The island of Mauritius will take center stage in world golf from December 19-22 as it hosts the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open. This tournament marks the conclusion of the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing, a series of five events that kick off the new season. The final event presents a crucial opportunity for players, as the winner of the Opening Swing earns exemptions into prestigious Rolex Series events and the subsequent phase of the tour.
Thierry Vallet, Founder Executive and CEO of AfrAsia Bank, expressed pride in the tournament’s growing international stature, emphasizing its role in showcasing Mauritius as a premier global destination. Vallet noted that the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open continues to elevate the island’s profile while offering a world-class sporting experience for participants and spectators alike.
Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria
French golfer Antoine Rozner returns to Mauritius as the defending champion, having claimed victory at Mont Choisy Le Golf in 2022. Rozner is one of four previous winners of the event who have since earned PGA Tour cards, highlighting the tournament’s significance in the careers of top international players.
This year’s competition also features Germany’s Marcel Siem, a six-time DP World Tour champion, who sees the event as an opportunity to build on his career resurgence. Siem shared his ambitions of winning twice in a single season, building on his success in the Italian Open earlier this year.
Vincent Hardy, CEO of Mont Choisy Group, highlighted the course’s global recognition after its designer, Peter Matkovich, was honored as the Golf Course Designer of the Year for 2024. Hardy emphasized Mont Choisy’s exceptional quality and its role in solidifying Mauritius as a top-tier golfing destination.
The strong field includes emerging talents such as South Africa’s Ryan van Velzen, the reigning Sunshine Tour Order of Merit winner, and rookie standout Kyle de Beer. European stars Ross Fisher and Nicolas Colsaerts, both former Ryder Cup players, add further prestige to the competition.
Mauritius Minister of Tourism Richard Duval welcomed the event’s global exposure, reiterating the island’s allure as a premier destination for golfers and their families. With its stunning landscape and high-profile participants, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of international golf, closing the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing in what has been dubbed “Golf’s Most Beautiful Week.”
ADD A COMMENT :