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Welsh Golf Courses - Holiday Pages

Golf in Seycelles

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Most people head for the paradise island of Seychelles for the sun and the sea, the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean being a wonderland for all sorts of water sports.

By contrast, it's by no means a hotbed for golf, though don't let that stop you giving the Seychelles some serious thought when considering your next golfing trip. Put it this way, if you are going to have just one 18-hole golf course somewhere, then you might as well make it something special - and that something special in the Seychelles is the Lemuria Resort on Praslin.

Rodney Wright, the man responsible for the famous Mana Lani course in Hawaii, and Marc Farry, the Frenchman who plays on the European Tour, designed the course and have conjured up an absolute gem.

Covering an area of nearly 6000 metres, it provides an excellent test to all levels of players from professionals to amateurs alike. This spectacular course borders the enchanting beaches of both the small Kerlan Cove and the Great Kerlan Cove, while the first 12 holes are lined and fringed by palm trees which allow the light to intermittently shine through.

From the 13th hole, the course extends over the steep slopes of a thickly forested hill, offering breathtaking views, and from here until the finish the challenge is particularly testing. The signature hole is the 15th, where you stand on the top of a rocky ridge overlooking the crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches of Anse Georgette.

Club selection and a deft touch is needed to fine the green which sits some 50 feet below in the valley. Wright and Farry designed the course with the goal of providing an unforgettable challenge and the 18th hole in particular seems destined to become one of the great finishing holes in the world.

The elevated tee offers a breathtaking view of not only the green, clubhouse and resort but also the striking azure waters behind and, beyond that, the islands on the horizon. The fairway runs alongside a huge lake that stretches all the way to the green then surrounds it on three sides. Every hole on the course is unique and provides different challenges, but each is immensely enjoyable. A comfortable clubhouse is equipped with changing rooms, shops and a restaurant that overlooks the water hazard at the 11th green. The terrace is a delightful place to rest and recharge the batteries before tackling the back nine. The only other course on the Seychelles is a nine-holer attached to the Reef Hotel on the island of Mahe. This pretty little course is a pleasure to play, too.

There are few surprises and the better players will not be stretched. However, with sections of the course built over a mangrove swamp and the occasional hazard of the crabs, which have been known to steal balls, there is the guarantee of a very pleasant golfing experience. Yes, there may only be 27 holes in total in the Seychelles but boy is it worth jumping on a jet to go and play them. It will be a treat to savour.