Are you an avid golfer and pride yourself in playing different golf courses around the world? Most would associate the Seychelles with tropical beaches and a haven for honeymooners, a playground for the rich and famous! Perhaps so, but visiting and exploring the Seychelles is affordable and yes it is a golfer’s paradise. They may not be blessed with quantity of courses but the quality and experience of playing here is a lasting memory.
Le Reef Golf Club (or Seychelles Golf Club) is a 9 hole golf course located on the main island of Mahé about 10 minutes drive South from the Seychelles International Airport. The course is ideal for golfers of all handicaps and is a good family outing. The layout of the course runs across a mangrove swamp and you should beware the local hazards - crabs are known to be the main culprits for “stealing” golf balls. (A great excuse for a free drop shot).
For the more serious golfer, there is the 18-hole championship Lemuria golf course located at the Lemuria Resort on the island of Praslin. A scheduled Air Seychelles flight or Cat Coco ferry will get you here from Mahé and is a great day trip outing. This par 70 course was opened in October 2000 and runs approx. 5,556m (6,105 yards) offering a great challenge to both professionals and amateurs alike. Chalets d' Anse Forbans would be pleased to assist you in arranging a trip to Praslin for a golf day out on your holiday in the Seychelles.
This spectacular course is not only challenging but also offers the golfer the pleasure of experiencing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. The course borders the world renown beaches of both the Small Kerlan Cove and the Grand Kerlan Cove. The first 12 holes are lined with palm trees and the local crabs which hide out in the surrounding bunkers provide some of the hazards expected when playing a course of this nature. From the 13th hole, the course extends over the steep slopes of lush vegetation with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, surrounding outer islands and white sandy beaches.
While all the holes at Lemuria are truly spectacular, the 15th hole is undoubtedly the most awesome hole on this championship course. Golfers will be awed by the magnificent scenic views from the tees perched high up to the rocky ridge. You might be forgiven standing on the tee box wondering where the green is located? From the men's tee the hole plays an astonishing 50-metre drop to the green lying in the valley below. The beautiful white sand of Anse Georgette and the crystal blue waters lie adjacent to the left across a small mangrove marsh. For most players, this deceptively short hole will be no more than a wedge shot or an easy 9-iron. A large sand bunker protects the green on the left. Take your time to enjoy the scenery offered by this hole, but be sure to be accurate off the tee. Landing your ball on the green from the tee box will be remembered for quite some time.
15th Tee box and green
Par 3 (151 meters/166 yards)
There are no green fees for residents of the Lemuria resort and visitors are asked to call the hotel in advance to reserve and enquire on the green fees for a round of golf. Golf carts are mandatory given the nature of the terrain and the hot weather. Our tip is to play the course either in the early morning or late evening to prevent the midday heat which can be energy sapping and you could find yourself rushing to complete your round. So whether you’ve booked an early or a late tee time, take your time and enjoy this truly unforgettable experience.
Chalets d' Anse Forbans offers self catering accommodation on the island of Mahe Seychelles. For affordable beach chalets in the Seychelles contact Chalets d' Anse Forbans.
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