Belle Mare Plage (Links)

The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius has quietly evolved into one of the world's most compelling golf destinations, combining championship-quality courses with the kind of tropical scenery that makes even a bogey feel acceptable. With roots stretching back to 1844 when the Mauritius Gymkhana Club was established—making it one of the oldest courses outside the British Isles—the island now offers a dozen layouts that punch well above their weight in terms of quality and design pedigree. Top 100 Golf Courses has expanded its Mauritius rankings from a selective Top 5 to a comprehensive Top 10, reflecting the island's maturation as a serious golf destination. The most dramatic development sees La Réserve Golf Links claim the top position in its ranking debut, marking the first time a new course has displaced the long-reigning Ile aux Cerfs layout. What makes Mauritius particularly attractive is the calibre of architects who've worked here. Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els, Hugh Baiocchi, Peter Matkovich, and Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen have all left their mark on an island where courses are framed by volcanic mountains, trade-wind coastlines, and the impossibly blue waters of the Indian Ocean. For golfers planning destination trips, Mauritius delivers the rare combination of world-class golf and genuine resort luxury without the crowds found at more established golf markets. Current Rankings: A New Era at the Top The latest Mauritius rankings reveal significant movement across the board, with the arrival of the Indian Ocean's first contemporary links inspired course reshaping the competitive landscape. La Réserve Golf Links' ascent to number one represents more than just a new course making an impact—it signals Mauritius' ambition to compete with the world's best golf destinations on architectural merit rather than merely tropical appeal. Beyond the ranked courses, Mauritius offers several additional playable layouts worth exploring, whilst the island continues to attract serious architectural talent for future developments. The expansion to a Top 10 format provides a more comprehensive view of the destination's depth, capturing courses that serve different market segments from championship-calibre venues to resort-friendly tracks. Top 10 At A Glance The New Number 1 #1 Heritage Golf Club (La Réserve Golf Links) – The Indian Ocean's first contemporary links inspired course debuts at the summit The Rising Star #2 Avalon Golf Estate – Significant climb from previous rankings Notable Movements #4 Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club – Former champion drops three positions #5 Heritage Golf Club (Le Château) – Falls from second to fifth #10 Tamarina – Significant decline from previous top five position Maintaining Strong Positions #3 Anahita – Ernie Els design holds steady in top three #7 Belle Mare Plage (Legend) – Hugh Baiocchi layout remains mid-table #8 Paradis – Continues as a respected resort option What the Rankings Tell Us La Réserve Golf Links: The Indian Ocean's First True Links The ascent of La Réserve Golf Links to Mauritius' top position marks a significant moment for golf in the Indian Ocean region. Co-designed by 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and Peter Matkovich, the championship layout opened in December 2023 and immediately established itself as something genuinely different for the region. Constructed wall-to-wall with Pure Dynasty paspalum grass, the course features significant elevation changes and delivers panoramic ocean views from virtually every hole—a rarity in golf anywhere in the world. What sets La Réserve apart is its commitment to contemporary links principles in a tropical setting. The course design eschews the target golf that characterises many resort layouts in favour of strategic ground-game options and wind-affected shot values. For golfers accustomed to lush parkland conditions at Mauritius courses, La Réserve presents an entirely different challenge and aesthetic. Peter Matkovich's Mauritian Dominance The current rankings showcase Peter Matkovich's considerable influence on Mauritius' golf architecture. With La Réserve Golf Links at number one, Avalon Golf Estate at number two, and Heritage Golf Club (Le Château) at number five, the South African architect claims three of the top five positions. Matkovich's prolific output across the African continent has brought sophisticated modern design to Mauritius, complementing the earlier work of major championship winners like Langer and Els. His courses on the island demonstrate versatility—from Le Château's parkland championship test within the historic Bel Ombre estate to Avalon's residential golf estate layout and La Réserve's links challenge. This architectural depth gives Mauritius genuine variety beyond tropical resort golf. The Cooling of Ile aux Cerfs Perhaps the most significant story in the current rankings is Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club's drop from the top position it held for over a decade. Formerly known as Le Touessrok, the Bernhard Langer-designed course set on its own tropical island delivered world-class golf experiences throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Its fall to fourth position reflects not diminished quality but rather the emergence of newer designs that push architectural boundaries further. The course remains a prestigious IMG layout with a unique island setting and mature conditioning. Its drop speaks more to Mauritius' rising standards than any failings