The first of the short par 4s is No 6, alongside a large dam collecting storm water.
The clubhouse was designed by international architects Perrot & Richard.
Golf Links was crafted with nature,” says Menteath. “This ties in with the principled mantra of Matkovich and Oosthuizen: ‘nature shapes our design.’ The course has been planted with native island grasses, creating new, species- rich grasslands on former sugar cane fields, encouraging ecological diversity and valuable carbon sequestration.” While the remarkable La Réserve adheres to the essence of links golf there are hints that you’re still in Africa. The par-3 seventh requires a tee shot over a large dam which offers a more indigenous element to the design. That said, this is arguably the only course in Mauritius that requires a true links- style strategy to navigate. And going on foot rather than on a cart through the highly walkable holes – with their easy connectivity between greens and tees – you are more likely to enjoy the tremendous views. Being built in the time of Covid restrictions had its challenges. “We were forced to close the site multiple times and extend the project over a longer period to assist company cashflows that were decimated due to the pandemic,” reveals Dodds, who worked with the Matkovich Group at two other recent course developments in Mauritius, Avalon Golf Estate and Mont Choisy Le Golf, which hosted the 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. “The project was meant to take 27 months, but that period was extended to four years. It was worth the wait! Travel restrictions during Covid meant Peter was stranded in Mauritius for almost 12 months and spent nearly every day of that time on site. This had a beneficial effect on the finished design product and the detailed construction elements on each hole.”
The par-4 third hole at La Réserve has an “Infinity”green.
A ‘wee dram’ of whisky on first tee
of the Grand Palais in Paris and Monte Carlo Opera House. They have created an eco-friendly building that focuses on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. A feature is a panoramic “green vegetation” roof terrace offering members and visitors spectacular views. Florent Richard, Associate Director at Perrot & Richard, explained: “The rooftop’s green terrace symbolises nature’s ability to reclaim and occupy every space. Views from different areas are carefully framed to offer spectacular perspectives, with walls adorned with rocks and overhangs towards the bay beyond. The clubhouse is designed to promote natural ventilation, allowing better integration of the natural heritage and endemic plant resources, showcasing the natural character of the site.” La Réserve Golf Links will be a grand accompaniment to Heritage’s Le Château course, opened in 2005.
links and magnificent views. “We have specifically designed the 18th green surrounds with the Mauritius Open in mind. It has a large flat grass area behind the green which will be used for a purpose-built structure that will join on to the clubhouse. Only as high as the ground floor terrace roof so that the beauty of the clubhouse can still be shown to the global viewing television audience. “We have a gently sloping bank on the back left of the green to allow patrons to sit around the green, which fits nicely with our focus on nature in Bel Ombre. Many of the links grass mounds around the course, those lining tees, fairways, and greens, have been strategically placed both for playability and tournament viewing.” Mauritius golf has come a long way since the British garrison on the island first played golf at the Gymkhana Club in 1844, making it the oldest golf club in the southern hemisphere.
As a strong resort course designed by Matkovich, it has hosted the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open three times. “Le Château hosts 40 000 rounds a year,” says Menteath. “Its success speaks for itself and has laid the foundation for establishing Bel Ombre as the hub of golf in the Indian Ocean. Our two courses, both of professional tour quality, gives Heritage Resorts and Heritage Golf Club both a tropical parkland course and the first and only contemporary links in the Indian Ocean. Exclusivity part of the experience “Free access to golf at Le Château will continue to be included in the room rate at Heritage Resorts, while La Réserve Golf Links will be only for members, their guests, and Heritage Resorts residents paying a green fee. This will give it a more exclusive and private feel, offering a tranquil setting for golfers looking to take in the splendour of the
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La Réserve Golf Links is seen as a destination course, and there is more to the experience than meets the eye. “Golfers will experience the natural surrounds, the traditions of the game and quintessential Mauritian service throughout their entire journey,” says Menteath. “We have studied the origins of the game, incorporating history and service into each touchpoint. On the first tee we’ll offer golfers a ‘wee dram’ of whisky to toast the beginning of their round. We’ve included elements of the original St Andrews halfway house after the front nine, and the mountain and ocean views from the clubhouse are unparalleled in an Indian Ocean context.” As golfers reach the elevated green of the par-5 18th they will be welcomed by a new clubhouse designed by renowned architects Perrot & Richard, whose projects include restorations
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HERITAGE GOLF CLUB Bel Ombre, Mauritius T. +230 623 56 00 E. golf@heritagegolfclub.mu www.heritagegolfclub.mu
Putting Course
Driving Range
Short Game Area
Club House
Today, with rounds grown from 170 000 in 2011 to more than 240 000, the island has become a golfing mecca for holidaymakers.
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GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 55
NOVEMBER 2023
NOVEMBER 2023
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