Keep your swing in shape when the skies turn grey and winter begins to set in! With so many amazing opportunities overseas, it might be time to get away to practise your putt and enjoy a change of scenery and some sunshine.
Mauritius
Sugary, white sand trickles between your toes as your skin is gently warmed by the sun. Mauritius is a stunning tropical paradise just off the coast of Madagascar in the beautiful Indian Ocean. It’s easy to see why 100,000 people from Britain visit the island every year, and with so many holidaymakers there is more than just sun, sea and sand to attract visitors. One huge draw for many tourists is the availability of excellent golf courses, and nothing attracts a keen golfer more than a high quality course in the sun. However, there are many countries that can boast great weather and good courses, so why Mauritius? We decided to take a look at golf in Mauritius to find out.
History
One of the top sports on the island, golf has a long history here and it has been played since 1812 when the Gymkhana Golf Club opened. This is now the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere and among the top five oldest golf clubs in the world. It is this history that combines with the wonderful surroundings to make Mauritius one of the top golfing countries to visit in the world and a bucket list destination for most golfers. The development of courses has progressed greatly since the early nineteenth century and the availability of courses is huge, particularly when considering the size of the island. They are dotted around the country and there are courses of all conceivable stature from small 9 hole to championship courses with International reputations. The national body for golf in Mauritius is the Mauritius Golf Federation or MGF, who hold many championships throughout the year including the Standard Bank Mauritius Open and the MCB Tour Championship.
Environment
Located just south of the equator, this is really a year-round destination, but many have associated Mauritius with holidays for winter sun, and this is one of its biggest enticements for a golfing break. During the winter in the UK it can be difficult to get in a good round of golf and Mauritius is a perfect break from the winter blues where you can play a top-flight course. It is around a 12 hour flight time from the UK to Mauritius, but surprisingly it is only a 3 or 4 hour time difference depending on British Summer Time. This means that jetlag is not really an issue, even with a longer flight time and winter sun destination, so you can be on the fairway as soon as you land.
Top Courses
Le Touessrok
World renowned and drooled over by most golfers, the Le Touessrok Golf Course is an 18 hole championship course on a small island, called the Ile aux Cerfs, just across a small stretch of water from the mainland. This is a challenging course that is designed as a par 72 championship course that can be enjoyed by advanced players but is still playable for recreational golfers.
Paradis
The Paradis has 3 courses to choose from, all of which are par 72. There are friendly competitions, and lessons available and each course is great for golfers of all abilities. Playing at the foot of the Le Morne Mountain, you will even get the chance to play your shot across the Indian Ocean.
Tamarina
Found near the village of Tamarin about 25km south of Port Louis. This eighteen hole par 72 course was designed by Rodney Wright and caters for all golfers of all ability as there are five teething options. This course has stunning mountain views and is easy to book online from the UK before you leave.
Tee off in Mauritius
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