As a busy business traveller you probably don’t get as much time as you would like to meet up with your regular four ball for a good round of golf. If this is the case, you need to consider scheduling a game of golf in between meetings while on a business trip. “Business travellers are generally creatures of habit – they have their normal routine and schedule their meetings the same way they did the trip before,” says Jason Bird, Director of Golf at the Durban Country Club.
He believes scheduling a game of golf during a business trip will create a change to this routine and increase the enjoyment of the trip. “Getting out of the office and exercising with a walk on the course is the ideal way to making this business trip feel like a small holiday of sorts and also keep the game sharp and consistent,” adds Bird. Professional golfer and founder of Corporates @ Golf, Caryn Louw, says golf not only gives business travellers a break from their hectic schedule, bringing them back relaxed and recharged so that they can think clearly, but if the people they are doing business with play golf, it becomes a common bond. “Golf being a social game, provides the perfect ‘outdoor boardroom’ in which to entertain and network with business associates and clients in a relaxed and friendly environment,” says Alison Sheard, International Teaching Professional at the Arabella Golf Estate.
Sheard adds that it is also an excellent way to de-stress and get some exercise after long hours spent around the boardroom table. “Many courses, such as the Arabella Golf Club, are designed to incorporate the natural beauty of its surroundings – a great place to clear your head and mentally prepare for important meetings,” she says. Gold du Chateau, says the Director of Golf, offers excellent rental clubs, so business travellers don’t have to bring their own. However, he adds that the more serious golfer does like to take his own clubs if there is the possibility of some time out to squeeze in a game. He says: “A vast amount of businessmen play golf in Mauritius and other parts of the world, and there is always the chance of the invitation to spend an afternoon in a relaxed environment whilst conducting business and getting to know future customers.”
Golf du Chateau Mauritius
The Golf du Chateau is designed by well-known South African golf course architect Peter Matkovich. The par 72 Championship course offers a great challenge for all level of golfers and has a variety of themes throughout the course. There is no specific signature hole due to the fact that each hole has its own uniqueness, and they seem to flow naturally from holes one through 18. The first four holes have a very links-type feel and climb to a point where the views of the sea and surrounding mountains are breathtaking.
Through the turn the course has a real Mauritian feel with a lot of palm trees and well-designed water features. Holes 13 to 16 are parkland with lovely tall tikomo trees lining the fairways. There are five tee options on each hole allowing all golfers to choose their own level of difficulty. Golf du Chateau has a fantastic nine hole par three course in addition to the 18 hole Championship course, which is great for families and beginners. There is a double-sided driving range, putting green, large separate chipping green, bar, restaurant, pro shop and locker room facilities.
Green Fees: Green fees for residents of the two hotels mentioned above depend on specific packages booked through Tour Operators, and range from free of charge to 25 euros for 18 holes.
Location: Golf du Chateau is situated in Domaine Bel Ombre on the south coast of Mauritius, and is attached to the Heritage Awali and Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resorts.
Contact Details: Tel +230 623 5600
Website: domainedebelombre.mu