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NO.1 GOLF MAGAZINE - INDIAN OCEAN MAURITIUS

D I G I TA L M AG A Z IN E I S S U E N O. 8 / 2 0 2 5

JEEV MILKHA SINGH INDIA'S GOLFING ICON

FRANCINE DELLOYE

THE ELEGANCE OF A PASSION BEYOND TIME

GREG OWEN'S EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS MGF ORDER OF MERIT 2025 / MCB MAURITIUS LEGENDS 2025

LEGENDARY WIN

@golfparadisemauritius | www.golfparadise.mu

MCB MAURITIUS LEGENDS 2025

IS S U E N O.8 / 2 0 2 5 ISSN 1694-4771

CONTENTS

GREG OWEN

JEEV MILKHA SINGH

FRANCINE DELLOYE

MCB MAURITIUS LEGENDS 2025

MGF ORDER OF MERIT 2025

ISSUE 08 When Mauritius celebrates golf in all its magnificence In Mauritius, golf is far more than a sport: it is a culture, a signature, and a constant invitation to excellence and shared passion. On this sun-drenched island, where the ocean meets world-class fairways, Mauritius has firmly established itself as a global crossroads of golf, capable of hosting the world’s leading tours while celebrating a game open to players of all ages.

Gauthier Alessandri Editor & Golf Coach

Sachin Sagar Photographer & Director

The MCB Mauritius Legends, a flagship event on the Legends Tour, stands as one of the finest illustrations of this vision. Each year, this prestigious tournament brings together some of the game’s most celebrated former champions in an exceptional setting, on the legendary Belle Mare Plage course. The most recent edition once again lived up to its promise, highlighted by the composed and commanding victory of Greg Owen, a symbol of experience, precision and timeless elegance. Alongside him, international icons such as Jeev Milkha Singh, a pioneer of Indian golf and a true global ambassador of the sport, serve as a powerful reminder of Mauritius’ ability to attract careers as rich in character as they are in achievement. Yet the true strength of Mauritian golf lies equally in its ability to transcend generations. On the island’s fairways, performance naturally coexists with passion. The example of Francine Delloye, an octogenarian golfer who continues to play with unwavering enthusiasm and a deep sense of transmission, perfectly embodies this spirit. In Mauritius, golf knows no age: it is played with heart, consistency and joy, well beyond the confines of the scorecard. This diversity is further reflected in the breadth of international events hosted on the island. Just weeks after the Legends Tour, Mauritius once again takes centre stage on the DP World Tour with the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, contested on the spectacular Heritage La Réserve Golf Links. With a total prize fund of US$1.2 million, this world-class tournament attracts an elite international field, blending established champions, rising talents and local favourites. Whether defending a title, chasing a historic second victory or laying the foundations for a new season, the stakes are high underscoring the strategic importance Mauritius now holds within the global professional golf calendar. This event reflects a powerful reality: Mauritius is no longer merely a dream destination, it is a land of competition, recognised for the quality of its infrastructure, the challenge of its courses and the excellence of its hospitality. With 12 golf courses ranked among the finest in the world, the island offers a rare diversity: modern links, lush tropical layouts, championship venues and more intimate courses, all united by the same uncompromising standard of excellence. In this island paradise, passionate amateurs, promising juniors, international champions and seasoned golfers share the same playing fields. Here, golf tells stories of transmission, self-improvement and openness to the world. All ages are welcome, and so are all ambitions. In Mauritius, golf is not a fleeting experience, it is a lasting promise, carried by an island that seamlessly blends international prestige, local passion and a refined art of living. A destination where every swing, whether struck by a legend, an emerging champion or an 80 year old golfer naturally finds its place.

