Mauritius – A Five Star Golf Retreat

“I am not a pebble on the beach – a grain of sand on the seashore or just one of millions of creations – past, present and future.
No, I’m all this and more: the sound of rain; the sound of wind in a primeval wood; and the sound of outer ocean on a beach.
I’m Mauritius, I’m unique, I’m the fruit of the perfection of God’s creative powers.”

“Golf is a search for such perfection, for balance.
It’s about meditation and concentration.
It is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect.
It is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.”

Situated in the warm azure water of the Indian Ocean, this beautiful tropical island of Mauritius is famous for its vast stretches of pristine white-sanded beaches, warm temperatures and pleasant weather all year round which provide excellent conditions for golf and for a great golf holiday. Today golf is one of the top sports in Mauritius and one of the main attractions for visitors to the island.

Mauritius is the third country in the world where golf was played after the United Kingdom and India. The British Royal Navy members opened the first Golf club (The Gymkhana Golf Club) in 1902. The Mauritius Gymkhana Golf club is the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere and the fourth oldest golf course in the world.

Since early days, Mauritius is the ultimate Golf destination for any golfer. There is an astonishingly high number of golf courses dotted all over the island, ranging from basic 9 holes courses to world class championship golf courses with 18 holes deigned by the world leading golfers such as Ernie Els, Bernard Langer and David Leadbetter.

The golf courses in Mauritius are designed in such a way to test the efficiency and accuracy of golfers. From bushes to bunkers and from water hazards to nails concealed by verdure foliage, the golf courses in Mauritius offer exciting experiences in beautiful natural settings. Many of these courses offer spectacular sea views and open coastal panoramas.

Heritage Golf Club – Golf Course (Bel Ombre):
The Heritage Golf Club is an excellent 18-hole golf course, designed by South African golf architect, Peter Matkovich and covers an area of 100 hectares. It is home to the AfrAsia Cup, which will be held in November 2017.

Attached to the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort, this magnificent 18 hole Heritage Golf Club is situated in the heart of unspoiled South Mauritius. The course has a volcanic mountain backdrop and some breathtaking views out to sea. The landscape is interspersed with lakes, streams and tropical trees; the championship course (Par 72) is both technically challenging and varied.

It has the right balance and variation in length of holes, width of fairways, green sizes and ultimately the risk and reward element that is crucial on any Championship layout.

Four Seasons Golf Club:
Designed by Ernie Els, it is a 7,372-yard, 18-hole, par-72 championship course with large fairways and five sets of tees. Six stunning oceanfront holes culminate in a final shot that is among the most spectacular in the world. It is also home to the AfrAsia Cup.

Built to USGA standards, carefully woven into the tropical sanctuary, the course is set against lush mountains and fringed by the vast crystal-clear lagoon in East Mauritius. For sheer beauty, few courses in the world can match up to it. It has a magnificent setting and features some tough deep bunkers, numerous natural water hazards and 6 ocean-side holes and fortunately 5 sets of tees.

Paradis Golf Club:
The most exciting golf experience: unforgettable is the only word to describe a round of golf on this course. Set in South Mauritius against the backdrop of majestic mountains, the fairways and greens curl along the shoreline of a spectacular bay. The claim that this is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Mauritius is probably a valid one.
The 18-hole Par 72 golf course stretches along 5,924 metres between the iconic Morne mountain and the crystal-clear lagoon of the Morne peninsula. Much of the creative design of the bunkers and fairways is attributable to international golf legend Tony Johnstone who spent several years playing the course through its many evolutionary stages.

Tamarina Golf Club:
Situated on a beautiful estate of 206 hectares on West Mauritius, this 18-hole championship course has exceptional views between mountain and sea. It spans 6,886 meters (7,436 yards) and par 72 course designed by Wright Golf Design, owned by Rodney Wright.
This 18-hole Championship course undulates over rugged savannah land framed with mature trees and crossed by the Rempart River. The holes have been specially designed to give spectacular views of the impressive Mount Rempart and the towering mountain range. Some holes also offer great views over the crisp crystal clear blue lagoon of the Tamarin Bay.

The Links Golf Course (Belle Mare):
Designed by Rodney Wright and Peter Allis, par 72 with 5942m, this 18 hole championship course is located in East Mauritius along turquoise waters. The natural setting of the course, over rolling links style terrain, is complemented by excellent fairways and firm greens. A special feature is the volcanic rock, piled high to form pyramid like structures that dot the course.
Plenty of water challenges, afternoon sea-breezes blowing over wide open spaces and rolling undulating terrain make for the ultimate golf experience. The clubhouse sits above the course and faces the mountains and setting sun with panoramic views to the ocean.
Legend Golf Course:
Designed by South African champion, Hugh Baiocchi and spread over 6,018 meters (6,582 yards) in East Mauritius, each of its 18 holes par 72 have distinctive characteristics. Superb fairways are laid in the heart of an indigenous forest, culminating on velvet greens, made to US PGA regulations.

Home to the “Johnnie Walker Classic” and the Mauritius Open, it also hosts the European Senior Tour.

Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club:
Designed by Bernhard Langer, this 18 hole championship course with 4 different sets of tees and par 72 is spread over6,452 meters (7,056 yards) in East Mauritius. Fringed by white sands and surrounded by the blue Indian Ocean, it features breathtaking views from all 18 holes.

It was recently named 10th best golf course in the world by both Golf World magazine (UK) and Middle East Golf Magazine, as well as 19th by Golf Journal (Germany).

Avalon Golf Course:
Designed by Peter Malkovic, this 18 hole par 72 championship course spans 6200m in the most idyllic surroundings in the heart of a natural reserve, within the most undiscovered and authentic South Mauritius. On the central plateau, it offers a vista of the southern coastline of Mauritius. An inland golf course, it is accessible to all. The fairways are large, fun and easy to play.

Gymkhana Golf Course:
The 18-hole golf course designed by the British Roayl Navy offers a good mix of hazards and low rates. Located in Central Mauritius, the golf course is a 18-hole, par 68 and 4,870 meters long.

Being an ancient colony of the British Empire, it is the first Golf club opened in Mauritius and may not feature all the complexities of modern golf courses, but it is perfectly maintained.