Golf Course Review: Lemuria

1783

Fact File
Par – 70
Rating – 72
Length – 5590m
Best Time to Play – All year round

History
This golf course is situated on the island of Praslin, the second-largest Seychelles island after Mahe. It was designed by Rodney Wright and former European Tour winner Marc Farry, and opened in October 2001. It was the first and remains the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles. There have been a lot of changes over the years, including sand bunkers being converted to grass bunkers, ponds being filled and fairways widened. But perhaps the biggest change has been the move from Bermuda grass to Seashore Paspalum grass.

The Course
It’s a forest-type golf course with lots of water hazards, mangroves and bunkers protecting the greens. It’s the views though that will really catch your eye, with three stunning beaches in your eyeline. The first 12 holes sit in the valley of Grande Anse Kerlan, leaving the last six holes elevated on the small slopes and offering spectacular views of the ocean and Praslin itself. Among the standout features on the front nine are a unique double green on the second, shared with the fourth hole, whilst the par-4 holes are relatively short, with only one (the 7th) over 400 metres. But, with two par-3s at over 180 metres, there’s more than enough opportunity to hit those long irons. The back nine has back-to-back par-4s of around 300 metres (13 and 14), whilst there are three par-3s, making a total of six short holes on the course. Despite its lack of length, it’s a fairly tricky course and not only for the average golfer. There is very little room for error, with incredibly penal hazards and natural growth just waiting to gobble your ball! In fact, if you miss the fairway, there’s a good chance of you losing your golf ball. “All the holes are beautifully designed and have their own characteristics, but the sixth hole is one of my favourites,” says golf manager Gary Pouponneau. “It’s a par-5 measuring 461 metres and your tee shot must carry a natural, boulder-strewn ravine sloping down to the mangrove forest on the left side. The landing area is also flanked by a lake. Most players will elect to play it safe around the right side to avoid the big part of the lake on the left. The resulting approach shot requires a short but very tricky shot over the small end of the lake.”

Signature Hole
The 15th hole is Lemuria’s signature hole. It offers magnificent scenic views from an elevated tee perched high up on a rocky ridge. The beautiful white sands and crystal blue waters of Anse Georgette, which has been voted one of the best beaches in the world, can be viewed off 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,” says Pouponneau.

Rates

Visitor – $130 (includes cart)
Hotel Resident – Free
Caddie – Not available
Cart Hire – $60 (compulsory)
Club Hire – $50

Directions

The golf course is connected to the 5-star Constance Lemuria resort on Praslin, which is a 15-minute flight away from Mahe, with Air Seychelles operating regular flights with a small 20-seater airplane.  The golf course is very close to the Praslin airport, just five minutes away.

Contact
Address:
Anse Kerlan, Praslin
Tel: +248 4281 230
Email: golf@lemuriaresort.com
Web: www.lemuriaresort.com

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