Along with tourism and the export of sugar cane, golf has become one of the main sources of income for Mauritius. For such a small island, there is a staggeringly high number of golf courses spread across the island, ranging from the Mashie course at the Shandrani Hotel in the southeast of the island to the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Bel Ombre. But without a doubt, three of the best known and most enjoyable courses are the Ile Aux Cerfs course, the Anahita Golf course and the Tamarina Golf course, all of them with eighteen holes.
Unique to its tiny islet a kilometer off the east coast of Mauritius, the Bernard Langer-designed Ile Aux Cerfs golf course stretches across a miniature island paradise. All eighteen holes have spectacular ocean views, either offering tantalizing glimpses of blue water through the leafy trees or wide-open coastal vistas. There are nine lakes, large bunkers of the same dazzling white sand as the beaches, and several of the holes require tee shots through warm inlets. Although not technically located on the island of Mauritius, this is the longest course in the country and boasts its own David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Ile Aux Cerfs is only a ten minute speedboat ride from the shore of Trou D’Eau Douce with speedboats running approximately every twenty minutes. Advance booking is essential to play on this magnificent course, preferably two days or more in advance and full equipment hire is possible on site.
The Anahita Golf Course designed by the world renowned Ernie Els is located on the east coast of Mauritius. It is 6,741 meters long and, in the words of its designer, has “spectacular rock outcroppings, large native trees and amazing views of the mountains and the Indian Ocean. The 18th hole is one of the most impressive in the world”. In addition to the stunning views, the course has five sets of teeing areas to cater for all levels of player and a 300m grass practice range. The intricate design of the course, including wide fairways and small, well-protected greens, guarantees hours of enjoyment for all golfers, from professionals to beginners. In an informal survey of golfers in Mauritius, Anahita was the most popular course on the island.
Stretching out under the magnificent and unforgettable Montagne du Rempart, the Tamarina Golf Course has the distinction of being the island’s first residential golf course. Located on the west coast of Mauritius, it overlooks the crystal blue waters of Tamarin Bay and is crossed by the Black River Gorge and the Rempart River. Winding through 110 acres of rugged savannah, the course was once a deer hunting ground and was designed by Rodney Wright. In addition to the impressive par 72 course, Tamarin Bay has the lowest average rainfall on the island, which means almost every day can be a golf day. Each hole has five different tee options and the course has a 300 meter driving range. With over 6 kilometers of designed tracks, all players are encouraged to use their golf carts which are equipped with a GPS navigation system.
