Links Golf Mauritius: Discover La Réserve Golf Links

Experience the raw beauty of the Indian Ocean’s first and only contemporary links. Officially crowned the region’s No. 1 course and ranked in the Top 30 Best International Courses outside the US, La Réserve Golf Links delivers a new era of links golf to Mauritius, offering a masterclass in ‘pure golfing drama’.

In this guide, we explore why this award-winning course, co-designed by former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and respected golf architect Peter Matkovich, is surging up the global rankings and why it has become the defining destination for golf in Mauritius.

The Indian Ocean has long been celebrated for its swaying palms and emerald parkland fairways; however, a new era of links golf has arrived in Mauritius. La Réserve Golf Links at Heritage Golf Club in the southwest of the island, in the domaine of Bel Ombre, is not merely a new addition to the landscape; it is the region’s first and only contemporary links, offering an experience of ‘pure golfing drama’.

Ranked by Golfweek within the Top 30 International Courses outside the United States in 2026, the Indian Ocean’s No. 1 Course represents a bold departure from traditional tropical design. Co-designed by former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen alongside respected golf architect Peter Matkovich, the course serves as a bridge between the rugged heritage of the game and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Mauritian south-west.

The Design of La Réserve: A Tropical Twist on Traditional Links Golf

For many, links golf evokes images of windswept dunes of Scotland or Ireland. At La Réserve Golf Links, that same soul has been transplanted to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where the first tee sits high in the foothills of the Savanah mountain range.

Inspired by the wild open spaces of the great seaside links, a contrasting and unique architectural feature of this Top 30 International Course is the dramatic 200-metre elevation change from the first tee to the clubhouse. This downhill routing offers spectacular panoramic ocean views from every hole and adds to the drama and excitement of the challenge that awaits golfers visiting this must-play course.

Signature Features: Why La Réserve is Unique in the Indian Ocean

First Matkovich and Oosthuizen collaboration
By getting the golf course as high as possible to take advantage of the far-reaching views over tropical bays, sandy beaches and the ocean, the course architects crafted a layout with so many “Wow!” moments.

Dramatic elevation
On a few holes the elevation changes are significant and deliver one of the course’s singularities. For instance, on the 5th par-5, golfers are faced with a 60m drop from the back tee down to the fairway.

Infinity greens
Another of La Réserve Golf Links’ signature features, they are so called,because they have no backdrops, only the sea or the horizon. This adds another layer of challenge as players need to judge the distance and get the right feel.

Authentic Links DNA: How Oosthuizen and Matkovich Brought Scotland to Mauritius

In true links style, the design of this par 72 requires low along the ground shots, bouncing it in, just like how links golf was – and should be – played. Where golfers play the course in front of them and the shots each hole requires.

As with the classic old links golf courses, the bunkers at La Réserve Golf Links are revetted – so, if you are in one, it’s a minimum of half a shot. This was important for the designers as they wanted players to think carefully about their shots and avoid the bunkers, not just swing a club and hit a ball around.

Sustainability at Bel Ombre

Formerly a bountiful sugarcane plantation, Matkovich and Oosthuizen worked with the land to create rich rolling grasslands that encouraged ecological diversity and valuable carbon sequestration. By introducing wild, indigenous grasses, native to the island they managed to blend indigenous flora perfectly into the links landscape, adhering to their principal mantra: “Nature shapes our design”.

This translated into Mauritius’ newest championship golf course being given GEO Certified Development status, the highest global standard for sustainable golf and the first in Africa, within a few weeks of its opening. By supporting local biodiversity within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it makes La Réserve Golf Links a top choice for the eco-conscious golfer.

Awards and Accolades: The Indian Ocean’s No. 1 Ranked Golf Course

La Réserve Golf Links has achieved numerous milestones since it opened in 2023. In the first few weeks of its inauguration, the course hosted the first of two co-sanctioned DP World Tour events, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, and helped catapult the Heritage Golf Club and its wider hotels – Heritage Awali and Heritage Le Telfair – into the world’s top 25 resorts*.

On the eve of its first anniversary, La Réserve Golf Links’ architect-designed clubhouse was recognised by leading international trade publication Golf Inc., taking top honours in the Public Course New Construction category. That same year, it celebrated its latest accolade, the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course 2024’.

Within two years of its opening, the island’s newest course also secured top spot as the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course by both Top100GolfCourses.com and the World Golf Awards. In 2026, La Réserve Golf Links entered Golfweek’s global listing, surging to No. 28 in the esteemed ranking for courses outside the US, ahead of renowned venues in traditional golfing heartlands.

These achievements firmly cement Mauritius’ first and only links as the premier golf destination in the Indian Ocean, and a true must-play for discerning golfers worldwide.

Experience the Drama First-Hand

Ready to tee off at the Indian Ocean’s No. 1 course? Book your golf escape at Heritage Le Telfair, Heritage Awali or choose from our range of luxury villas to enjoy exclusive resident access and preferred tee times at La Réserve Golf Links.

 

Planning your visit: La Réserve Golf Links FAQs

What is the best golf course in Mauritius?

La Réserve Golf Links is currently the top-ranked course in the region, holding the No. 28 spot globally in the Golfweek International rankings of courses outside the US and the No. in the Indian Ocean according to Top100GolfCourses.com.

Can anyone play La Réserve Golf Links?

Access to the course is primarily reserved for members and their guests, as well as for guests staying at Heritage Resorts, ensuring an exclusive experience with tee times spaced 15 minutes apart.

The course is open to golfers with a handicap (index) of up to 36.

Are golf buggies required at La Réserve?

No, golf carts are not mandatory. However, due to the significant elevation changes of the course (approximately 200 meters) and its undulating layout, we strongly recommend that golfers consider using one. Cart rental is included in the green fee.
It is nevertheless entirely possible to play on foot. Some of our members and visitors do so regularly, particularly during cooler and less humid periods. Electric trolleys are also available for hire. Finally, a shuttle service is provided to transport players to the first tee.

Where can I stay to play La Réserve Golf Links?

There are numerous luxury oceanside accommodation options at Heritage Resorts & Golf. Guest can choose between the two five-star beach resorts – the elegant and refined Heritage Le Telfair and the all-inclusive family-friendly Heritage Awali – as well as luxury villa accommodation on the doorstep of Heritage Golf Club, where the natural meets the exceptional on Mauritius’ southern shores.

Is Mauritius good for golf holidays?

Absolutely. With multiple championship golf courses, world-class luxury resorts, and favourable weather, Mauritius has become a premier global destination for luxury golf tourism. Stay at Heritage Resorts and discover the island’s diverse offerings – five different courses are located within a short driving distance from Heritage Resorts & Golf.