of its own. For many visitors, the boat ride to a private island golf course still represents the ultimate Indian Ocean golf experience. Mont Choisy's Successful Introduction The championship course at Mont Choisy Le Golf, officially opened by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth in October 2017, has established itself at number six in its first ranking appearance. As the central component of a modern residential development in northern Mauritius, Mont Choisy represents the island's continued expansion into the high-end golf estate market. Its strong debut position validates the island's ability to deliver quality across multiple course openings. A Decade of Evolution: 2015 Rankings November 2015: The Heritage Era Begins In November 2015, Top 100 Golf Courses published its biennial Mauritius appraisal, capturing a pivotal moment in the island's golf evolution. The most significant development saw Heritage Golf Club (Le Château) enter at number two, immediately establishing itself amongst the island's elite. The Peter Matkovich design had been selected to host the inaugural AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open in May 2015, marking the first tri-sanctioned professional tournament endorsed by the European, Asian, and Sunshine Tours. Key developments from 2015: Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club (formerly Le Touessrok) retained its number one position after over a decade at the summit Heritage Golf Club debuted at number two, displacing established courses Anahita dropped one position to number three despite hosting multiple professional events Belle Mare Plage (Legend) fell to fourth, maintaining its reputation as host venue for the MCB Tour Championship Tamarina held steady at number five, having recently hosted the MCB Indian Ocean Amateur Golf Open The 2015 rankings reflected a market with limited quantity. The arrival of Heritage signalled increasing confidence in Mauritius as a championship golf destination rather than merely a resort golf stopover. Planning Your Mauritius Golf Trip Mauritius golf courses are concentrated enough that a week-long trip can cover multiple top-ranked venues whilst still enjoying beach time and cultural experiences. The island's modest size—just 65 kilometres long and 45 kilometres wide—means no course is more than 90 minutes from any other, making ambitious daily-double rounds entirely feasible. The Championship Circuit pairs La Réserve Golf Links with Heritage Le Château at the same complex for golfers seeking Peter Matkovich's full vision, then combines Avalon Golf Estate and Anahita on the east coast for contrasting architectural styles from Matkovich and Ernie Els. This routing delivers the island's four strongest championship tests in efficient geographic clusters. The East Coast Experience centres around Ile aux Cerfs, requiring the memorable boat transfer to the island course, then adding Belle Mare Plage's Legend and Links courses for contrasting Hugh Baiocchi designs at a single resort. This three-course combination provides variety without changing hotels, ideal for golfers prioritising convenience. The Complete Top 10 Tour requires strategic planning, but rewards committed golfers with comprehensive exposure to Mauritius golf architecture. Starting in the south at Heritage for La Réserve and Le Château, moving to Avalon and Anahita on the east coast, then north to Mont Choisy before returning south via Paradis and Tamarina creates logical routing. Belle Mare Plage and Ile aux Cerfs slot into the east coast portion. In seven to ten days, with some early starts, achieve this ambitious circuit. Practical Considerations include Mauritius' tropical climate, with November through April bringing heat and humidity that favour morning tee times, whilst May through October offers milder conditions with less rainfall. Most courses welcome visitors through resort access or public play policies. The island's infrastructure is well-developed, with reliable transfers and English widely spoken, removing typical destination golf complications. Looking Ahead Mauritius continues attracting architectural interest despite the limited available land for new development. The success of La Réserve Golf Links validates the market's appetite for championship-calibre courses that push beyond resort golf comfort zones. Future developments will likely focus on renovations and enhancements to existing courses rather than entirely new builds, given the island's geographic constraints. The tri-sanctioned professional tournament model that began with the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open demonstrates the island's potential as a tournament destination. Additional professional events would raise Mauritius' profile in global golf circles and potentially attract more international visitors seeking courses worth travelling for. The combination of championship venues, reliable weather, and luxury infrastructure positions the island well for this evolution. Heritage Golf Club's two-course complex at Bel Ombre represents a template for future Mauritius golf development—combining championship architecture with residential estates and five-star amenities. As established courses mature and new designs emerge, the island's rankings will continue evolving, though the Top 10 format should remain stable for the foreseeable future, given limited room for additional courses. View the complete Mauritius golf course rankings, including detailed course profiles and booking information. See our Mauritius golf vacation guide with Heritage Golf Resort as its base.

