Swingtime 4th Issue

Please note that all fares quoted below are subject to airfare increase and currency fluctuation as well as availability at time of booking.

From Geneva

Geneva- Mauritius on the 5th of juneMauritius- Paris - Geneva on the 15th of June

As from € 3950 per Person including :return airfare in economy class on Air mauritius, airport •taxes included return transfers airport / hotel•9 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis - Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee•

From Reunion Island

St pierre ou St Denis – Mauritius on the 07th of june Mauritius – St Pierre ou St Denis on the 14th of june

As from € 2775 per person including :return airfare in economy class on Air mauritius or Air •Austral, airport taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•7 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee•

From Dubai

Dubai – Mauritius on the 07th of june Mauritius – Dubai on the 14th of june

As from € 3925 per person including :return airfare in economy class on Air Mauritius or •Emirates, airport taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•7 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee•

From Russia

Moscow Domodedovo – Dubai - Mauritius on the 06th of june Mauritius – Dubai - Moscow Domodedovo on the 14th of june

As from € 3975 per person including :return airfare in economy class on Emirates , airport •taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•7 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee•

From England

London Heathrow – Mauritius on the 06th of june Mauritius –Paris CDG - London Heathrow on the 15th of june

As from € 3500 per person including :return airfare in economy class on Air Mauritius, airport •taxes included (for same price it is possible to travel on Emirates through Dubai)return transfers airport / hotel•8 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee •

From France

Paris CDG – Mauritius on the 06th of june Mauritius –Paris CDG on the 15th of june

As from € 4950 per person including :return airfare in economy class on Air Mauritius, airport •taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•8 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee•

From South Africa

Cape Town – Mauritius on the 06th of june Mauritius – Johannesburg – Cape Town on the 14th of june

As from R 32,000 per person including :return airfare in economy class on South African •Airways, airport taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•8 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & DinnerTournament fee•

Durban – Johannesburg -Mauritius on the 08th of june Mauritius – Johannesburg – Durban on the 15th of june

As from R32,000 per person including :return airfare in economy class on South African •Airways, airport taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•7 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & Dinner Tournament fee•

Johannesburg -Mauritius on the 07th of june Mauritius – Johannesburg on the 14th of june

As from R28,000 per person including :return airfare in economy class on South African •Airways or Air Mauritius, airport taxes includedreturn transfers airport / hotel•7 nights at Le Belle Mare Plage hotel ( 5 star ) in junior •suite on half board basis – Buffet Breakfast & DinnerTournament fee•

Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge Packages

“ If one of us can make a difference,

just think of what we can do together “

Entry Form Company Name

Director

Address

Email

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Team Name

Players Name Handicap Male Female1

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Note – If any player/s suffers from any illness or allergies please specify belowPlayer No. Details of Illness / Allergies Contact Person

Payment Options - Entry fee: Euro 750 per teamPlease make all checks payable to Market Info Direct (Mauritus) LTD and send via Post to:SWINGTIME MAURITIUS CO LTD, 6th Floor, Victoria House, Barracks Street, Port Louis, Mauritiusor Bank transfer to our account MARKET INFO DIRECT (M) LTD IBAN: MU34BARC0314000002015471000MUR Account Number: 0142015471 Bank: Barclays Bank A/C Type: Business/Current Address: Sir William Newton Street Port Louis A payment of Rs. 10,000 will be due for any team’s cancellation after 30th May 2009

2 Swingtime - Issue 4 www.swingtimegolf.co.za

A publication of Market Info Direct Mauritius Ltd

Director of Publication/Directeur De Publication

Alan Leslie DUVALE-mail : [email protected]

MeDia teaMGraphic Concept/Création graphique

Yannick LAroche corALieE-mail : [email protected]/Journaliste-Editrice

Pascaline ALeXANDreE-mail : [email protected]

Photographer / PhotographeManoj NAwoor

aDMiniStration office Operations Manager

Gavin [email protected]

Personal Assistantchristelle LANGLoiS

MarKetinGBusiness Development Manager

Dhinesh rAi KALLeeE-mail : [email protected]

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[email protected]

Contributors / CollaborateursEmotions Golf Events

TEE-OFFBenz & Partners

Photos / Crédit PhotosEmotions Golf Events

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Line Barracks StreetPort-Louis, Mauritius

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e-mail:[email protected]: www.swingtimegolf.co.za

The opinions expressed in Swingtime Mauritius and in the advertorials are not necessarily those of the publisher.

coPYriGhT: SwiNGTiMe MAUriTiUSiSSN No 1694-0687

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the publisher.

