It’s been dubbed “golf’s most beautiful week” and for the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour professionals gathered this week for the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at Mont Choisy Le Golf, there’s definitely a feeling that this is golf One of the most relaxing and enjoyable weeks ever. travel.
“These are definitely the hottest three weeks of the year,” said Nicolas Colsaerts. “You know when you come here you’re going to be very well looked after, have fun in the beautiful weather and feel real Mauritian hospitality. You can feel a little more of a relaxed atmosphere and it’s perfect with the island Fit.”
Oliver Becker feels it too.
“Everyone was relaxed this week, even the players. This place just puts you in a good frame of mind. If you hit a bad shot, you're not as upset. I think that helps golf.”
Despite the relaxed atmosphere this week, there are plenty of opportunities for the 156 golfers who gathered in the north of the island.
The €1.5 million event, now in its eighth edition, will determine the winner of the opening event of the DP World Tour, who will receive a $200,000 prize and access to some of the DP World Tour’s biggest events in the second half of the year. qualifications. season.
At the same time, this will also provide opportunities for Sunshine Tour professionals to further impact the Sunshine Tour Money List and Bastion's Rookie of the Year list issued by “Messenger Guy” before the holiday season.
The Mont Choisy Le golf course has also received a warm welcome since the last event held here in 2022, when Frenchman Antoine Rozner won the title at 19 under par.
Designed by 2024 World Golf Awards Golf Course Designer of the Year Peter Matkovich, the course has become more compact with narrower fairways, thicker rough. Wind can add to the challenge.
“You need to control the flight of the ball around this golf course,” said Becker, who finished seventh here in 2022. “It's always windy here, but the breeze is consistent. I don't mind playing in the wind. This is a scoring golf course and if you putt well, you always have a chance.”
“This is the true test of golf,” added Marcel Siem. He has been a local favorite since his family moved to Mauritius from Germany.
“The fairways are really nice and the rough is a little higher. It's always a little windy on this side of the island – I'd say at least two clubs.”
Although competition will be fierce in Thursday's first round, professionals are still eager to enjoy all that a truly unique week in world golf has to offer.
“My wife Rachel will be my caddy this week, so I’m looking forward to it,” Kolsatz said. “It's a great opportunity for us to spend time together and it's a great opportunity for her to share more about my life. I just want to enjoy the week and when this When that happens, it translates to my performance on the golf course.”
Photo: Sunshine Journey