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GAME. STYLE. ENDURANCE. HUAWEI’S SMARTWATCH DUO FOR THE MODERN GOLFER Golf demands focus, precision, and consistency — qualities that today’s smartwatches must match to truly add value to a player’s game. Huawei’s latest wearables, the GT6 Pro and the Watch Ultimate 2, have been engineered with this audience in mind: golfers who want advanced analytics on the course, elegant aesthetics off it, and powerful health and battery performance throughout everyday life. The GT6 Pro is available at Rs 14,999 and the Watch Ultimate 2 at Rs 34,999 across the island. Golf Features Built for Mastery For golfers, data is essential. The Huawei GT6 Pro stands out with its impressive coverage of 17,000+ golf course maps across 80+ countries, including Mauritius. Whether you’re playing at home or travelling abroad, the watch provides instant access to zoomable course maps, letting you examine fairway layouts, hazards and green contours with just a swipe. This helps players plan accurate tee shots, choose the right clubs, and approach each hole with greater confidence. Distance-to-green estimates, hazard indications and scoring tools make the GT6 Pro a practical and reliable digital companion on any course. The Watch Ultimate 2 also integrates advanced sport tracking, offering golf-oriented modes that capture swing rhythm, tempo, distance and overall performance. It is ideal for golfers who want a balance between high-end everyday aesthetics and powerful analytics designed to elevate their game. Design and Aesthetic Appeal Beyond performance, both watches excel in craftsmanship. The GT6 Pro features an aerospace-grade titanium body, sapphire glass and an elegant AMOLED display that remains sharp and readable even under strong sunlight. Its design blends durability with refinement, making it equally at home on the golf course, in a business meeting or during travel. For those who want a luxury timepiece feel, the Watch Ultimate 2 raises the bar with a zirconiumbased liquid metal case, ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal. Its premium build not only ensures resilience in harsh outdoor environments but also positions it as a style icon that complements the sophisticated lifestyle of today’s golfer. Health Tracking and Exceptional Battery Life Both devices offer robust health features, including continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ tracking, sleep analysis and stress management, giving users a complete picture of their wellness. Whether training, recovering or travelling, these insights help maintain overall performance. Battery life is equally impressive. The GT6 Pro delivers up to 21 days on light use, while the Watch Ultimate 2 offers long endurance even under intensive sport modes. This reliability ensures golfers can focus on their game—not their charger.

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GREG OWEN 'S LEGENDARY WIN

MCB MAURITIUS LEGENDS 2025

The 2025 MCB Mauritius Legends will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating and dramatic tournaments of the season. Over the course of a week filled with intense competition, shifting leaderboards, and moments of high tension, England’s Greg Owen demonstrated remarkable composure and skill. On the final hole, the 53-year-old veteran calmly sank a decisive birdie, securing his first Legends Tour title in spectacular fashion. This victory not only underscores Owen’s enduring talent and experience but also marks a triumphant milestone in a career defined by resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the game. 10

Photos : Sachin Sagar Location : Constance Belle Mare Plage 11

The sun bathed the immaculate fairways of Constance Belle Mare Plage as veteran golfer Greg Owen prepared for his final round. Born in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Owen had already built a distinguished career, yet at 53, he once again proved that experience, discipline, and composure remain invaluable assets, capable of prevailing under the most intense pressure. Owen began the final day with the assurance of a seasoned professional, forged through years on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour. Four consecutive birdies at the start immediately set the tone. Between the 6th and 14th holes, five more birdies followed, propelling him to 20 under par after 14 holes and placing him firmly in control of the tournament. But golf, as ever, had other ideas. A costly double-bogey on the 15th after a four-putt, followed by a bogey on the 17th, suddenly narrowed the gap. When Jeev Milkha Singh birdied the 18th, the pressure intensified. The final hole became the stage for a dramatic showdown.

Needing a birdie to win, Owen produced under maximum pressure. A superb drive was followed by a composed wait as playing partner Craig Farrelly negotiated a difficult lie among volcanic rocks. Choosing patience over haste, Owen calmly announced he would play second before striking one of the finest long-iron shots of the week to the heart of the green, setting up a prime birdie chance. “Obviously needing a birdie to win, it was a great feeling to hit two of the best shots of the week,” Owen reflected later. “To do it when the pressure is at its highest proves to me that the hard work I’ve put into my game is effective and worthwhile.” South Africa’s Darren Fichardt briefly threatened with a 10-foot eagle putt, but the ball lipped out. Owen remained with two putts for victory. With calm precision, he converted the birdie, signing for a seven-under-par 65 and an 18-under aggregate, edging Fichardt and Singh by a single stroke.

The significance of the win runs far deeper than the scorecard. This triumph marks Owen’s first victory on the Legends Tour, and his fifth title as a former British Masters winner, placing him alongside Peter Baker, Colin Montgomerie, Barry Lane, and Thomas Bjørn. “Anytime you win a tournament it validates your ability to play great golf and to be mentally ready when it matters,” Owen said. “No one knows how long a career will last, so to win again at 53 shows me that I still have what it takes to compete at the highest level against top-quality players.” After the final putt dropped, the dominant emotions were both relief and resolve. “Satisfaction and relief,” he admitted, before adding, “I don’t believe this will be the last tournament I win. What stayed with me most was the determination to do it again. That felt like how I’m supposed to play, and now I want to repeat it more often.”