2 Swingtime - Issue 4

Dear Readers,

Are you engulfed in Gloom and Doom of financial crisis? Is the whole world swamped with uncertainty and anxiety? Are we condemned to suffer from this situation ad infinitum? Is it really a gloom and doom situation… or only opportunities to seize? These are some of the questions that we have been asking ourselves for some times… Is it not time to get rid of all the negativity surrounding the economic turmoil? So, why not embark NOW on a voyage in quest of novelty and positive challenge?

Swingtime Magazine in its fourth issue is proud to offer you a colourful bouquet of interesting articles that can only boost up your attitude. An extended interview of the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Economic Empowerment, Ramakrishna Sithanen gives you an outline of the encouraging measures that the Mauritian government is undertaking to alleviate the economic situation.

Innovation; that is what Swingtime Magazine, pioneer of the 1st golf publication in Mauritius is out to bring. The SWINGTIME CORPORATE GOLF CHALLENGE – one of the most, if not the most prestigious golf event of the year - is candle light in obscurity, a breath of fresh air for the golf population. Benz and Partners, among the leaders in the asset management sector in Zurich grasped this opportunity to make things happened as preferred sponsor (See interview of Mr Gerhard Skwaric, one of the partners of Benz and Partners Company on page 43). Reserved to local and international corporate teams, the four day tournament will be held between 10-13 June 2009 – a unique golfing experience in three high class golf courses around the island i.e Le Touessrok Golf Club (Ranked 10th in the top 100 golf courses in the world by World Golf Magazine) and the Belle Mare Plage Golf Resorts (Legend and the Links courses).

Let our Experience be your Experience and JOIN US in this exciting journey!

CORRIGENDUMSwingtime Team presents its sincere apology to the Chairman of the

Mauritius Post, Arnaud Godère for the error that occurred in the 3rd edition regarding his surname. We regret for any inconvenience caused. Nevertheless, there is an interesting portrait in this issue dedicated to Mr Godère’s pathway in the professional world.

Wish you a pleasant reading,

Yours sincerely,

Pascaline Alexandre (Ms)

3Swingtime - Issue 4www.swingtimegolf.co.za

Contents Sommaire •••

19 Travel Agenda Mauritius Best Golf

Destination

21 Afrasia Bank

22 Ladies Swing Françoise Desvaux

27 Valentine’s Cup Golf Celebrating Love

28 Business profile Malcolm Moller

32 Portrait Prem Beebaky

34 Benz & Partners view

36 Let’s Tee Off

38 Biz Bits

43 Benz & Partners

45 Early Ams Ludovic Bax

49 Golf and its history

50 Golf Tournament Le Saint Géran

52 Perspective Chinese President, Hu Jintao visit

55 Golf Fashion

57 Nutrition

59 Trends and tech

63 Mauritius v/s the world

66 Swing It!

69 Local news Mauritius Golf Federation

71 Mauritius Post Chairman Portrait

72 Pro Corner Billy Narraina

74 Local golf news HSBC Golf Classic 2009

76 Flash News

FEATUREBelle Mare Plage - Links Golf Course

LET’S TALKVice Prime Minister,

Minister of Finance &Economic Empowerment

Dr The Hon. Rama Krishna Sithanen

SWINGTIMECORPORATE

GOLFCHALLENGE

6

4012


Swingtime subscription•••


For further queries contact us on:+230 213 3399Email us:[email protected] – Central Europe : [email protected] – Middle East – Eastern Europe : [email protected]

Make the Swing That MATTerS:

www.swingtimegolf.co.za

“Golf Swing with a Difference “Golf is now a leading international sport

and social activity. Swingtime Magazine encompasses all aspects of Golf as a sport and a gateway to international business and relations. Swingtime strives to provide readers with the most up to date and informative collaborative articles. We all know that golf is one of the fastest, if not the fastest growing sport in the world. Ever since Tiger Woods exploded on the golf scene there has been an unprecedented boom in the number of people who have been converted to the sport.

