Mont Choisy

Officially opened by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth in October 2017, the 18-hole championship course at Mont Choisy Le Golf is the central sporting component of a modern residential development in the north of Mauritius, near the seaside resorts of Grand Baie and Trou aux Biches.

Set out by the prolific architect Peter Matkovich (who has already designed another couple of courses on the island in recent years at Heritage Golf Club and the Avalon Golf Estate) the course occupies a 250-acre property that was previously used as a sugar cane planation.

Characterised by distinctive Mauritian landscaping such as black volcanic rocky outcrops and waste areas, the palm-fringed fairways are configured in a figure of eight routing around several small lakes, with shimmering water hazards featuring prominently at several holes on both nines.

Standout holes include the delightful risk/reward short par fours at the 305-metre 3rd and 275-metre 13th. The par five 5th hole might appear on paper to present a real birdie opportunity but the prevailing southeast trade winds on this hole might just have a big say in that.

The signature hole is the short par three 15th, played across a wetland area to an island green that’s framed by an old, tall stone chimney which harks back to the Mont Choisy estate’s agricultural past.

The round then concludes with the par five 18th doglegging right towards the home green, where water to the right of the putting surface will punish overly wayward approach shots.

And after eighteen holes out on the course, what better way to relax and reflect on your round than by sitting in the clubhouse with a refreshing “Kitsoz,” a grapefruit-based cocktail from the estate’s own orchards.

Dean Burmester, who won the Tshwane Open in 2017, was named the club’s first brand ambassador and he will promote his newly adopted home course on his golf bag when he plays on the Sunshine Tour and the European Tour for the two-year period of his appointment.