There are many reasons why a professional golfer would choose to play a certain tournament. They may have an affinity with the area, they might play well at the course and sometimes they’re paid handsome appearance fees. There is, however, no doubting why jaded golfers have decided to add one more week of play into their schedules at the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
The event is returning to the 2015 host, Heritage Golf Club, a simply stunning place to play golf. Set near the island’s south coast, Heritage is a par 71 layout measuring just a touch over 7,000 yards. That’s no distance for tour standard players (and there are drivable par fours) but Heritage’s main defence is the coastal wind and tricky greens. The putting surfaces run true but fast so players leaving themselves too many downhill putts will struggle to keep pace with the leaders.
Revitalised Coetzee to Contend at Heritage Again
While many golfers decide to take a break from the game at this time of year, George Coetzee is still firing on all cylinders thanks to an eight week, midseason break. The South African used the time to lose 15kg and make fundamental changes to his swing. He missed the cut on his first week back but has since secured three top 10 finishes and is the de facto defending champion this week as the last man to win the Mauritius Open at Heritage Golf Club.
It took a playoff against Thorbjorn Olesen for Coetzee to get the win in 2015 but it doesn’t matter how you do it, what matters is the good memories he’ll have of this layout. Coetzee has huge experience playing in windy conditions and he ranked third for putts per green in regulation on the European Tour last season. Everything’s pointing towards another successful week for Coetzee who is available at 28/1 with Ladbrokes.
Chawrasia Overpriced for a Place
S.S.P Chawrasia did not compete at Heritage in 2015 but this globetrotting golfer has become used to quickly working courses out. He’s played tournaments on all the major tours and has amassed 16 wins so far. Most of those triumphs came at courses which reward his ability to consistently hit the fairway and then put his ball in a good position on the green. Those skills are perfect for Heritage.
Another positive for Chawrasia is his encouraging form. He’s placed inside the top 10 in his last three starts and will be upset he couldn’t build on a strong start at Fanling last week to win the Hong Kong Open. If he can shake off that disappointment, expect Chawrasia to challenge the top of the leaderboard once again at 70/1 with Betfred.
Otto Worth Chancing at Triple Figures
Despite being a wonderful place to play golf, the quality of the field at the Mauritius Open isn’t what you’d expect of a European Tour event. That presents opportunities for those who have found the going tough recently including Hennie Otto, a man who has a very good record at Heritage Golf Club.
With links to the sponsors and the course, Otto has played here plenty and had good results before the European Tour became involved so back him each way at 150/1 with Coral.