After a quick scout round and playing a few holes yesterday I couldn’t wait to get to playing The Nine properly today. It’s when you step onto the 1st tee that you realise this isn’t any ordinary par 3 course. It reminds me of the short courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama.
You will notice the two different colour flags on the greens, as it gives you a different option to play to if you decided to go round again and play 18 holes. And from yesterday’s experience, I know that will be on the cards for almost everyone that plays here.
Left to right: 1st, 2nd and 6th holes
With deep fescue rough on the left giving the course a heathland feel and two bunkers protecting the left side of the green, aiming at the right side of the green is your best option. As I make my way onto the green, you can tell by their size, they have been designed to accommodate the two flag options and the manicuring and pace of the greens and contours are what you would expect to find on a top-ranked 18 hole course.
The 2nd is a beautifully designed hole playing from an elevated green, with bunkers protecting the left side of the green and weighing in at 138 yards.
And don’t think this is just a pitch and putt course on the 4th and 5th holes. With today’s wind conditions I have just hit 5 and 4-irons respectively, and with water on the left of the 5th green it certainly makes it a tough hole.
As you will see when you arrive, the 5th is not the only hole that has water as a hazard. The 9th has an island green and depending on flag and wind conditions can affect your club selection; I played PW on my scout round yesterday and I am hitting 6-iron today.
Another nine holes sir? I don’t mind if I do!
Sitting in the bar with a nice cold beer in hand and looking back up the 9th hole I reflect on the course. Not only is it a great test of golf, for those who play regularly – you will be playing some fantastic golf if you go round under par. But, for those in Mauritius on holiday, thinking about taking up golf, The Nine is the perfect opportunity to play and see if you will enjoy the game. It’s a fun course and would be a great way to start your golf journey.
