By Rahul Banerji
By and large, when the name Mauritius crops up in conversation, it brings to mind white beaches, crystal clear seas, water sports and honeymoon holidays.
For those in the know, however, there is a lot more to the archipelago – food, culture, architecture, wildlife and more. And also golf.
Mauritius has at least 12 world class courses and hosts the ArfAsia Bank Mauritius Open tournament tri-sanctioned between the European Tour, Asian Tour and South Africa’s Sunshine Tour.
Last year, Arjun Atwal finished second behind South Africa’s Dylan Fritelli in a playoff.
Big prize money
This year, the event will be back at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Anahita between November 29 and December 2, with the field competing for €1 million in prize money.
The tournament is also bills itself as the largest sports event in the Indian Ocean.
Little surprise therefore that Mauritius was chosen as the Golf Destination of the Year for Africa, Indian Ocean and the Gulf States at the IAGTO awards in Slovenia recently.
Having been awarded “Golf Destination of the Year” for the region in 2016 as well, Mauritius is establishing itself as a golf destination on the international scene.
Besides being a destination for couples or families, Mauritius provides for an outstanding golfing visit.
Testing courses
In and among undulating volcanic hills and tropical forests are a number of courses that range from 9-hole layouts to world-class 18-hole championship courses designed by Ernie Els, Peter Matkovich, Bernhard Langer, and Rodney Wright, amongst others.
As a result, the European, Asian, Sunshine and Senior Tours have all opted to set up base for their tournaments. Besides the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Mauritius also hosts the MCB Senior Open.
“We are delighted to receive this Award once again in recognition of the efforts of the private and public sectors working together to deliver the best possible experience to visiting golf travelers” said Amrita Craig of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MGTA).
Full support
“The MTPA is committed to supporting the promotion of golf tourism and the implementation of a golf tourism strategy that will achieve growth and attract more visitors from this affluent niche market.
“We will continue to work with IAGTO and MGTA to position Mauritius as an established and integrated golf destination on the world stage,” she added.
About Four Seasons Golf Club: Designed by Ernie Els, it is a 7,372-yard, 18-hole, par-72 championship course.
Six oceanfront holes culminate in a final shot that is among the most spectacular in the world.
Built to USGA standards, the course is set against lush mountains and fringed by a crystal-clear lagoon in East Mauritius.
Few courses in the world can match up to the setting. It also features deep bunkers, numerous natural water hazards and 6 ocean-side holes.
Fortunately there are five sets of tees.
Also read: 2019 golf tourism award winners unveiled at Slovenia gala