Youngsters have been entranced by the American’s display around the world and are flocking in to driving ranges and golf courses to emulate their hero. Mauritian youths also holds a lot of promising talent. Golf has never been the most affordable sport in the world and with the rapid strides made in improving the technology that cost has continued to escalate, pushing it further and further out of the hands of these aspiring golfers. To solve this, a bold new plan has been formulated to assist aspirant golfers in fulfilling their potential. Adopt-a Golfer is an innovative plan to assist a young golfer to realize his potential.

Any person regardless of their age, sex,

race or religion can potentially be given the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase their talents to the world and progress in their careers in a shorter time.

Swingtime Mauritius is inviting companies and corporate members to support this initiative by adopting golfers who have the potential to become the next Mauritian Tiger Woods.

The fact is that it is extremely difficult for these golfers to get sponsored as companies are not always supportive to produce the sports stars of the future. The initiative has already and successfully been implemented in South Africa. One of the first players to have benefited from the initiative is Morgana Robbertze whom we have adopted. The 27 year old Robbertze started playing in 1998 and turned professional in 2002 and was named Rookie of The year for the Nedbank Women’s Golf Tour SouthAfrica. She was awarded Junior Springbok colors for the SAAB International in Belgium for both 2000 and 2001 as well as Federation colours for Test matches against GreatBritain and Ireland.

Adopt your golfer is a unique promotional product.

“Why adopt a golfer?” Simple. To get the maximum, measurable promotional and marketing exposure, from a given project, over an extended period, at a predetermined cost.

www.swingtimegolf.co.za 5Swingtime - Issue 4

Golfer’s paradise •••

To advertise in Swingtime:

Swingtime is currently received by business leaders in 17 countries worldwide

Page Size eUr US $Double Page Spread (middle) 2,100 2,785Double Page Spread 1,700 2,254Inside Front Cover 1,600 2,122Inside Back Cover 1,400 1,856Back Cover 1,800 2,387Full page 1,050 1,382Half Page 550 729Advertorial 1,200 1,391

• Canada• UK• Singapore• China• Australia• Japan• Dubai• New Zealand• Switzerland• Russia• Belgium• Italy• France• South Africa• Reunion• Mauritius• Seychelles

5Swingtime - Issue 4

*US price is subject to change



••• Golfer’s paradise

Opened in November 2002, The Links is the second Constance Hotel Group championship golf course. The course was conceived as the result of success

and demand for the Constance Group’s first Course, The Legend. Designed by Rodney Wright and Peter Alliss, the Links is situated along one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of the island, set a few kilometers

from the hotel.


The LinksBELLE-MARE PLAGE



Golfer’s paradise •••Golfer’s paradise


•••

Inauguré en novembre 2002, Le Links est le deuxième parcours de golf, aux normes internationales, aménagé par les hôtels Constance. Cela fait

suite à une demande grandissante et l ’énorme succès du Legend, le premier parcours de golf de ce groupe à Maurice. Œuvre commune signée Rodney

Wright and Peter Alliss, le Links se situe non loin de l’hôtel, soit à quelques mètres d’une des plus belles plages de la côte Est de l’île.


Golfer’s paradise•••

pened in November 2002, The Links is the second Constance Hotel Group championship golf course. The course was conceived as the result of success

and demand encountered by the Group’s first course, The Legend. Designed by Rodney Wright and Peter Alliss, The Links is situated along one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of the island, set a few kilometers from the hotel. This 18-hole of Par 71 laid upon 5,942 meters has been created out of indigenous forest, with wide-open spaces and over rolling links style terrain, which is complemented by excellent fairways and firm greens, thus providing a different challenge to its sister, The Legend. The volcanic rocks piled high to form pyramid like structures all along give a special feature to the course.