The island's golf scene revolves around the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort complex on the south coast, where two championship courses share 2,500 acres of preserved nature reserve. Here's what makes Mauritius worth the flight: Year-Round Playability: Consistent 24-28°C (75-82°F) temperatures mean no off-season, though May-November offers drier conditions and stronger trade winds that test course management skills Championship Architecture: Peter Matkovich's designs integrate volcanic rock formations, indigenous forest, and Indian Ocean views with a strategic challenge that rewards creative shot-making Accessible Premium Golf: The golf represents exceptional value compared to European or North American equivalents Cultural Immersion: Creole, French, Indian, and Chinese influences create dining and cultural experiences that extend the appeal beyond golf-focused itineraries The Heritage properties sit 45 minutes from the international airport, making this a genuine fly-in golf destination rather than a complex multi-stop journey. Mauritius's Best Golf Courses Heritage La Réserve - Opened in 2020, this newer Matkovich design represents the evolution of strategic golf course architecture in tropical environments. The course navigates through protected ebony forest and volcanic outcrops with elevation changes reaching 50 metres (164 feet) that create genuine risk-reward moments. The signature 15th plays from an elevated tee across a natural ravine to a green protected by indigenous vegetation, demanding precise distance control in trade wind conditions. The layout rewards local knowledge - particularly regarding wind patterns that shift through the day - making repeat play genuinely beneficial rather than merely enjoyable. Avalon Golf Estate - Situated about 30 minutes north of Heritage in the island's interior, this relatively recent addition to Mauritius's golf portfolio offers a strikingly different experience from coastal courses. The Peter Matkovich design navigates through former sugarcane plantations with the dramatic Rempart Mountain range providing a stunning backdrop throughout the round. The layout emphasises strategic water management, with numerous lakes and wetlands coming into play on 14 holes, demanding precise distance control and thoughtful course management. The signature 9th hole plays across water to an island green protected by prevailing winds that typically strengthen through morning rounds. Heritage Le Château - The 2004 original remains a spectacular introduction to Mauritian golf, winding through the Domaine de Bel Ombre nature reserve with Indian Ocean views appearing on multiple holes. Matkovich's routing takes advantage of natural terrain features, particularly the volcanic rock formations that frame fairways and protect greens. The back nine builds intensity, culminating in a finish where the 18th plays toward the colonial-era château that houses the clubhouse. Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Mauritius Golf Adventure Day 1: Arrive Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, transfer to Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort (45 minutes), settle in with sunset drinks overlooking Bel Ombre beach. Evening at Heritage's C Beach Club for seafood and acclimatisation to tropical evening rhythms. Day 2: Morning round at Heritage Golf Club, experiencing Matkovich's original design when trade winds remain manageable. Afternoon spa treatment at Seven Colours Spa to address long-haul flight recovery. Evening dinner at Gin'ja restaurant for Asian-fusion cuisine that showcases Mauritius's multicultural influences. Day 3: Sunrise tee time at Heritage La Réserve, taking advantage of calmer morning conditions before afternoon winds strengthen. Post-round lunch at the Reserve clubhouse, then afternoon catamaran cruise to explore the south coast's protected lagoons. Evening at Château de Bel Ombre for fine dining in the colonial-era mansion. Day 4: Full-day excursion exploring the east coast, including Grand Baie shopping and sunset viewing at Cap Malheureux's red-roofed church. This provides contrast to the Heritage experience whilst maximising the golf-and-culture combination. Another option woudl be to head inland and play Avalon Golf Estate before continuing to the CBD on north side of the island. Day 5: Optional nature walk through Frederica Nature Reserve adjacent to Heritage properties, observing endemic bird species and volcanic landscapes. Add on an additional round at Heritage La Réserve before heading off to the airport. Seasonal Variation: October-April brings higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms that rarely last beyond an hour but can affect scheduling. May-September delivers slightly cooler temperatures and stronger trade winds that add to the adventure. Mauritius Travel Logistics Getting There: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport serves as the sole entry point, with direct flights from London (approximately 12 hours), Paris (11 