Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club is a renowned golf destination on the picturesque Ile aux Cerfs Island off the east coast of Mauritius. Designed by the legendary golf player Bernhard Langer, this 18-hole championship golf course offers an unparalleled golfing experience amidst stunning natural beauty.
Course Design and Layout
The Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club covers 38 hectares on the island’s southern half. Its holes snake through lush tropical flora and undulating topography. The course features volcanic rock outcrops, lakes, gullies, and various tropical trees and plants. Each 18 holes offers ocean views, enhancing scenic beauty and challenging nature (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (Hole 19).
Key Features and Highlights
- Course Type: Par 72, 7115 yards
- Grass Type: Paspalum, known for its salt tolerance and smooth texture, ideal for coastal courses
- Designer: Bernhard Langer
- Unique Aspects: Natural obstacles including volcanic rock, water hazards, and strategic bunkers (golfscape) (Maurice Golf).
Hole-by-Hole Breakdown of Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club
Hole 1 – Lava Rock (Par 4, 389 metres)
The first hole sets the tone for the course. The tee shot must cross a natural pond and a wall of volcanic rock. The second shot should aim for the left-hand side of the generous green, which slopes towards protective bunkers. This hole demands accuracy and a strategic approach from the start.
Hole 2 – Wee View (Par 4, 329 metres)
This shorter Par 4 offers a birdie opportunity for most golfers. A good tee shot is required, followed by an accurate second shot to a small, undulating green perched above fairway level. The elevation change adds to the challenge and excitement of this hole.
Hole 3 – Wet and Volcanic (Par 3, 166 metres)
The prevailing wind at the golfers’ backs makes this hole play shorter than its actual length, presenting another excellent opportunity for a birdie. The green is well-protected by bunkers, requiring precise shot placement.
Hole 4 – Split Decision (Par 5, 518 metres)
This Par 5 is a real birdie or eagle chance for most players. A good tee shot followed by an accurate second shot will take you close to the green. The fairway is split in two by a downhill slope from left to right and a short approach to the green remains. The split fairway and the positioning of hazards make this a strategic hole.
Hole 5 – Tidal Pool (Par 4, 357 metres)
After a tee shot down the right-hand side of the fairway, the second shot is the key to a good score, as the green is protected by one of the prettiest tidal pools on Ile aux Cerfs. This scenic yet challenging hole requires careful navigation around the water hazard.
Hole 6 – Beach (Par 5, 601 metres)
This long Par five is played along the entire length of a spectacular beach. The tee shot is aimed to the right side of the fairway, which curves around a dogleg to a generous sloping green facing the lagoon. The beachside setting makes this hole a visual delight and a memorable challenge.
Hole 7 – Mangrove (Par 4, 395 metres)
This dogleg left-to-right hole requires An accurate tee shot to be ideally positioned for the approach shot. The tides slide in and out of the playing area on the second shot and near the green, adding an element of unpredictability.
Hole 8 – Mangrove Walk (Par 3, 130 metres)
This short Par 3 offers an exciting tee shot. The elevated green is perched high above a pretty tidal pool surrounded by mangroves and volcanic rocks, requiring precision and control to avoid natural hazards.
Hole 9 – Welcome Home (Par 5, 514 metres)
This original dogleg right is played through a natural pool. After a good tee shot, golfers have two options: play safely to the left to avoid the second pool or take a challenging and exciting second shot towards the largest receptive green on the course.
Hole 10 – Banyan (Par 4, 374 metres)
The start of the back nine requires a good tee shot to land safely on this right-to-left dogleg. The approach shot is to a sloping green that attracts backspin, testing the golfer’s accuracy and control.
Hole 11 – Around the Bend (Par 5, 565 metres)
This long Par five plays towards the sea with a view of the mainland mountains. A safe tee shot on this right-angled dogleg sets up a comfortable second shot to a large fairway, with a confident third shot required to reach the large green, the course’s signature hole.