This fabulous course offers a fascinating landscape and guaranteed to challenge the best of players. The Links has 4 tees and water comes into play on 6 holes while the most memorable remains Number 11-14, which are played around an inland lake. The strategic setting of the lakes offers great opportunities to golfers to go beyond their capabilities, though the game depends on the freak of nature and thus requires a more spontaneous tactics on behalf of the golfer.

nauguré en novembre 2002, Le Links est le deuxième parcours de golf, aux normes internationales, aménagé par les hôtels Constance. Cela fait suite à

une demande grandissante et l’énorme succès du Legend, le premier parcours de golf de ce groupe à Maurice. Œuvre commune signée Rodney Wright and Peter Alliss, Le Links se situe non loin de l’hôtel, soit à quelques mètres d’une des plus belles plages de la côte est de l’île. Ce parcours de 18-trous qui compte 71 Par Est étendu sur 5,942 mètres carrés. Conçu à partir d’une forêt, autrefois utilisé comme chassé, le Links offre une aventure différente aux golfeurs qui ont déjà connu le parcours du Legend. Ses grandes espaces vallonnées, ses terrains harmonieusement liés se complètent de façon à faire de chaque fairway et chaque green, une suite naturelle d’une expérience golfique unique au Links. Par ailleurs, le terrain offre également un côté exotique grâce aux rochers volcaniques artistiquement empilés en forme de pyramides tout au long du parcours.

Un parcours fabuleux jalonné de multiples épreuves tout cela encadré par un paysage fascinant…le rêve garanti pour le meilleur des golfeurs. Le Links compte quatre départs et ce n’est qu’à partir du sixième trou que les lacs rentrent en jeu. Cependant les trous, les plus difficiles demeurent le numéro 11 jusqu’au 14, qui sont joués autour d’un lac. Stratégiquement placés, les lacs offrent une occasion aux golfeurs de se surpasser bien que ce sont les éléments naturels tels que le vent qui dirigent le jeu et exigent une tactique spontanée et improvisée de la part du golfeur.

EnvironnementSitué au sommet du parcours de golf, le Club House

jouit d’une vue panoramique entre les montagnes et l’océan. Le club comporte un restaurant, une boutique de golf, des voiturettes, un putting green, un coin d’entraînement et une Académie sous le nom de Marc Farry. Sous la férule de Sébastien Pilot, l’assistant directeur du golf de Constance Belle

O

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Swingtime - Issue 48 www.swingtimegolf.co.za


EnvironmentThe Links club house enjoys magnificent

panoramic views between the mountains and the ocean from its position upon the highest point on the course. It also comprises of a restaurant, golf cars, a Pro shop, a practice corner, putting green and a Golf Academy named after Marc Farry. The Links employs a staff of 30 to maintain the green, the restaurant and the club house. Working under the supervision of Sebastien Pilot, Assistant Golf Manager of Constance Belle Mare Plage. Contrary to the Legend, The Links is accessible to non residents and welcomes at least 30, 000 tee-offs per annum. Club cars are compulsory at The Links and a maximum of 4 hours10 minutes with four players is allowed for an 18-hole play.

Course Tip: Avoid the “pyramids” of volcanic rock – they either “eat” your golf ball or send it off in what is invariably the wrong direction!

Facilities The Marc Farry Golf Academy employs the

assistance of four Pro Golf Coaches whereby two of them are based at The Links. Rakesh Ramsaka and Alexandre Nicholini provide both private and small group golf lessons to clients and members on demand. All necessary golf equipment is available for hire onsite. Facilities provided include 55 golf cars, practice balls, change facilities, change room and

club house. Hotel guests from Constance Belle Mare Plage and Constance le Prince Maurice do not incur any green fee, however, they need to pay for club cars rentals which cost around 25 Euros per person for an 18-hole game. Furthermore, non residents have to pay a green fee of 95 Euros. It comprises of the compulsory (non exclusive) golf car and a basket of 40 practice balls.

Dress CodeNo jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes are allowed.

All golfers should be dressed properly when playing. The required clothing is Polo shirt, Bermuda shorts or skirts, socks and soft spikes (golf shoes).

CompetitionsEach year The Links and The Legend host the

most prestigious international competition on the island, The Mauritius Open Tournament. This competition welcomes 70 professionals and more than 150 amateurs from 22 countries. Organized by the Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel with referees from British and French PGA, the Mauritius Open aims to recognize international Golf in Mauritius. Other national and private competitions are organized annually. Including the Caddy competition, the Pro-Am competitions, inter clubs challengers as well as corporate tournaments.


