Island Diary 1: La Réserve Links, one of its kind

The Island Diaries -1

By V Krishnaswamy

La Réserve Golf Links – one of its kind

La Réserve Golf Links is the first and only contemporary links in the Indian Ocean. It was co-designed by Louis Oosthuizen, who won he 2023 ABMO, and Peter Matkovich. In 2024, La Réserve Golf Links won World’s Best New Golf Course.

At  the same awards function, Matkovich, who was voted Golf Course Designer of the Year 2024 at the World Golf Awards, won against strong competition that included Ernie Els, Colin Montgomerie, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Henrik Stenson, Jack Nicklaus, IMG Golf Course Design, José Maria Olazabal, Sir Nick Faldo and even Tiger Woods.

La Reserve provides some dramatic Scenery. It plays from the mountains down to the sea, providing incredible panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from every hole. It is known for being demanding but fair, with strategically placed bunkers and undulated greens.

Jayden Schaper’s love affair with Mauritius

Jayden Schaper’s record in Mauritius is fantastic. In the three AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Opens he’s played, Schaper hasn’t finished worse than 13th. He finished sixth the last time the tournament was played here at La Réserve Golf Links in 2023.

The winner of last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links, Schaper loves the Island and has been coming to for family holidays and golf since he was a boy.

“I just love Mauritius. I love the resorts, the ocean, the golf courses. What I like about this design is that it’s familiar. My home course is also a Peter Matkovich design, and his designs are focused on being smart and not just bombing it. They’re fun to play. There are always a couple of driveable par fours in his designs, which are also fun.”

Defending champ John Parry looks to create for history

John Parry, the Englishman, who won the ABMO in 2024 (which was part of the 2025 DP World Tour season), is looking to become the first golfer to successfully defend this title. Last year’s win was Parry’s first DP World Tour win since 2010.

Parry rallied from a five-hole deficit in the final round to win the title. It also paved way for him to earn a PGA Tour card by the end of 2025 season.

Co-designer Oosty was the first winner at La Reserve in 2023

In the first AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open played at La Reserve Golf Links in 2023, the winner was the 2010 Open winner Louis Oosthuizen, who co-designed with Peter Matkovich.