hours), and major European hubs. Air Mauritius operates the most frequent European services, whilst British Airways and Air France provide seasonal alternatives. Heritage properties sit 45 minutes south via coastal highway M2, though afternoon traffic can extend this to 70 minutes. Transportation: Rental cars provide maximum flexibility for exploring beyond resort properties, with right-hand drive matching UK patterns. Heritage properties offer scheduled shuttle services to their two golf courses, eliminating rental for golf-focused visits. Taxis remain widely available but will require you to negotiate the fare before your journey commences. Weather & Packing: Tropical maritime climate delivers consistent warmth year-round, though May-November offers drier conditions and stronger trade winds averaging 20-30 km/h (12-18 mph). Pack multiple moisture-wicking layers rather than single heavy pieces, as humidity remains high throughout the year. Quality waterproof jacket proves essential despite limited rainfall, as occasional tropical showers arrive without warning. High-SPF sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats address intense equatorial sun exposure that exceeds European intensity even during cloudy conditions. Equipment: International airlines typically include golf equipment in standard baggage allowances, though confirming specific policies before booking prevents airport surprises. Heritage courses offer Callaway and TaylorMade rental sets, representing solid backup options if travel complications affect equipment arrival. Local pro shops are well stocked with most major brands represented. Communication: English, French, and Creole all function as working languages, with golf course staff typically fluent in English. International roaming charges can prove expensive, so check before you travel. Practical Details: Carts often come standard in green fees, as walking proves challenging given heat, humidity, and elevation changes on many of Matkovich's designs. Pace of play typically runs around 4.5 hours or a bit longer for Heritage courses. Where to Stay for Mauritius Golf Golf Resort Integration: Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort delivers the most seamless golf-focused experience, sitting minutes from both Heritage courses with scheduled shuttle services, priority tee times, and integrated booking systems. The 158-suite property combines colonial architecture with modern amenities, featuring the exceptional Seven Colours Spa and multiple dining venues that eliminate the need for off-property exploration. The sister Heritage Awali resort caters to families with a more casual atmosphere and direct beach access, whilst maintaining golf privileges at both courses. This represents a strategic choice for mixed groups where non-golfing partners prioritise beach activities and casual dining over the Telfair's more refined atmosphere. Location Strategy: Staying at Heritage properties delivers genuine value through eliminated transport logistics, priority tee times, and integrated booking systems that simplify multi-course planning. The Domaine de Bel Ombre location provides natural beauty and a protected environment over the more developed northern coastal areas. Mauritius's Culinary Scene Premium Dining: Château de Bel Ombre delivers Mauritius's most refined dining experience, occupying the restored colonial mansion with French-Creole cuisine. The gin library features over 100 international labels for post-dinner sampling. Le Palmier at Heritage Le Telfair offers more casual but equally accomplished cooking, with the signature seafood curry showcasing Mauritian spice traditions without overwhelming heat levels. The beachfront setting at C Beach Club makes this ideal for sunset dining, though afternoon trade winds occasionally require indoor seating adjustments. Local Specialities: Mauritian cuisine reflects the island's multicultural heritage, blending French techniques with Indian spices, Chinese cooking methods, and African ingredients. Essential dishes include vindaye (pickled fish preparation), dholl puri (split pea flatbreads with curry accompaniments), and octopus curry that appears on most restaurant menus. Mine frite (fried noodles) and bol renversé (upside-down bowl rice dish) demonstrate Chinese influences that pervade local cooking. Post-Round Culture: Heritage's clubhouse restaurants provide solid options for immediate post-round meals. C Beach Club at the Telfair resort develops a genuine atmosphere during late afternoon, when both golfers and beach visitors gather for sundowners and fresh seafood preparations. The informal dress code and beach-casual vibe suit post-round relaxation better than formal restaurant settings. Booking Golf in Mauritius Advance Planning: Heritage courses accept bookings up to three months ahead, with January-March and July-August requiring maximum advance notice as European winter escapees and summer holiday travellers converge. Seasonal Patterns: May-November delivers drier weather and