CelebritiesLike The Legend, The Links has developed since its inauguration a worldwide reputation. Links has

hosted a number of international PRO Golfers either on holidays or for competitions. Note that most of the well known PROs are from European Tour. Some of the celebrities who played at the Links are as follows:

Gregory Havret (France),Jean François Rémesy (France),Jamie Donaldson (England) - Won the Mauritius Open in 2008Marc Mouland (Wales) - Won twice in a row the Mauritius Open in 2002 and 2003 respectively Van Philips (UK) – Won Mauritius Open in 2007




Mare Plage, Le Links emploie plus d’une trentaine de personnes pour l’entretien du terrain, mais aussi pour servir les clients. Par ailleurs, contrairement à sa sœur, Le Links est ouvert au public et compte au moins 30,000 entrées par année. Le temps alloué pour le parcours de 18-trous est de 4 heures et 10 minutes par groupe de quatre. De plus, les caddies ne sont pas autorisés comme au Legend, les golfeurs doivent impérativement utiliser les voiturettes à cause des pentes.

Petit conseil : Evitez les ‘pyramides’ créer à partir des rochers volcaniques –soit, elles ‘mangent’ vos balles de golf ou elles les envoient dans la mauvaise direction.

Les facilitésLes golfeurs amateurs bénéficient de l’expérience

de quatre moniteurs de golf de l’Académie Marc Farry. Deux des moniteurs notamment Rakesh Ramsaka et Alexandre Nicholini sont basés exclusivement au Links et offrent des cours de golf aux clients et membres de l’hôtel sur réservation. 55 voiturettes, des balles d’entraînement, des vestiaires équipés de salle de bains sont parmi les facilités offertes. Sachez qu’il n’y a pas de ‘green fee’ pour les résidents des hôtels Constance Belle Mare Plage et Constance Le Prince Maurice. Cependant, ils doivent payer les frais des voiturettes qui s’élèvent à 25 Euros par personne

pour le parcours de 18 trous. Par ailleurs, les non-résidents payent un ‘green fee’ de 95 Euros qui comprend la voiturette et un panier de 40 balles.

Tenue vestimentaireLes jeans, t-shirts et baskets ne sont pas autorisés.

Tous les golfeurs doivent s’habiller convenablement pour pouvoir jouer. Les vêtements exigés sont le Polo shirt, le Short Bermuda ou jupe, des chaussettes ainsi que des chaussures de golf.

Les tournoisLe Links accueille chaque année la plus

prestigieuse des compétitions internationales de l’île, L’Open de Maurice. En effet, le Links se partage la part belle avec Le Legend pour offrir aux participants une expérience golfique unique. Chaque année, une centaine de golfeurs professionnels et amateurs d’une vingtaine de pays participent à ce tournoi d’envergure. Cette initiative de l’hôtel Constance Belle Mare Plage en collaboration avec les arbitres du Professional Golf Association d’Angleterre et de France vise à promouvoir le golf international à Maurice. Par ailleurs, d’autres tournois nationaux et privés tels que le tournoi réservé aux Caddies, les compétitions Pro-Am, les tournois interclubs ainsi que ceux réservés aux entreprises sont organisés tout au long de l’année.


CélébritésTout comme Le Legend, Le Links n’a pas tardé à se forger une réputation au niveau mondiale. Ainsi,

plusieurs professionnels internationaux, en vacances ou qui sont venus participer à une compétition, ont joué au Links. A noter que la plupart d’entre eux sont issus du tour européen. Les quelques golfeurs célèbres sont :

Grégory Havret (France)Jean François Rémesy (France)Jamie Donaldson (Angleterre) vainqueur de l’Open de Maurice en 2008Marc Mouland (Pays de Galles) – vainqueur à deux reprises de l’Open de Maurice en 02 et 03Van Philips (Royaume Uni) – vainqueur de l’Open de Maurice en 2007




••• Let’s talk

Swingtime - Issue 4

Dr The Hons Rama Sithanen, during this crisis period, what is your assessment of the financial and economic situation in Mauritius?

Mauritius has until now been spared from the banking and financial crisis facing the United States, England and some European countries. In fact, the profitability and liquidity of our commercial banks as well as the proper functioning of our inter-banking markets helped to secure Mauritius from this dilemma. For the time being, our financial system is still manageable. However, if the global financial crisis persists, we can hardly determine the depth of its impact on our economy. In such cases, our banks will be more vulnerable and will have to seek the help of international banks. Therefore, because of interconnectivity of countries related to globalization, Mauritius cannot escape from the effects of the crisis. However, the consequences might be lower compared to other countries as Mauritius will be affected indirectly due to lack of funds and limited access to credit in the coming months

Honorable Dr Rama Sithanen, quel est votre constat de la situation financière et économique de Maurice en cette période de crise financière?