The victory also carried deep personal meaning. Owen has endured a challenging year away from competition, including a major back surgery that cast uncertainty over his future. “I’ve been waiting for this since coming back from surgery,” he explained. “Always asking myself if I could return to a level good enough to win and make all the hard work and grind worthwhile. Leaving my two daughters and my dogs at home for two months to travel, with that question—‘do you still have it?’—in the back of your mind. Now I have the answer.”

Although such extended time away from family will not be repeated, the win has reignited his motivation. “It makes me even more determined to keep working harder.” What continues to drive him, even as his career enters its later stages, is both pride and purpose. “I know my career is closing in, but I still have the ability and the work ethic to push myself and improve. I want my kids to be proud of what I’ve achieved and to make the sacrifices count. I want to be up there competing for a Senior Major and showing I can perform on the world stage—not just in Europe.”

The 2025 MCB Mauritius Legends also showcased exceptional depth across the field. Darren Fichardt’s runner-up finish earned him the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year Trophy, while Australia’s Scott Hend claimed the John Jacobs Trophy for topping the Legends Tour Order of Merit. Strong performances from Michael Campbell, Stephen Gallacher, Andrew Marshall, and Craig Farrelly ensured a compelling spectacle on Mauritian soil. In Mauritius, Greg Owen demonstrated far more than technical excellence. He delivered a masterclass in resilience, patience, and belief. At 53, his victory stands as a powerful reminder that experience, perseverance, and courage remain timeless strengths—and that even under the fiercest pressure, the finest moments can still be forged.

NOS CONSEILS

Le Swing : Les secrets pour un jeu précis Sur le green, le golf exige virtuosité, puissance et précision. Et au cœur de ce jeu, le swing, fait vibrer la balle avec adresse et vigueur. Embarquez pour un voyage vers un swing parfait, où la technique sera votre alliée pour sublimer votre jeu et atteindre l'apogée de la performance sur le parcours de golf.

La posture Prenez position avec panache ! Debout, les pieds écartés, tels des fondations solides, genoux légèrement fléchis. Gardez le dos droit, les épaules déliées. Cette posture vous propulsera vers un équilibre inébranlable et démultipliera votre puissance à chaque swing. L'alignement Harmonie parfaite entre votre corps et la cible ! Vos pieds, vos hanches et vos épaules se doivent d'être parallèles à la ligne de jeu. Ayez recours à un repère visuel, tel un club au sol, pour ajuster avec élégance votre positionnement. La prise du club Ferme, mais sans pression excessive, parez-vous d'une prise maîtrisée. Placez la partie charnue de votre main gauche (pour les droitiers) au sommet du grip, puis enlacez-le avec grâce. Votre main droite vient se glisser sous la main gauche, légèrement appuyée. Ainsi, vous dompterez le club avec fluidité. Le backswing Déployez toute votre prestance en ramenant le club en arrière. Stabilité du corps et rotation des épaules, tout en gardant des bras décontractés. Évitez les écarts brusques qui pourraient troubler votre élan. Un backswing contrôlé et régulier fera des merveilles.

L'impact et le follow-through À l'impact, gardez la tête immobile, les yeux rivés sur la balle. Avec une accélération mesurée, transférez votre poids du côté arrière vers l'avant et frappez la balle avec détermination. Après l'impact, prolongez votre geste avec grâce et fluidité dans un follow-through accompli. C'est ainsi que puissance et précision fusionneront à la perfection. L'entraînement et la pratique La quête de la perfection du swing requiert temps et assiduité. Entraînez-vous assidûment, affinez chaque aspect de votre swing. Faites appel à un professionnel du golf pour des conseils personnalisés et des ajustements sur mesure. La magie d'une caméra pour enregistrer votre swing peut également s'avérer un allié précieux pour analyser et peaufiner votre technique. Un swing parfait n'est pas le fruit du hasard ou du talent inné, mais le résultat d'une technique affinée au fil du temps. En suivant ces astuces, en vous entraînant avec constance et en cultivant la patience, vous hisserez votre swing vers des sommets vertigineux et transcenderez votre jeu de golf. Souvenez-vous que le golf est un art fascinant, alors savourez chaque parcours et prenez plaisir à travailler votre technique pour atteindre le swing parfait, celui qui envoutera le green à chaque coup.

