Tropical golfing at its best at Le Touessrok, Mauritius

Mark Gorham just returned from his honeymoon in Mauritius and was impressed by his experience of the island’s exclusive Le Touessrok golf course.

Le Touessrok Golf Course is readily accessible to anybody staying on the east and north coasts of Mauritius and is also reachable within the hour from the west coast.

Designed by the renowned Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer, he describes the finished article as, “a golfing experience that truly arouses all the senses. From the amazing natural setting to the challenges presented by the course. I want it to be a game to remember for all who play.”

I had arranged a taxi from our hotel (Beau Rivage) and 20 minutes later it dropped me at the jetty close by to Le Touessrok hotel. There is then a free water taxi every 20 minutes which transports you to Ile aux Cerfs which hosts the golf course. There are no other facilities or residences on the island.

On arrival at the island pier you are warmly welcomed by club representatives who advise you where all the facilities are and your clubs are taken and loaded up on the obligatory buggy. You can also hire a brand new set of Taylor Made burners if you haven’t brought your own on holiday.

From the offset the place looks as luxurious as reports suggest. Shown to the changing rooms, I put on my golf shoes amidst the quality fittings. Top of the range toiletries and towels are plentiful, and walking into the well-stocked pro shop, I found a great variety of merchandise which to be honest under the circumstances was suitably priced.

Upwards of £70 for a logo polo shirt and a course planner was a princely £8. The green fee plus a buggy came to £120. The prices are justified though - this course is a real jewel in the Indian Ocean.

I had pre-booked my tee time through our concierge, but was advised I could go out earlier if preferred as I had arrived with plenty of time to spare to soak up the atmosphere. The place was not that busy as it was the start of the summer season but will become busier later through the season.

A trip to the driving range first was in order to loosen up and get rid of all the bad shots.
After paying my £4 I didn’t need to bother with a range token as per usual, instead I found a neat pyramid stack of pristine practise balls already setup waiting to be hit (something I have never experienced anywhere in the world). I felt like a pro until I hit my first wedge shot!

Arriving at the first tee I was given an extensive overview of the opening hole by the starter. Depending on your handicap you are advised what colour tees to play from and then sent off on your way with his warmest regards.

Looking out into the yonder it became apparent just how lush the place is. As indeed is the whole of Mauritius. The quality of the grass is extraordinary.

One thing to remember is that all distances from the tee and to the green are in metres so add ten percent for yardages.

The planner describes the stroke index 2 first hole thus:

“This spectacular opening hole introduces one straightaway to the look and feel of this outstanding golf course. A good tee shot down the right-hand side of the fairway must carry a natural pond and volcanic lava rock face.”

The day was a trifle wet and windy so this presented a really tough opener. A double bogey was soon on the scorecard.

Although I found myself enjoying the golf, I found I wasn’t paying quite enough attention to the stunning natural surroundings so it was time to chill out for a bit, get the camera out and look at my surroundings and listen to the wildlife.

I proceeded to let the next group through and later joined up with another English guy who had not played the course before either, so at least we could assist each other with some of the nuances of the course (blind doglegs and deceptive distances for starters).

Some of the holes skirt the ocean and the prevailing winds can play havoc with your ball flight, so aim sensibly to allow for this. You should also look out for the Banyan tree on the opening hole of the back nine.

From the 11th you catch sight of the stunning mountains on the mainland. There are so many distractions along the way at this place, like on the 12th, known as Cat and Mouse after the landmark volcano that forms the hole’s backdrop.

Mangroves play a big part in the closing holes and the final hole (Carry Me Home) asks you to not only to carry the mangroves with your drive but again on the approach to the green. The fairway is pretty scarce on this hole.

The green offers a huge three-tiered target which slopes wickedly from back to front.
Nevertheless a par on this hole leaves any golfer with a true sense of achievement and a need to sit down for a cool drink and to enjoy the stunning scenery. How true this was with an ice cold can of Phoenix beer and a club sandwich with chips.

In summary this course is a challenge for any golfer due to its uniqueness. Its quality will amaze you and the level of shot making required will keep you on your toes for the whole round.

If you are fortunate enough to be visit the island of Mauritius I highly recommend that you play Le Touessrok golf resort. You will not be disappointed!

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