Il est important de faire la distinction entre la crise financière, la crise économique et éventuellement une crise sociale au niveau international. Comme vous le savez, tout a commencé avec la crise financière dans le système bancaire et financier et vous connaissez bien le problème de la capitalisation des banques et des prêts toxiques. Heureusement que Maurice n’a pas eu à faire face à cette crise pour la simple et bonne raison que nos banques sont profitables, nos fonds sont propres et le marché interbancaire fonctionne entre autres. Nous n’avons donc pas eu les mêmes problèmes que les banques aux Etats-Unis, en Angleterre et dans certains pays d’Europe puisque nos banques sont réglementées et supervisées. La situation financière à Maurice est pour le moment bonne et gérable. Evidemment, si la situation devient difficile et que nos banques doivent emprunter des fonds aux banques internationales, les données

Mauritius is now at the parting of the ways. With overwhelming challenges of globalization and financial crisis, the Mauritian government is compelled to redefine its priorities and set forth a financial rescue campaign through the ‘Additional Stimulus Package: shoring up economic performance’ devise to assist sectors in difficult situations. However, the Vice Prime Minister,Minister of Finance stays optimistic towards an uncertain economic future. According to Dr Sithanen, Mauritius will definitely be affected by the global financial crisis but the impact will be lower compared to other countries due to our diversified economy. Interview.

Dr The Hon. Rama Krishna Sithanen, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Finance &

Economic Empowerment


•••Let’s talk •••

In 2008, you mentioned the fact that Mauritian economy could resist the consequences of the global economic recession. Is it still the case today?

Mauritian economy has been resilient for the past 16 months. From October 2007; when the crisis blew up, until the end of 2008, Mauritius has been able to resist and consequently soften the blow of recession. This was due to the fact that our financial system was not contaminated by toxic assets. The statistics showed that we have achieved a growth of 5.2% at the end of 2008 while the unemployment rate has been reduced compared to the last three years. More than 10,800 employments have been created in the same year. We have been elastic because of the economic reform launched in 2005. Are we still resilient? Some external sectors such as tourism, textile and clothing have undergone a decrease in demand from the major overseas markets. However, these sectors are substituted by other new economic pillars such as BPO, Offshore, ICT and so forth. We are thus benefiting from our diversified economy. Nevertheless, if like economists predict, that the financial crisis will be profound, extensive and huge, we cannot escape from it. Our economy is, for sure, resilient but not invincible.

At the end of 2008, the Prime Minister and yourself launched the Additional Stimulus Package amounting to Rs10.4 billion - 3.8% of GDP; can you tell us more about it?

The Additional Stimulus Package is a reflationary policy adopted by many countries to overcome global recession. In the middle of 2008 financial year, the government anticipated a difficult economic situation in the coming months. We thus decided to take preventive measures, on one hand, to cushion the negative effects of the crisis on our economy and on the other hand to boost the economy after the crisis. During the 2008/2009 Budget, we have injected an important amount of money amounting to 10.4 billion rupees to stimulate sectors in difficult posture. We focused on three major criteria namely diversification, reduction of fiscal policies and flexibility of monetary facilities with the hope of maintaining growth, creating more jobs and upholding the purchasing power of the consumers.

Maurice à la croisée des chemins. En effet, face aux nouveaux défis de la mondialisation et de la crise financière, le gouvernement mauricien redéfinit ses priorités et lance une campagne de sauvetage à travers le « Additional Stimulus Package : Shoring Up Economic Performance » pour venir en aide aux secteurs en difficulté. Malgré un avenir économique incertain, le Vice Premier Ministre, Ministre des Finances et de l’Empowerment Economic reste, toutefois, optimiste. Selon le Dr Sithanen, Maurice ne sera certes pas épargné par les effets de la crise, mais la diversification de notre économie pourrait en amortir les conséquences. Entretien.

vont définitivement changer. Ainsi, dans le cadre de la mondialisation, l’économie mauricienne n’est pas directement affectée par la situation financière globale, mais pourrait l’être indirectement s’il y a un assèchement ou même l’accès limité aux crédits dans les mois à venir.

En 2008, vous souligniez que l’économie mauricienne était résiliente pour faire face aux effets de la récession économique mondiale. Est-ce toujours le cas ?

