Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its diverse range of golf courses. Over the years, it has become a notable destination for golfers worldwide. The island features a variety of courses, each offering unique experiences that attract amateur and professional golfers. With increasing golf courses, Mauritius provides ample opportunities for golf enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the sport in different settings. Understanding the golf landscape in Mauritius, including the number of courses, locations, and green fees, is essential for planning a golfing trip. This guide will delve into the best golf courses in Mauritius, the most affordable options, and detailed profiles of the top courses, helping you make informed decisions about where to play.
Overview of Golf Courses in Mauritius
Mauritius, a renowned tropical paradise, offers a compelling destination for golf enthusiasts with its diverse range of golf courses. The island is home to ten 18-hole and three 9-hole golf courses, each providing a unique golfing experience against stunning backdrops of mountains, lagoons, and lush greenery.
Number of Golf Courses in Mauritius
Mauritius has 13 golf courses, including ten 18-hole and three 9-hole courses. These courses vary in design and setting, offering different challenges and experiences for golfers of all skill levels. The island’s golfing history dates back to 1844, making it one of the earliest countries to introduce the sport outside the British Isles.
Golfing Environment
Mauritius enjoys a maritime subtropical climate, with warm and humid summers from November to April and more relaxed, dry winters from June to September. The mild temperature variations allow for year-round golfing, although avoiding the wettest months of January and February is best. The island’s diverse topography, including coastal regions and highlands, provides varied golfing environments, from beachfront courses to those nestled among tea fields.
Upcoming Developments
The golfing landscape in Mauritius is continually evolving, with new courses being developed to enhance the island’s appeal as a premier golfing destination. Planned developments include a second course at Domaine de Bel Ombre and a new course in Azuri.
For more detailed information and updates on golfing in Mauritius, visit the Tourism Mauritius website.
Best Golf Courses in Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club
Located on its island, this course features undulating terrain, volcanic rock outcrops, lakes, and tropical vegetation. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, it offers a unique and picturesque golfing experience.Anahita Golf Club
Designed by Ernie Els, this course is known for its wide fairways and challenging bunkers. It hosts the prestigious AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, attracting top golfers worldwide.Heritage Golf Club
Situated between mountains and the sea, this course offers scenic views and a challenging layout. It is part of the Heritage Resorts and hosts various international tournaments.Mont Choisy Le Golf
The only 18-hole course in the north of Mauritius, designed by Peter Matkovich. It features modern facilities and a layout that challenges amateur and professional golfers.Belle Mare Plage Golf Club
The Legend and The Links are home to two courses, both designed to USPGA specifications. These courses are popular among tourists and locals, offering well-maintained fairways and greens.
List of Golf Courses in Mauritius
North Mauritius
- Mont Choisy Le Golf
Peter Matkovich designed Mont Choisy Le Golf, the only 18-hole course in northern Mauritius. It features a modern design with various water hazards and offers a challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
East Mauritius
Located on a private island, this course, designed by Bernhard Langer, provides a unique golfing experience with its undulating terrain, volcanic rock outcrops, and tropical vegetation. Accessible by boat or helicopter, it is one of the most picturesque courses in Mauritius.
Ernie Els designed Anahita Golf Club, known for its wide fairways, large undulating greens, and stunning coastal views. It hosts the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, which attracts top golfers worldwide.
Belle Mare Plage Golf Club – The Legend
Designed by Hugh Baiocchi, The Legend course is part of the Constance Belle Mare Plage resort. It features fairways lined with trees and water hazards, providing a challenging and scenic golfing experience.
Belle Mare Plage Golf Club – The Links
The Links course, designed by Rodney Wright and Peter Alliss, offers rolling fairways, expansive greens, and strategically placed bunkers. It is the sister course to The Legend and provides a complementary golfing experience.
South Mauritius
Located in Bel Ombre, Heritage Golf Club offers Le Château Golf Course and La Réserve Golf Links. It is known for its scenic beauty, with views of mountains and the ocean, and hosts various international tournaments.
Nestled in the central highlands of Mauritius, Avalon Golf Estate provides a different golfing experience with its cooler climate and tea field surroundings. Designed by Peter Matkovich, it offers a challenging layout with stunning views.
West Mauritius
Tamarina Golf Club, designed by Rodney Wright, is in Tamarin and offers a scenic African savannah landscape. It is known for its wide fairways and challenging layout, providing an enjoyable golfing experience.
The oldest golf course in Mauritius, Gymkhana Club, was established in 1844. It is primarily a member’s club but offers a historical and traditional golfing experience.
Located on the Le Morne Peninsula, Paradis Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the Le Morne Brabant mountain. Designed by David Dutton and Tony Johnstone, it is part of the Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Azuri Golf Course is a 9-hole course located in the north-east of Mauritius. It offers a relaxed, picturesque golfing experience with ocean views and surrounding landscape.
Central Mauritius
- Gymkhana Club
As Mauritius’s oldest golf course, Gymkhana Club offers a historical golfing experience primarily for members and their guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Mauritius?
Mauritius boasts a diverse range of golf courses, including both 18-hole and 9-hole courses. As of 2024, there are approximately ten 18-hole golf courses and three 9-hole golf courses on the island. These courses offer a variety of experiences, from championship layouts to more casual options suitable for all levels of golfers (Golf Holidays) (MyMauritius Travel).
What are the best golf courses in Mauritius?
Mauritius is home to several highly acclaimed golf courses. Some of the top-rated courses include:
- Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club: Known for its picturesque setting on a private island.
- Anahita Golf Club: Designed by Ernie Els, this course is praised for its beautiful layout and challenging holes.
- Heritage Golf Club: Offers a blend of technical challenges and stunning scenery.
- Mont Choisy Le Golf: The newest addition, designed by Peter Matkovich, located in the north of the island (Golf Holidays) (MyMauritius Travel).
What types of grass are used on golf courses in Mauritius?
Golf courses in Mauritius use various types of grass to suit the tropical climate. Common types include:
- Bermuda Grass: Durable and drought-tolerant, providing a firm, fast surface.
- Paspalum Grass: Ideal for coastal courses due to its salt tolerance and smooth texture.
- Zoysia Grass: Known for its resilience to heat and heavy foot traffic, offering a carpet-like surface.
- Fescue: Used primarily in roughs, providing a natural look and requiring less water.
Can I rent clubs and carts at golf courses in Mauritius?
Yes, most golf courses in Mauritius offer club and cart rentals. It is advisable to book these in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
What are the playing conditions like at Mauritius golf courses?
Mauritius offers a range of playing conditions across its courses. Factors like grass type, weather, and course design impact the playing experience. The courses are generally well-maintained, offering a variety of challenges suitable for different skill levels.
Are there any golf tournaments held in Mauritius?
Yes, Mauritius hosts several golf tournaments, including the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, which is sanctioned by the European, Asian, and Sunshine tours. The island also hosts the Staysure Tour and other local and international competitions.
