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Review Ile Aux Cerfs - Mauritius

By: Matt Holbrook | Wed 08 Nov 2017


Golfshake ambassador Matt Holbrook took time out during a family holiday to play and review golf in paradise at the fantastic Ile Aux Cerfs course in Mauritius.


Ile Aux Cerfs Golf course is set on it's very own island off the East Coast of Mauritius surrounded by picturesque views of crystal clear sea and basking in the glorious sunshine.

The Bernhard Langer designed course is unique in the fact that the only way to access the course is via a short boat ride from the main island where upon arrival there is a golf buggy waiting to escort you and your clubs up to the clubhouse.

Ile aux Cerfs golf course

Pre Round

After a warm welcome in the pro shop from the friendly staff we headed out to collect our buggy - club already loaded - and made our way to the grass bayed driving range. A nice pyramid of balls awaits as well as a small chipping and putting green.
The buggy's are pre loaded with tee's, balls, water in the ice box and also have GPS screen to help you navigate around.
All the touches you would expect from a course of such class.

Par 3s

With just the 4 par 3's - 2 on each 9 - Each offers up some genuine scoring opportunity. The 8th stood out for me as both the greens and tee box are on separate raised mounds so club choice is so crucial as a missed green here could easily cost a 4 or worse!

Par 4s

A superb mixture awaits on the par 4's.  Playing from the whites the length of the holes aren't crazy - ranging from 283 yards to 372 yards - however some of the carries to fairways are rather difficult.

The opening hole has almost an 'island fairway' where driver may not be the best option. Finding the fairway is crucial in order to be avoiding the white sand bunkers that surround the green.

The 14th - the shortest - has a raised green but is easily drivable with a straight shot as long as the bunkers are avoided.

The 12th will stick with me for a while. A demanding tee shot as the fairway turns right to left but the approach shot is something spectacular with views through the tropical palm trees and the ocean just the other side.

The 18th requires more accuracy from the tee with 2 different greens available. An 'easier' green is used for general play but I was cheeky and played right to the tougher tournament green which plays downhill to a 3 tiered sloping green.

Par 5s

11th at Ile Aux Cerfs

The 9th hole is great fun. A tee shot avoiding the first pond on the right will leave you with 2 options for a second shot. You can either follow the fairway around the second, much larger, pond or have a go at the green but with little margin for error getting over the fountained feature.

The 11th - the signature hole - has everything. The lengthy narrow fairway moving from left to right runs along the beach where the locals can be spotted preparing BBQ's for visitors. The green is raised and as you play towards the ocean the views from the green - which is 3/4 surrounded by the sea' are breathtaking and something to really savior.

Post Round

The course has been set up well for golfers of all abilities.  The overall length isn't too long which means even the white tees can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities - however some of the carries from the whites are fairly long.

The condition of the course is fantastic given the hot and humid conditions the island is faced with. The fairways are well manicured and the bunkers have soft white sand.

The greens appear 'fluffy' to the naked eye but roll very well and are extremely receptive and were a joy to putt on.

Before you get your lift back to the jetty for the boat trip back be sure to visit the lovely air-conditioned bar and enjoy a snack and a well deserved cold refreshment.

Verdict

Overall this course offers an amazing feast of golf, for all abilities, on an island that can only be described as paradise.
The staff make your visit all the more memorable and if you are ever holidaying in Mauritius and just happen to have your clubs (or just hire a set) then pay a visit to Ile Aux Cerfs for what is surely one of the most stunningly scenic golf courses in the world.

Rating 10 out of 10

Related articles:

A guide to golf in Mauritius


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