PRESSBOOK MCB TC 2023

TRAVEL MAURITIUS

Photography: Getty Images

TAKE YOUR PICK DESPITE NOT BEING THE MOST RECOGNISED GOLFING DESTINATION, YOU’D BE A FOOL TO THINK THAT CONSTANCE BELLE MARE PLAGE IS THE ONLY PLACE TO PLAY GOLF ON THIS BEAUTIFUL ISLAND.

ILE AUX CERFS GOLF CLUB

Designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer, Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club is an 19 hole course which lies on the east coast of Mauritius, which is only is reachable only by a boat shuttle from its private jetty or by a scenic helicopter ride. The spectacular golf course covers 38 hectares of the iconic Ile aux Cerfs Island with the holes snaking along the preserved tropical flora and fauna of the island, boasting naturally in the undulating topography with volcanic rock outcrops, lakes and gullies. All 19 holes have views of the ocean – some with glimpses across clearings through the trees; others by coming close to the shore.

AVALON GOLF ESTATE

Avalon is an open, rolling layout designed by Peter Matkovich that is surrounded on all sides by breath-taking views. To the south is the ocean, where early starters can catch the rising sun as they start their game. A peek in the opposite direction provides a view of the majestic mountains that surround Grand Bassin – the largest natural lake in Mauritius, which was created by a now-extinct volcano. The elevated nature of the course means that low clouds and cooler, breezy conditions are often to be expected. This was incorporated into the course’s design, with Matkovich creating a perfect balance of holes playing both with and against prevailing winds. Very few trees line the course, adding to its feeling of openness and playability, while numerous Tree ferns supplement the local flora and add a soft theme to the unique layout.

Baker finished on 15 under par to win December’s MCB Tour Championship Mauritius

With all the stunning scenery around me, I could have been forgiven for forgetting that there was a golf tournament to report on! And what an event it turned out to be with former Ryder Cupper Peter Baker clinching the season-long Order of Merit in style by birdieing the final hole for a one-shot win at the MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius. Baker and Adilson da Silva had started the final round one off the lead, with both men in the hunt for the John Jacobs award, but it would be the former who took the title after securing a fourth win of the season with four birdies in the final six holes. “It’s absolutely fantastic,” said the Englishman, who hit a memorable second shot to within 10ft on the par-5 18th. “It’s something I didn’t think of at the start of the year, but after three wins it put me in a

brilliant position. Adilson had a fantastic year as well, and winning last week. I’ve put a lot of time and effort in because I knew it would go all the way to the wire. Even this week, I said to my wife, I think we need to win this because he’s going to be right there. I was trying to win the tournament because I thought that was needed. “I hit a good drive on 18 and I saw Patrik Sjoland miss a putt on the green that I thought was probably for birdie. I knew we were tied so I thought it was birdie to win the tournament. We play to win tournaments and I’ve probably never hit a better five-wood than that, it was all over it. I’m really pleased with that shot.” Baker was also quick to heap praise on former Masters Champion Ian Woosnman for his help across the year.

“He’s really supported me and we talk a lot,” he said. “He’s blunt, as you can imagine, which is great, that’s how we are. He’s really encouraged me throughout the year. I had a lot of help from Michael Welch at home in Shropshire, as well. You need that support. It’s a tough game, so I’m very appreciate of all the help I’ve had.” FINAL THOUGHTS The tournament brought the week to a fantastic end and I certainly won’t be forgetting Mauritius in a hurry. From the five star hospitality given by Constance’s staff to the memorable trip swimming with dolphins and the beautiful courses literally right on my doorstep, it’s safe to say I’m already looking at when I can return as soon as possible!

HERITAGE GOLF CLUB

Nestled alongside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Heritage Golf Club is the only 45-hole golf destination in the Indian Ocean. Featuring the lush, elegant Le Château Golf Course, consistently voted the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course, and the dramatic new La Réserve Golf Links, designed by Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen. The latter took over from the former hosting the DP World Tour’s Mauritius Open last month, with the course inspired by the wild open spaces of the great seaside links.

Worldwide GOLF 60

Worldwide GOLF 61