Mauritius - the oldest and newest golf destination in the Southern Hemisphere

Few people know that Mauritius was the third country in the world to start playing golf after the UK and then India. The Mauritius Gymkhana Golf Club, built by the British army in 1844, is the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere and the fourth oldest course in the world.

In the last decade, several 18 and 9-hole golf courses designed by international course designers have been built in Mauritius. Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting played at one of them on his honeymoon!

The golf courses in Mauritius occupy some of the most beautiful beachside land and are flanked by blue lagoons, white beaches and palm trees. It is paradise except for the bunkers and lakes. Several Mauritian course maps feature as much blue space as green, but for those afraid of the water, there are just as many courses designed for all skill levels.

German golfer and US Masters winner, Bernhard Langer designed Le Touessrok course on Ile aux Cerfs, an islet just off the east coast of  Mauritius. The tiny island is occupied entirely by the picture postcard 18-hole course and makes for one of the classic aerial photographs in world golf.

The course is decorated by lush tropical flora and some 14 lakes. It is surrounded by a coral lagoon and white beaches on every side, and backdropped by volcanic mountains down the coast. A small ferry takes golfers to meet their motor buggy and all 18 holes have ocean views!

Langer said, “With azure blue waters lapping at white sand beaches and the backdrop of an ancient volcanic mountains, I don’t know of any golf sites that compare.” 

The Legend Golf course in the east is home to the annual Mauritius Open in December. It is a superb 6,014 metre, 18-hole course designed by South African champion Hugh Baiocchi. The nine hole Saint Geran course, also in the east, was designed by Gary Player and a new 18-hole course at Anahita resort was designed by Ernie Els.

The south west of the island is fast becoming a favourite golfing destination because it boasts three 18-hole courses including the Golf du Chateau and the Tamarina Golf Estate. The Paradis 18-hole course, where Ricky Ponting played, wraps around a stunning spit on the Le Morne peninsula with water on three sides of the course and the precipitous Le Morne mountain as a dramatic background.

Le "Paradis Golf Challenge" occurs in June and September each year run by Beachcomber South Africa but as more Australians apply for places the managing director of Beachcomber, Australia, said there could be room for a South Africa – Australia tournament.

There are professionals and lessons available at most clubs or resorts and a David Leadbetter Academy of Golf at Le Touessrok. Several courses run tournaments for international visitors.

A wide range of tailored golf packages is available in Mauritius and it’s best to inquire at individual resorts. Some of these include, for example, unlimited green fees, a motorised cart, practice balls, lessons, a golfers massage at the resort spa, group lessons and golfing souvenirs.

Golf is just one of many world class sporting activities on offer in Mauritius. Windsurfing, sailing, fishing, surfing and diving are as good as anywhere in the world. And Mauritius’s reputation as a destination for weddings, honeymoons and tropical holidays is already renowned.

Australian contacts: The Wren Partnership: 613 9685 2600