ACTIVITÉS

SUR LE GREEN ! 18 trous Belle Mare Plage Hotel Tel : 402.27.38 Email : legend@bellemare-plagehotel.com constancehotels.com Touessrok Golf Course Tel : 402.77.20 Email : info@ileauxcerfsgolf.com sunresortshotels.com Anahita Golf Course (Four Seasons) Tel : 402.31.25 Email : Teetime.anahita@four-sesons.com Anahitamauritius.com Tamarina Golf Course Tel : 401.30.00 Email : proshop@tamarina.mu Tamarina.mu Avalon Golf Estate Tel : 430.58.00 Email : olf@avalon.mu Paradise Golf Course Tel : 401.58.73 Email : golf.pa@bchot.com Paradis-hotel.com Golf du Château (Bel Ombre) Tel : 623.56.00 Email : domainedebelombre.mu Mauritius Gymkhana Club Tel : 696.14.04 Email : mgymclub@intnet.mu 9 trous Le St Géran Golf Course Tel : 401.16.88 Maritim Golf Course Tel : 204.10.00

JEEV MILKHA SINGH INDIA'S GOLFING ICON

JEEV MILKHA SINGH INDIA'S GOLFING ICON Photos : Sachin Sagar Location : Constance Belle Mare Plage

Jeev Milkha Singh stands as a towering figure in the annals of Indian sport, a pioneering golfer whose distinguished career has not only redefined the contours of professional golf in India but has also projected the nation’s presence onto the world’s most prestigious fairways. Born on 15 December 1971 in Chandigarh, Singh was raised in an environment steeped in athletic excellence, a legacy that profoundly shaped his pursuit of sporting distinction from an early age. Jeev Milkha Singh stands as a towering figure in the annals of Indian sport, a pioneering golfer whose distinguished career has not only redefined the contours of professional golf in India but has also projected the nation’s presence onto the world’s most prestigious fairways. Singh is the son of the late Milkha Singh, universally revered as “The Flying Sikh” and one of India’s greatest Olympic athletes. Raised in a household where discipline,

resilience, and sporting excellence were cardinal values, Jeev Milkha Singh inherited not only a celebrated name but also an uncompromising ethos that would come to define his own career. After an accomplished amateur career, highlighted by his triumph at the NCAA Division II Individual Championship while representing Abilene Christian University in the United States, Singh turned professional in 1993. His ascent was swift and decisive. In 1998, he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian golfer to earn full membership on the European Tour, a breakthrough that marked a transformative moment for Indian golf on the global stage.

Over the course of a career spanning more than three decades, Singh has amassed an extraordinary total of 20 professional victories across the world’s leading tours. His record includes four titles on the European Tour, four on the Japan Golf Tour, and six on the Asian Tour, underscoring both his versatility and his sustained excellence across continents. Among his most illustrious triumphs are victories at the 2006 Volvo Masters at Valderrama and the 2012 Scottish Open, achievements that firmly established him as the most successful Indian golfer in European Tour history. In 2006, Singh further etched his name into sporting history by becoming the first Indian to break into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking, a testament to his consistency and competitive authority at the highest level of the game. His legacy was further enhanced by becoming the first Indian golfer to compete in all four major championships. Notably, his tied-ninth finish at the 2008 PGA Championship remains one of the finest performances ever recorded by an Indian player in a major tournament. 31

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to Indian sport and his role in elevating the nation’s international sporting stature, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri in 2007, one of the country’s most prestigious civilian honors. Singh’s influence extends well beyond competitive achievement. In 2021, he became the first professional golfer worldwide to be awarded a 10-year Dubai Golden Visa, a distinction reflecting not only his sporting eminence but also his enduring role as a global ambassador for the game of golf. Today, competing on the Legends Tour, Jeev Milkha Singh continues to exemplify the discipline, resilience, and competitive spirit that have defined his career. As a trailblazer in a sport long dominated by Western nations, his enduring legacy lies not merely in titles won, but in the doors he has opened—ushering Indian golf into a new era of international recognition and ambition.

