Everything you need to know about Mauritius’s golf courses
Golf Courses in Mauritius: Everything You Need to Know before Your Departure
Ranked as one of the top 10 golf destinations in the world, Mauritius has been welcoming golfers from all corners of the globe for over a century and a half. And for good reason: this island paradise offers all the right, if not perfect, conditions for practising this sport. Are you a passionate golfer planning to settle in Mauritius? Whether you are an amateur or expert player, you are bound to find what you are looking for among Mauritius’s 13 golf courses. Below is a brief overview of the different courses, as well as some practical information that will be useful to know before your departure.
Mauritius: the long-standing home of golf
Did you know that Mauritius is a pioneer in the history of golf? This former British colony opened its very first course in 1844 with the establishment of the legendary Mauritius Gymkhana Club, located in the heart of Plaines Wilhems. This pioneering club makes Mauritius the third country in the world to adopt the game of golf, just behind the UK and India. With this activity growing in popularity throughout the world and thanks to the increasingly pleasant weather conditions, golf is naturally becoming one of the island’s staple activities.
There are now 10 18-hole courses and 3 9-hole courses in Mauritius which are evenly distributed throughout the country. Most were designed by internationally renowned golfers and each course offers a unique environment and experience. Below is a list of Mauritius’s golf courses arranged by location.
North Coast golf courses:
- Mont Choisy Golf Course: a large championship course located between Trou aux Biches and the coastal resort of Grand Baie.
- Maritim Golf Course: a 9-hole course, adjacent to the hotel complex of the same name, with views over Turtle Bay.
Central and western coast golf courses:
- Tamarina Golf Estate: a large, independent golf course set on the banks of the Rampart River on the outskirts of the town of Tamarin.
- Mauritius Gymkhana Club: the oldest golf course on the island, it is located inland in the commune of Vacoas.
- Dodo Golf Club: a small 9-hole course belonging to the private club of the same name, situated in the commune of Curepipe.
- Paradis Golf Course: a picturesque course set at the foot of Le Morne Mountain at the south-western tip of the island.
Golf courses in the south of the island:
- Heritage Golf Club
- Avalon Golf Estate, nestled in the hills of the southern coast near the Black River National Park.
East Coast golf courses:
- Shandrani Golf Club: a small 9-hole course ideal for beginners and just a stone’s throw from the town of Mahebourg.
- Anahita Golf Course: locatedmidway along the eastern coast, it is the only course to meet USGA standards.
- Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course: also known as Touessrok Golf Course, this is quite possibly the most famous course in Mauritius.
- Belle Mare Plage Legend Golf Course: a challenging course reserved exclusively for guests of partner hotels.
- Belle Mare Plage Links Golf Club: the more accessible “little brother” of the Legend course.
With so many options to choose from, you can rest assured that you will always be able to find a golf course nearby, no matter when in Mauritius you decide to settle. You will be able to find the perfect course based on your level of play and the different packages offered by each establishment.
Which are the most picturesque golf courses in Mauritius?
Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course: the most iconic
It is often said that the Ile aux Cerfs golf course is one of the most extraordinary in the world. So, if you have decided to relocate to Mauritius make sure it’s on your bucket list! Don’t be put off by its location on a small island off the east coast: it is still only a five-minute boat ride from Touessrok and well worth the journey. The course itself covers the southern half of the island which is almost exclusively dedicated to this unusual course. Its unique location offers breath-taking views of the lagoon’s azure waters. However, it is reserved for experienced golfers: a handicap of 24 and a carry of 160 metres are required to play on this one of a kind course.
Paradis Golf Club: an unrivalled location accessible to all levels
This magnificent 18-hole course, designed by David Dutton, definitely lives up to its name. Nestled at the foot of Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Paradis Golf Club blends seamlessly into the landscape of the peninsula between this imposing mountain and the lagoon’s idyllic scenery. Its last five holes overlook the ocean, offering players an unforgettable end to their game. It remains accessible to all abilities and beginners in particular will be able to enjoy this pleasant and gentle course. It is also the ideal location for more seasoned golfers to perfect their swing whilst taking in the stunning views.
Tamarina Golf Estate: an inviting and green setting
Despite being one of Mauritius’s more newly established golf courses, Tamarina has grown to become one of the most popular courses on the island. Designed by Rodney Wright and opened in 2007, it is located in the charming commune of Tamarin, around the midpoint of the western coast. The course follows the mouth of the Rampart River, ascending from the coast to the foot of the mountain of the same name. Players therefore have the added bonus of experiencing both the landscape of Tamarin bay as well as the lush, mountainous scenery of the centre of the island. Although accessible to golfers of all abilities, some sections require good technique. Tamarina is one of the only independent golf courses on the island. However, it has formed partnerships with some of the hotels on the coast, as well as with the luxury resort Marguery Villas.
Accessibility and green fees of golf courses in Mauritius
It is worth mentioning that the majority of Mauritius’s golf courses belong to large hotel groups. Hotel residents therefore have priority access to the courses and sometimes even exclusive access, as is the case for the Legend Belle Mare Plage course. Apart from this exception, most of Mauritius’s golf courses are open to anyone who wishes to practise the sport.
For the most popular and tourist-oriented golf courses, such as Heritage, Ile aux Cerfs, Links and Anahita, we advise booking your tee time in advance, especially during the high season. The most accessible golf courses in terms of availability are Gymkhana, Paradis and Avalon.
Green fees in Mauritius generally range from €100 to €160 for an 18-hole course. Below are some examples of public rates for certain golf courses, which are given as an indication only (subject to change):
- Tamarina Golf Estate: €140;
- Paradis Golf Club: €98;
- Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course: €139;
- Anahita Golf Course: €160;
- Avalon Golf Estate: €100;
- Heritage Bel Ombre Golf Club: €162
- Mont Choisy Golf Course: €163.
Do you dream of living in this tropical paradise where you can practice your favourite sport all year round? Discover the luxury villas of the Ekô Savannah estate which lies on Mauritius’s highly sought-after western coast. Nestled in an exclusive location, the resort is only 7 minutes from the Tamarina golf course, 20 minutes from the Paradis golf course and 30 minutes from the Bel Ombre estate.