stronger winds. Heritage maintains consistent pricing year-round, given the properties' premium positioning, though resort packages sometimes offer value combinations during quieter periods. Package Advantages: Resort concierges handle confirmations and transport logistics, eliminating the planning burden that can complicate independent bookings. Strategic Timing: Morning tee times before 9:00 AM offer calmer wind conditions and typically a faster pace. Weather Contingency: Tropical afternoon thunderstorms rarely persist beyond 45-60 minutes but can affect tee times between November and April. Heritage maintains flexible rescheduling policies for weather cancellations, though having buffer days in the itinerary provides insurance against sequential weather interruptions. The courses drain exceptionally well, given the volcanic soil composition, with play typically resuming within an hour of rainfall ending. Explore Beyond Golf Water Activities: Heritage properties provide exceptional access to Indian Ocean experiences that extend well beyond beach lounging. Catamaran cruises explore the protected south coast lagoons, with morning departures often encountering dolphins in their natural habitat. Snorkelling and diving reveal coral gardens and marine life diversity that ranks among the Indian Ocean's finest, particularly around Blue Bay Marine Park, 20 minutes east. Stand-up paddle-boarding through the calm resort lagoons offers gentle activity for rest days between golf rounds, whilst kite-surfing attracts more adventurous visitors to the southern beaches where consistent trade winds create ideal conditions. Cultural Exploration: Port Louis, the capital city 90 minutes north, delivers genuine Mauritian urban culture through the central market, Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site documenting Indian indentured labour history, and the surprisingly excellent Blue Penny Museum showcasing rare colonial-era stamps. The city works best as a half-day morning excursion, avoiding afternoon heat and traffic congestion. Le Morne Brabant, the dramatic 556-metre (1,824-foot) UNESCO-listed basalt monolith on the southwest peninsula, offers hiking opportunities for the moderately fit, with summit views encompassing the entire southern coastline. The mountain carries historical significance as a refuge for escaped slaves during the colonial period. Nature Experiences: Frederica Nature Reserve, adjacent to Heritage properties, provides guided morning walks through the indigenous ebony forest, with endemic bird species, including the Mauritius kestrel, visible to patient observers. The reserve's volcanic landscapes and protected flora create a genuine wilderness atmosphere despite proximity to resort development. Chamarel village in the island's interior showcases the famous seven-coloured earth geological formation and rum distillery tours that explain sugarcane's continued economic importance. The scenic drive through Black River Gorges National Park reveals Mauritius's mountainous interior, contrasting dramatically with coastal resort views. Shopping & Markets: Grand Baie on the northern coast functions as Mauritius's primary tourist shopping destination, with jewellery stores specialising in local gemstones and textile shops selling model ships that represent traditional Mauritian craftsmanship. Mahébourg market on Monday mornings delivers a genuine local market experience, where Mauritians shop for produce, seafood, and household goods without tourist pricing. The adjacent Naval Museum occupies a colonial-era building documenting maritime history through well-preserved artefacts and engaging exhibitions. Insider Local Knowledge Wind Strategy: Trade winds strengthen progressively through morning rounds, typically building from gentle 15 km/h (9 mph) to robust 30 km/h (18 mph) by early afternoon. Course Rotation: Play Heritage Golf Club before Heritage La Réserve as the original layout's slightly more forgiving character builds confidence before tackling the newer course's increased demands. Traffic Patterns: The coastal highway connecting the airport to Heritage properties experiences significant congestion. Planning airport departures outside these windows avoids the frustration of sitting stationary whilst watching departure times approach. Final Thoughts Mauritius delivers championship golf in a genuinely exotic setting where volcanic drama meets Indian Ocean beauty, all within a half-day's journey from European hubs. The Heritage properties provide world-class facilities and strategic course design that rewards thoughtful play over pure power, whilst the island's multicultural character creates experiences that extend well beyond golf-focused itineraries. The combination of consistent year-round conditions, strategic architecture by Peter Matkovich, and comprehensive resort integration makes this a destination that satisfies serious golfers while accommodating non-golfing partners through exceptional beaches, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.