Hole 12 – Cat and Mouse (Par 4, 418 metres)
This hole features a dogleg left dropping down to the sandy beach, with a view of Chat et Souris mountain on the second shot. The scenic beauty can be distracting, so golfers must concentrate on their game to leave with a birdie.
Hole 13 – Le Rocher (Par 3, 172 metres)
A challenging Par 3 with a green surrounded by rocks and bunkers. Precision and accuracy are key to landing on the green and avoiding the surrounding hazards.
Hole 14 – Island Bend (Par 4, 414 metres)
This hole curves around the island, with a fairway that bends left to right. The approach shot is challenging due to the water hazard near the green.
Hole 15 – Volcanic Ridge (Par 4, 389 metres)
Golfers must navigate a fairway flanked by volcanic rock outcrops. The green is elevated and protected by bunkers, making the approach shot critical.
Hole 16 – Lagoon View (Par 3, 185 metres)
A scenic Par 3 with a green that overlooks the lagoon. Wind conditions can vary, affecting the shot and requiring careful club selection.
Hole 17 – Long Beach (Par 5, 571 metres)
This long Par 5 runs parallel to the beach, with expansive bunkers and water hazards. The fairway is wide, but the approach shot to the green requires precision.
Hole 18 – Home Stretch (Par 4, 435 metres)
The final hole is a challenging Par 4 with a fairway that narrows near the green. Bunkers and water hazards protect the green, making for a dramatic finish to the round (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (Maurice Golf) (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club).
Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club provides a blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts visiting Mauritius. For more information or to book your tee time, visit the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club website (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club)
Facilities and Amenities at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club
Golf Academy
The Ile aux Cerfs Golf Academy provides golfers with access to state-of-the-art training facilities designed to enhance their skills and overall game. The academy features an air-conditioned learning studio equipped with the latest golf-training technology, including swing analysis and simulation equipment. Professional instructors are available to offer personalized lessons tailored to individual needs, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced player aiming to refine your technique. Additionally, the practice facilities include driving ranges, putting greens, and chipping areas to help golfers practice various aspects of their game (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (Maurice Golf).
Pro Shop
The Pro Shop at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club is strategically located overlooking the 18th hole, providing a convenient stop for golfers finishing their round. The shop offers a comprehensive selection of golf clothing, shoes, and accessories from leading brands, ensuring that golfers are well-equipped for their game. In addition to apparel, the Pro Shop stocks premium golf equipment, including clubs, balls, and other essentials. Souvenirs and duty-free items are also available, making it easy for visitors to take home a memento of their experience at the club (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club).
Dining
Langer’s Bar & Grill, the main dining facility at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, is located at the highest point of the island, providing diners with stunning views of the practice area and the 18th hole. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring both Mauritian specialties and international dishes, crafted by talented chefs to cater to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, Langer’s Bar & Grill provides a relaxing and scenic dining experience. The restaurant is a perfect spot to unwind after a round of golf, offering a variety of beverages and a comfortable ambiance (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club).
Accessibility and Services at Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club
Transportation
Access to Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club is both unique and memorable. Golfers can reach the course via a special golf boat shuttle that operates from a private jetty, ensuring a seamless and scenic transfer to the island. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, helicopter transfers are available, offering breathtaking aerial views of the island and surrounding ocean (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (Hole19).
Rentals
To accommodate golfers traveling without their equipment, Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club provides rental services for both clubs and carts. This service ensures that all guests have access to high-quality equipment, making it convenient for travelers to enjoy their game without the hassle of bringing their own gear. Rental clubs are well-maintained and suited for players of all skill levels, while carts are available to enhance the overall golfing experience by providing ease of movement around the course (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (golfscape).
Dress Code
Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club maintains a strict dress code to ensure a proper golfing atmosphere. Golfers are required to wear regular golf attire, which includes shirts with collars, tailored trousers, or Bermuda shorts. Denim, beachwear, tennis attire, and training shoes are not permitted on the course. Additionally, golf shoes with soft spikes are compulsory to protect the course’s turf and maintain optimal playing conditions (Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club) (golfscape).
