Why Mauritius should be your next tropical golf destination
It is entirely fitting that Mauritius has developed into every golfer’s ultimate paradise destination, and with its tropical, year-round climate, this picture-perfect island should be top of the list next time you’re in need of some sun, says Chris Bertram.
Unlikely history
On this Indian Ocean island some 1,200 miles off the east coast of Madagascar, golf has a surprisingly deep pedigree. The first course was created here way back in 1844, remarkably before the time golf had taken hold in either Ireland or Wales, after it had been introduced to Mauritius by the Royal Navy. They laid out a nine-hole course on the grounds of their military base in Vacoas, a course that still exists today, known as the Mauritius Gymkhana Club (MGC) – it is the oldest course in the southern hemisphere and the fourth oldest in the world.
Now an 18-holer, you can play it for around £40, as well as soak up history in a clubhouse that bears a distinct resemblance to an old-fashioned English pub. It is a worthwhile dash of history to go with the high-calibre resorts on the island that are manifestly the main reason golfers visit Mauritius.
Dream destination
Holiday golf has developed more impressively on Mauritius than on other similar destinations in the last twenty years. There are now eleven 18-hole courses and a handful of nine-holers on the island – a remarkable number when you consider it is barely more than 2,000sq km in size.
The collection of stellar courses is one reason for this, but far from the only one. The year-round splendid weather, with the average temperature never dipping below 20 C, and sunshine aplenty every month of the year is, needless to say, a key attraction. A varied selection of off-course appeals and the accommodation – which ranges from ultra-luxurious to simple-but-good-value – are two more reasons to draw you to this pristine corner of golfing excellence.
The natural landscape is another, with courses and their resorts set down on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as cutting through tranquil, colourful indigenous vegetation. The astute, breathtaking use of the coastline by golf resorts in Mauritius is second to none.
A local welcome
One oft-overlooked reason for Mauritius’ popularity with golf travellers – and why return rates to the island are so high – is that the Mauritians are wonderful hosts. Their easy-going, friendly nature is matched by a strong work ethic and a pride in ensuring you have a memorable stay on their island.
The 1.3m population speak English as well as French, Creole and Indian, and their mix of languages is also represented in the wide spectrum of sensational local cuisine. No-one has ever returned from the island disappointed with the food.
And then there are the courses, which have helped Mauritius be named the 'Golf Destination of the Year in Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf States' in IAGTO’s awards (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).
Heritage Golf Club, La Réserve
The hand of Peter Matkovich
Heritage Golf Club is home to two of the finest courses on the island, Le Château and La Réserve, served by two outstanding hotels - Awali and Le Telfair.
Le Château is unquestionably one of the leading courses in the Indian Ocean, becoming one of the reference points for golf in the region since its opening in 2004. The 18 holes wind between lush native vegetation and have plenty enough to challenge the stronger player – it has hosted multiple editions of the Mauritius Open, a DP World Tour event – yet is also super playable for the higher handicapper, or even the beginner.
Its little sister La Réserve is different. Opened just last year, it sits on higher ground and was designed by Matkovich and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.
It is a stunning piece of design work in a stunning landscape. La Réserve showers you with Insta-worthy Indian Ocean panoramas; it will be the screensaver of many who play it and the all-time favourite course of others. It is a more difficult examination, given the sea breezes play a key part in its armoury, but all who challenge her will be exhilarated. Unlike Le Château, it is available only to guests staying at Awali or Le Telfair.
Heritage Golf Club, Le Château
The best of the rest
Avalon, nestled among tea-growing fields in the south-central mountains of Mauritius, is another fine piece of work by South African Matkovich. It is set on open, rolling terrain surrounded on one side by the ocean and by the mountains that encompass Grand Bassin – the island’s largest natural lake, which was created by a now-extinct volcano – on the other. Few trees line the course, adding to its playability, but the local flora add colour and definition to a delightful experience.
Tamarina Golf Club is situated in the idyll between the Rempart Mountain and the crisp blue sea of Tamarin Bay, and is a course that offers just the right balance of challenge and charm. It won’t beat you up, but you also have to work hard enough for your pars and birdie putts, keeping even the stronger player engaged.
Set across 107 well-presented acres, there are five sets of tees to further enhance its playability for all levels. There are several epic carries and risk-reward moments on a course of great variety among the holes and some real highlights.
Add in the two courses at Belle Mare Plage, the spectacular island course of Ile aux Cerfs, accessible only by boat, and the apt-named Le Paradis, and you have more than enough courses to play a different one every day in a week’s holiday.
These tempting scenes are just an 11-hour direct flight from Britain, or via a stop in Dubai. From that modest nine-holer founded by the Royal Navy, Mauritius has become a world-leading golf destination.