Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort

By rishi narain

MAuritius—A destination known for its beautiful beaches and tropical weather—is now well established as a haven for Golf lovers all over the world. Located on the southern coast of Mauritius, is Heritage Le telfair Golf and spa resort known for its idyllic setting and pristine beach. With an 18-hole championship golf course having scenery typical of Mauritius—volcanic mountains, and the vast blue sea. it makes for a perfect destination, if you intend to divide your time playing golf and enjoying the beaches the country has on offer.

upon entering the clubhouse, you are greeted with a 180-degree view of the stunning golf course perched pretty on the hillside directly in front of you. the 18th fairway sweeps from the hillside curling around a large lake to the green expanse situated in front of the clubhouse. the long fescue grass bordering all fairways changes colours depending on the time of day, going from straw at midday to purple at dusk and provides an attractive contrast to the perfectly green fairways and tees. situated between the mountains and the sea, interspersed with lakes, streams and tropical trees, this parkland course has just the right balance and variation in length of holes, width of fairways and green sizes. the greens in most cases are guarded by water hazards, intelligently placed bunkers and thick African elephant grass. the courses two rivers, ‘Citronniers and‘st Martin, cross the fairways at unexpected places to provide with the risk and reward element that is crucial on any Championship layout.

With five tee positions for each hole and generous fairways, this excellent golf course, designed by south African golf architect, Peter Matkovich, allow all of its features to be enjoyed thoroughly and appreciated by higher handicap golfers as well as proficient players.

the wind is always a factor here, so the course plays a lot tougher than it looks on the score card. the first nine and second nine holes are a contrast in design. the front is open and treeless with water everywhere. the back nine plays among tall, old trees and looks to be much more mature and interesting for a professional golfer. However, nearly all holes have distant views of the ocean and players have to always contemplate and plan their shots depending on the slope of the ground and the direction of the wind. All in all, a memorable and challenging experience which i wouldnt hesitate to recommend to any visitor looking for a fun game of golf.

stay and play at heritage le telfair 10 percent discount on your accommodation at Heritage Le Telfair and swing away to the best golf course of Mauritius thanks to unlimited free green fees and free range balls at the multiawarded 18-hole championship ‘Golf du Chateaugolf course! Privileged access to two other 18-hole golf courses in the region. Offer valid all year round! Price: 20,366 per night (superior room), inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Minimum 3 nights stay. www.slh.com/luxury-hotel-offers

you can improve distance, ball striking and accuracy just by focusing on swinging the club with good rhythm. keep the start of the swing unhurried, your grip pressure light, arms and shoulders very relaxed to feel the weight of the clubhead swinging with gravity. a slight pause at the end of the backswing and then accelerate through the hitting area to the finish of the follow through. dont get knotted up with mechanical technique—just stay relaxed and let the rhythm of the clubheads swing do the hard work for you.

The Top Five

1. Paradis GOLf & sPa

One of the most spectacular golf courses in Mauritius close to the ocean. fairways and fringed by white sands with a backdrop of green mountains. all 18 holes have a view of the ocean. Green fees: 5,970;

Tel: +230 401 5050;

www.paradis-hotel.com

2. MauriTius GyMkHana GOLf CLub

Located in the centre of the island, nestled in a sun-drenched countryside and surrounded by forests, is the Mauritius Gymkhana Club, the fourth location worldwide where modern golf was played. it is the oldest golf course in the southern hemisphere and the fourth oldest in the world. The 18-hole golf course at Gymkhana Club at Vacoas is open to members, tourists and locals, and visitors may apply for temporary membership. Green fees: 1,500;

Tel: +230 696 1404;

www.mgc.intnet.mu

3. Le TOuessrOk GOLf

COurse Le Touessrok Golf Course was recently named 10th best golf course in the world by both Golf World magazine, uk and Middle east Golf Magazine, as well as by 19th Golf Journal, Germany. all 18 holes have views of the ocean—some with glimpses across clearings through the trees; others by coming close to the shore. Le Touessrok Golf Course has holes snaking up and down the length of the island. Green fees: 6,000;

Tel: +230 402 7720;

www.letouessrokresort.com

4. THe anaHiTa GOLf COurse

Managed by four seasons, it is in a magnificent setting and features some tough deep bunkers, numerous natural water hazards and six ocean side holes and five sets of tees. Holes 16, 17 and 18 offer stunning views of the ocean, providing one of the most beautiful finishing holes in the world. Green fees: 11,195; Tel: +230 402 2200; www.anahita.mu

5. beLLe Mare PLaGe‘LeGend GOLf COurse

‘The Legend, the first of its kind in Mauritius, designed by south african champion, Hugh baiocchi, is the crowning achievement of Constance belle Mare Plage The resort. superb fairways are laid in the heart of an indigenous forest, culminating in brand new greens, built to usPGa specifications. Teeing off from the 17th hole (par 3) is a feast for the eyes and a test for the nerves. Green fees: Only hotel guests are allowed;

Tel: +230 402 2735;

www.bellemareplagehotel. com