Pendant plus de 16 mois, l’économie mauricienne était dans une situation économique résiliente. La crise a éclaté en octobre 2007 et jusqu’à fin 2008, nous avons pu résister et amortir le choc de la récession. Cela grâce au fait que notre système financier n’a pas été contaminé par les toxic assets. D’ailleurs, les statistiques le prouvent : nous avons atteint une croissance de 5,2% en fin 2008 alors que le taux de chômage a baissé contrairement aux trois dernières années. Sans oublier que nous avons aussi crée 10,800 emplois en 2008. Nous avons résisté jusqu’ici grâce à la réforme introduite en 2005. Cependant la question demeure : Sommes-nous encore résilients? Les secteurs tournés vers l’exportation tels que le tourisme ainsi que le textile et l’habillement ont été affectés suite à une baisse de demande sur nos principaux marchés. Mais bien que ces deux secteurs soient affectés, d’autres piliers de notre économie ont pris le relai à l’exemple des secteurs de l’externalisation (BPO), financier (Off shore), la construction et TIC entre autres. On reconnaît là l’avantage de la diversification de l’économie. Mais, il est clair que si, comme les experts le prédisent, que la crise financière sera longue, profonde et grande, nous serons définitivement affectés, mais pas dans la même proportion des autres pays. Notre économie est certes résiliente, mais pas immunisée.

L’Additional Stimulus Package que le Premier Ministre et vous-même avez présenté à la fin de l’année 2008 est chiffré à Rs10, 4 milliards soit 3,8% du PIB. Dites nous un peu plus.

L’Additional Stimulus Package est au fait un plan de relance que beaucoup de pays ont déjà adopté. Au milieu de l’année financière 2008, nous avons anticipé que la situation économique allait devenir de plus en plus difficile. C’est pour cette raison que nous

13


What are the sectors that have been targeted?

Tourism, Textile and Clothing and Construction are the targeted sectors. The funds allocated to the tourism sector will be used to promote and market our destination in emerging markets such as China, Australia, Russia and so forth. Hotels will also benefit from a reduction in their tax for a period of two years; in return, they have to consult the government before proceeding to any decision regarding their staffs. Textile and Clothing will be granted a subsidy of Rs 2 millions used for reorganization of enterprises in cases of Sale and Lease to improve their cash flow and profitability. The funds injected in the construction sector will be used for building schools, improving hospitals’ infrastructure, environment protection and promoting an open gateway for investment exceeding a certain amount, whereby exemption are provided for some taxes.

avons pris des mesures préventives pour d’une part, amortir les effets négatifs de cette crise sur notre économie et d’autre part, préparer le pays pour la relance. Pendant le budget 08/09, nous avons injecté une importante somme d’argent chiffré à Rs10,4 milliards pour stimuler certains secteurs en difficulté. Nous avons misé en même temps sur trois principaux critères notamment une politique expansionniste, l’abattement fiscal et l’assouplissement de la politique monétaire. Nous avons ainsi procédé à une grande injection d’argent pour redynamiser certains secteurs pour soutenir la croissance de l’économie, créer de l’emploi et maintenir le pouvoir d’achat.

Quels sont les secteurs qui ont été ciblés ?

Le tourisme, le textile et l’habillement et la construction sont les trois secteurs qui ont bénéficié de ce soutien. Dans le cas du tourisme, les fonds seront utilisés pour la promotion et le marketing de notre destination dans les pays émergeants comme la Chine, l’Australie et la Russie entre autres. Les hôtels payeront également moins d’impôts pendant deux ans, mais devront en contre partie discuter avec le gouvernement avant de prendre des décisions qui affectent la main d’œuvre. Le secteur du textile et de l’habillement ont bénéficié de Rs 2 milliards pour la restructuration des entreprises, dans le cadre du sale and lease pour améliorer leur cash flows et la trésorerie entre autres. Le secteur de la construction a également eu une aide financière notamment pour la construction des écoles, l’amélioration des hôpitaux, la protection de l’environnement et ouvrir un corridor pour permettre aux investissements dépassant un certain seuil d’être exemptés du paiement de certains impôts.

Vous estimez également que les mesures prises vont générer 1% à 1,5% de croissance additionnelle. Pensez vous que ceux-ci sont des objectifs réalisables ?

