with similar tournaments from the same season:

Tournament	Location	Par	Winner	Winning Score
Hassan II Golf Trophy	Rabat, Morocco	73	Dean Burmester	−14 (274)
South African Open	Ekurhuleni, SA	71	Jaco Ahlers	−17 (271)
Alfred Dunhill Championship	Delaware, SA	72	Adri Arnaus	−20 (268)
Dimension Data Pro-Am	George, SA	72	Thomas Aiken	−19 (265)
Open de Réunion	St. Gilles, Reunion	72	Bradley Sanders	−13 (275)

While the Hassan II Trophy had a higher par than most comparable events, its scoring remained competitive. The challenging course setup and wind conditions contributed to slightly higher scores compared to other tour stops. However, the $1.5 million purse placed it among the top-tier Sunshine Tour events of the season.

Why It Matters

The 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy played a crucial role in promoting African golf on the world stage and supporting player development across the continent. Its co-sanctioned status elevated its importance in the global golf calendar.

Regional Development: The event supports the growth of golf in North Africa, providing exposure and investment in Moroccan sports infrastructure.
Player Pathway: Young African golfers gain access to high-level competition, helping them earn rankings and tour cards.
International Ties: The tournament strengthens diplomatic and cultural links between Morocco and other golfing nations.
Economic Impact: Host cities see increased tourism and hotel bookings, with Rabat benefiting from international media coverage.
Media Reach: Broadcast in over 140 countries, the event enhances the visibility of African-hosted sporting events.
Historical Legacy: Named after King Hassan II, the tournament honors Morocco’s royal commitment to sports and international goodwill.

As one of the final international tournaments held before the global sports shutdown in March 2020, the 2020 Hassan II Golf Trophy stands as a significant milestone in recent golf history. Its successful execution under uncertain conditions highlighted the resilience of professional golf and the enduring appeal of Morocco as a host nation.