Mauritius is once again open for (fully vaccinated) visitors and there are plenty of great deals on offer, together with a collection of some of the finest golf courses in the world, writes BRENDAN BARRETT.
Mont Choisy
The newest of the championship courses on the island, Mont Choisy (above) is a world-class facility attached to the Beachcomber Trou aux Biches resort in the north. It’s got a linksy feel, with wide, undulating fairways and large greens, and with a selection of tee-box options, it is accommodating for all levels of golfer. The signature island-green 15th and the par-five 18th are two spectacular holes on a Peter Matkovich course which has no real weak holes.
Ile aux Cerfs
Considered by many to be the No 1 course in Mauritius, Ile aux Cerfs (formerly known as Le Touessrok) is a Bernhard Langer design on one of the most stunning pieces of land in the world. The course is positioned on a 38-hectare island and all holes offer a view of the sea, with some playing directly along the coastline.
Avalon
The only inland resort course in Mauritius, Avalon’s elevated position offers some sweeping views of the island. Playing through the natural vegetation, with plenty of changes in elevation, this Peter Matkovich design flows beautifully and the wide-open fairways (on most holes) offer scoring opportunities and the feeling of being alone on the course.
Anahita
The Ernie Els design is what you’d expect from a resort course and much more. Wide fairways and large greens allow the casual golfer a fun day out on a layout that features no fewer than six oceanside holes. The closing stretch of the 16th, 17th and 18th holes comprises one of the best finishes in golf.
Paradis
It’s hard to picture a better, or more spectacular, setting for a golf course – laid out over a narrow peninsula that separates the ocean from a lagoon. As you might expect, there are plenty of water hazards, so pack extra golf balls. However, the course is reasonably short, so the better golfer may be able to score well if they opt for position over power.
The Legends and The Links
The Constance Belle Mare Plage and Constance Le Prince Maurice hotels are attached to two fine championship golf courses, The Legend and The Links. The former is arguably more difficult, with narrow fairways, small greens and plenty of water hazards, while the latter has some interesting lava rock formations that one needs to avoid. Golf is free for those staying at the resort.
Tamarina
Slightly inland, and sitting under the shadow of the impressive Mount Rempart, the Tamarina course (right) is another true and challenging Mauritian beauty. Despite forgiving fairways, it feels as though the course is carved through the thick vegetation, and golfers’ accuracy will be tested here. Not only do hotel guests have unlimited golf, but also access to a fantastic practice facility at Tamarina.
Gymkhana Golf Club
You’ve likely never heard of this course, located in the centre of the island. It was officially documented in 1902, but its heritage dates back to the British military presence in the 1840s, making it one of the oldest courses outside the British Isles. It’s also the cheapest course you can play outside your home resort.
Heritage Golf Club
Attached to the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, this course has it all: a great balance of holes, plenty of water hazards and a blend of links and parkland features. Like most resort-style courses, the fairways have generous landing areas, but the strategically placed bunkers will prevent players from trying to overpower it. The good news is that there’s also a Louis Oosthuizen-designed layout on the cards for this superb resort.
– This article first appeared in the October 2021 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine. Subscribe here!
