Avalon Golf Course in Mauritius has caused quite a stir since opening, already being nominated as the Best New Golf Course by The World Travel Awards in 2016. With such a buzz around the resort we thought it only right to catch up with someone who knows more about the resort than most, Ryan Dodds, General Manager at Matkovich Golf Business, the company responsible for designing this par-72, 6,800-yard course.
What tips would you give to someone playing Avalon for the first time?
[quote]The golf course is extremely playable for golfers of all ability, so make sure you choose the correct tee for your game and enjoy the incredible views from the highest Championship golf course in Mauritius. Oh, make sure you pack a camera, you will definitely need it!![/quote]
If you could compare Avalon to another course anywhere in the world where would it be?
[quote]Avalon is comparable to similar inland island courses found in Hawaii. The high rainfall makes for a beautifully lush golf course year round with spectacular indigenous forest surrounding it.[/quote]
What is the signature hole on the course and how do you recommend we play it?
[quote]All our holes were designed to be signature holes, but the one most talked about is probably the 4th. This gentle par 4 plays from an elevated tee surrounded by dense palm forest, a classic risk and reward golf hole where the longer hitters can take on the challenge and have a go at greatness or choose the conservative option and play a hybrid or fairway wood to the generous landing area and still have a short iron into this well-contoured green.[/quote]
What is the hardest hole on the golf course and how should we play it?
[quote]Hole 3 – This long par 4 is situated on a beautiful ridge, with great views of the ocean in the distance from the green. A long par 4, which requires a good drive, to have a long to medium approach shot into a wide and open green. A large swale protects the green front right, and should you end up in this low area, you could be playing a very interesting pitch to the green. Par will always be a good score on this hole.[/quote]
What is the one thing you must do when visiting Avalon?
[quote]Sample some of the exquisite Mauritian and international cuisine at the Magic Spoon restaurant. The restaurant has stunning views over the Southern Coastline of Mauritius.[/quote]
We’re in the 19th hole after our round, what should we have to drink when enjoying the Mauritian sunset?
[quote]A Mauritian cocktail incorporating some of the splendid local rum is definitely the drink to have after a good day on the course![/quote]
What is the best thing to do off the course when visiting near Avalon?
[quote]Avalon is surrounded by tea plantations, a visit to Avalon without stopping by the local tea producers to sample some of the wonderful teas available would render your experience incomplete. Also nearby is Grand Bassin which is a crater lake considered as the most sacred place in Mauritius which attracts pilgrims from across the globe.[/quote]
What is the one thing that everyone should do when visiting Mauritius on a golf holiday (other than play Avalon)?
[quote]Make sure to sample a few of the courses on the island, all of them are spectacular, don’t get stuck playing the same course over and over again!![/quote]
A closer look into The Championship Course at Avalon
The championship course at Avalon is set across 275 acres of land with beautiful surroundings including tea plantations, mountains, rivers and ravines and a stunning view overlooking the Southern coastline.
The course was designed by renowned golf architect (Peter Matkovich) who also has designed some of South Africa’s finest courses including Arabella Golf Club, Pinnacle Point and Heritage Golf Club.
STATS
- Designer: Peter Matkovich
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 6318 Meters (6909 Yards)
TEES
- Gold Tees (6318 Meters, 6909 Yards)
- Club Tees (5847 Meters, 6394 Yards)
- The Men’s Tees (5499 Meters, 6013 Yards)
- Red Tees (4899 Meters, 5357 Yards)
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