Mauritius Shines in Global Golf Spotlight at AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open

From December 19 to 22, the picturesque island of Mauritius will host an exciting showdown in the world of golf as the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open takes center stage. This prestigious tournament not only crowns a new champion but also concludes the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing, which consists of the first five tournaments of the new season.

As the last event in this inaugural series, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open presents a remarkable opportunity for the tournament winner.

The champion will receive valuable exemptions into Rolex Series events and gain entry into the second half of the DP World Tour season, making this competition crucial for players eager to kickstart their year.

Thierry Vallet, the Founder Executive and CEO of AfrAsia Bank, expressed his enthusiasm as the title sponsor.

“We are delighted that Mauritius will be in the global golf spotlight this week as we host another memorable AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open,” he said.

“Since its inception, our primary goal has been to elevate the international standing of Mauritius.

The tournament’s growing significance in the golf calendar is a testament to its status as a true sporting spectacle.”

French golfer Antoine Rozner returns as the defending champion after securing victory during the last event held at Mont Choisy Le Golf in 2022.

Rozner is one of four former champions of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open who have successfully earned their PGA Tour cards.

Vincent Hardy, CEO of Mont Choisy Group, emphasized the prestige of hosting elite golfers at their renowned course.

“It is a privilege to welcome such talented players to the immaculate fairways of Mont Choisy Le Golf,” he stated, pointing out that course designer Peter Matkovich has been named the Golf Course Designer of the Year 2024.

This recognition underscores the unique design and luxurious experience offered at the venue, solidifying Mont Choisy’s standing as a world-class golfing destination.

The tournament will also see participation from Germany’s Marcel Siem, a six-time DP World Tour champion who recently won the Italian Open.

Siem has set his sights on winning twice this season, having won once each of the past two years.

“I am eager to get off to a strong start this year,” Siem commented on his aspirations for the competition.

Mauritius’s Honourable Minister of Tourism, Richard Duval, conveyed excitement about showcasing the island’s beauty to a worldwide audience.

“We are thrilled to demonstrate once again that Mauritius is a premier destination for professional golfers, attracting esteemed players like Marcel.

We believe both the professionals and their families will be captivated by our stunning island paradise.”

Among this year’s participants is Ryan van Velzen, last season’s Sunshine Tour Order of Merit champion, alongside South African star Robin Williams and several top players from the Sunshine Tour.

England’s Ross Fisher and Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts, former European Ryder Cup players, will also be in attendance.

The tournament will feature promising young talents like Kyle de Beer, the current leader in the Sunshine Tour Fortress Rookie of the Year standings, and Christo Lamprecht, a former world No. 1 amateur who has transitioned to professional status.

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is celebrated as “Golf’s Most Beautiful Week,” an event where international golf talent converges.

Stéphane Poupinel de Valencé, CEO of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, the official accommodation sponsor, expressed pride in showcasing their resorts to the world’s leading golfers and their families.

He shared, “We look forward to delivering unique guest experiences as we welcome the professionals to our hotels.”

Since its inception in 2015, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has quickly become a staple event on both the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour calendars.

Thomas Abt, Commissioner of the Sunshine Tour, praised the tournament’s growth and its role in fostering international pathways for golfers.

“We anticipate another thrilling edition this year, providing the champion an exceptional opportunity to advance their career on a global scale,” he noted.

Mark Casey, Director of Tournament Business for the DP World Tour, highlighted the tournament as an exemplary demonstration of the co-sanctioning relationship with the Sunshine Tour.

“The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open has grown in prominence, and this year’s competitive field is indicative of that.

Mauritius is a true golf paradise, and this tournament offers a spectacular conclusion to our Opening Swing against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world.”

With anticipation building for this significant golf event, Mauritius is poised to once again capture the attention of the global golfing community.

Source: Supersport