THE ELEGANCE OF A PASSION BEYOND TIME

FRANCINE DELLOYE « You must give pleasure without constraints, that is the foundation of everything: play, laugh, share… and above all, never just look at the ground. »

Photos : Sachin Sagar Location : Mauritius Gymkhana Club

At 80, Francine Delloye splits her life between France and Mauritius, driven by an unwavering passion for golf. Heir to a family tradition of champions, she has devoted her life to the sport with consistency, both in practice and in her associative engagement. For her, golf is both a space of pleasure, conviviality, health, and transmission. Between memories of competitions, reflections on women’s golf, and perspectives for younger generations, Francine Delloye offers a rare testimony, full of experience and wisdom.

Francine Delloye was introduced to golf within a family deeply immersed in the sport. Her grandparents were actively involved in the golf de Saint-Germain, one of the most prestigious clubs in Paris, and her mother, who had three brothers, won both the junior golf championship and the French senior championship twice. “I worked for forty years in table glassware and could not invest as much time as I would have liked,” she recalls. Yet she played every weekend, gradually consolidating a lifelong love for golf. Although she has experienced many competitions, Francine Delloye emphasizes that her interest has always been focused on team spirit rather than individual successes. Always registered with a club south of Boulogne-surMer, she long participated in the teams competing in the championnats par équipe, an experience she describes as privileged. Her most vivid memory is recent: “Last year,

in Portugal, I was captain of the French team for the third year in the over-65 category. I led my four-player team all the way to the finals.” This experience perfectly illustrates her love for collaboration and sports leadership. Her commitment also extended to her presidency at the Mauritius Ladies Golf Union for three years. She recounts working to establish solid finances for the association but, above all, to instill in the ladies the spirit of teamwork and the pleasure of playing together. “In Mauritius, doubles are not practiced, only singles. That’s how I became known: by sharing the joy of playing with everyone, and looking up at the sky, because golfers unfortunately have the sad habit of staring at the ground,” she explains with a touch of humor.

She also mentions the initiative of the island’s top player, who created the championnat MLO. “It’s a success, but only once a year. For me, our meetings should be monthly, friendly, without constraints, just for pleasure.” Francine Delloye further highlights the difficulty of mixed play in Mauritius: “Here, men do not always play with women. I have played with men who were less skilled than we were, and they excused themselves by saying they were not used to playing with women. It upset me greatly. One year, I insisted that the director of Tamarina organize a mixte par deux event with sixty men and sixty women, followed by lunch. But we never repeated it.” One of her main goals remains to evolve Mauritian golf, particularly for women and younger generations. “It’s an English attitude here; elsewhere, mixed play is easier. I have always said 42

that to attract young girls, you also need to attract their mothers,” she explains. She pays tribute to Silvia Knauber, an outstanding teacher, who trains many young girls and earns her deep respect. Francine also stresses the importance of creating intergenerational competitions: “I had already organized trophies combining parents and children, sometimes even three generations. To do this here, adults would need to get involved with the youth to develop this family aspect and break stereotypes.” Despite being 80, Francine Delloye remains motivated by the pleasure of playing and the health benefits of sport. “Good physical fitness comes from sport, walking, playing, and breathing fresh air. I have played a lot of golf and it is wonderful. My most memorable experience remains nine holes at the foot of the pyramides d’Égypte. Being active is always bet-

She also describes Mauritius as an exceptional place for golf. “The government has focused on tourism around golf, and we have twelve magnificent, varied, and high-quality courses. On airplanes, there are many golf bags, proof that it is an absolutely wonderful destination. My favorite is the Château Heritage course, followed by Tamarina, where I have lived for twenty years. Each has characteristics worth playing.” To ensure the future of Mauritian golf, Francine Delloye advocates for the development of the Ladies Open and participation in international championships. “We need to play, develop competition in every way,” she explains, convinced that Mauritius has all the assets to attract players, young talents, and international events. 45

Francine Delloye embodies a complete vision of golf, combining personal passion, associative engagement, intergenerational transmission, and a concern for conviviality. Between France and Mauritius, she remains an example of elegance, discipline, and joy in playing, reminding us that golf is not just a sport, but a true shared art of living.

HIGHLIGHTS

MCB MAURITIUS LEGENDS 2025

Photos : Sachin Sagar Location : Constance Belle Mare Plage

HIGHLIGHTS

MGF ORDER OF MERIT 2025

Photos : Sachin Sagar Location : Mauritius Dodo Club