Above: The stunning view of Beachcomber Paradis golf course from the air
After a warm up on the range which is just outside the clubhouse and standing on the first tee it certainly seems tight with the trees being so close, but I smash my drive at the bunker and my ball lands in the middle of the fairway. It’s as you come out of the trees that surround the first tee that you realise there is more room than it looks and this seems to be a feature as I reach my ball on the 2nd fairway.
Dominating the course as a backdrop is the Le Morne mountain; it’s a beautiful sight as you make your way around and really comes into its own on the par 3, 6th hole, which I am told is apparently Sky Sports’ commentator and ex professional Tony Johnson’s favourite par 3. It is the second par 3 on this nine with the first coming at the 3rd hole. But, Le Morne looks down on the green on the 6th like its protector, weighing in at 142-yards and playing slightly uphill it really is a stunning golf hole.
Left to right: 1st, 7th and 9th holes
I love the run of holes from here to the turn, the dogleg right par 5, 7th which plays to a raised green, with a water feature on the right, the very tight drive on the 8th and the second shot played over water to another raised green that gently slopes back to front and encircled by three bunkers, and the stunning 9th with water running along the right with its risk and reward second shot.
After a refuelling stop at the half way hut, the pace doesn’t stop, driving over water on the 10th with it continuing down the right-hand side. The 12th has an ocean backdrop behind the green, which also runs along the side of the 13th. The first of the par 3s arrives at the 14th with the second coming at the 17th which plays through a funnel of palm trees. But before that is the stunning 16th, which is all risk and reward from the tee and biting as much of the Indian Ocean as you dare and then playing to a peninsula green.
Left to right: 13th, 15th and 18th holes
The dogleg right 18th is played over water and then to another raised green surrounded by palm trees with bunkers front left and right. It’s been a great day, with so many wonderful golf holes, I can’t wait to go again tomorrow.