L’idée derrière le Stimulus Package – plan de relance qu’adoptent tous les pays est de générer au moins une croissance de 1 à 1.5 %. Toutefois, ce ne sont que des estimations et il y a une grande différence entre ce qui est dit et ce qui est fait. Nous devons donc travailler avec nos partenaires pour atteindre ces objectifs. Nous avons mis sur pied un comité conjoint – secteur public et privé et onze sous comités couvrant onze secteurs pour accompagner et s’assurer que les mesures annoncées seront mises en application et obtenir des résultats.

••• Let’s talk


According to you, the measures undertaken will generate 1% to 1.5% additional growth. Do you think that these objectives are realisable?

Ideally, the aim of the Stimulus Package is to generate a growth of 1% to 1.5% growth. However, these are only projections and there is a big difference between what is said and what is being done. The willpower is here and together with our partners, we should work together to reach our goals. A committee comprising of public and private partners have been created. Eleven sub-committees are in place to supervise and monitor the measures implemented and its coming results.

What about other sectors which are not included in the mini-budget?

The Stimulus Package has a targeted and prioritized approach. However, this does not mean that other sectors have been put aside. Three of our economic pillars are facing enormous difficulty, thus we are helping these sectors because we believe that they can irrigate the economy. Moreover, other sectors such as Information and Communication Technology and BPOs also benefited from a grant whereby the access cost and internet tariffs and communication have been reduced. Finally, there are some sectors that are well off and do not necessarily need any government aid

Rs 15 billion have been allocated to 5 Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) projects. Can you explain to us how Mauritius can benefit from the IRS and Real Estate Scheme (RES)?

Building and construction have became one of the pillars of the Mauritian economy mainly because of flow of currencies, foreign direct investment and the creation of employment during the construction phase of the projects. However, with the advent of global financial crisis, this sector is now weakened. As you know, there are lots of IRS and RES projects that are waiting to be approved by the Board of Investment (BOI). However, because of the prevailing crisis resulting in a decrease in demand in the international market, many projects are kept pending. Opinions are divided in this situation and there is no one size fixed all. While some investors prefer to wait for the end of the crisis to continue business others choose to modify their projects and benefit from a price reduction.

Qu’en est –il des autres secteurs qui n’ont pas été considérés dans le mini-budget ?

Nous avons eu une approche ciblée en ce qui concerne le Stimulus Package. Ce qui ne veut pas forcément dire que certains secteurs ont été mis de côté. Trois secteurs clés de notre économie font face à d’énormes difficultés en ce moment notamment le tourisme, le textile et l’habillement et la construction. Nous avons aidé ces secteurs car nous pensons qu’ils pourront irriguer toute l’économie. Outre ces trois secteurs, nous avons également aidé le secteur de la technologie informatique et des communications en baissant le coût de l’accès à l’internet et la communication.. Par ailleurs, il faut noter qu’il y a d’autres secteurs qui se portent bien et par conséquent n’ont pas besoin d’aide du gouvernement.

15 milliards alloués à cinq projets tombant sous le Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), comment les projets IRS et RES peuvent être bénéfique pour Maurice ?

L’investissement dans l’immobilier est devenu l’un des piliers de l’économie grâce à la rentrée de devises, le Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), la création d’emploi pendant la phase de construction qui dure deux à trois ans et la diversification de l’économie entre autres. Cependant, à cause de la crise financière, le secteur est aujourd’hui fragilisé. Plusieurs demandes pour l’Intergrated Resort Scheme (IRS) et le Real Estate Scheme (RES) ont été enregistrées auprès du Board of Investment (BOI), toutefois, certains projets seront retardés à cause des effets de la crise sur la demande à l’étranger. Alors que certains investisseurs attendent la relance pour remettre à jour les projets, d’autres préfèrent modifier le projet pour pouvoir bénéficier d’une baisse de prix. Il n’y a donc pas de ‘one size fixed all’.

Avec l’affaire Air Mauritius où le gouvernement doit intervenir financièrement pour éviter le crash financier de cette compagnie, ne craignez-vous pas qu’avec ce « bail out », les objectifs fixés par le Stimulus package en terme de croissance pourrait être compromis ?

Nous avons pris un engagement de Rs10, 4 milliards pour le Stimulus Package sur une période de deux ans pour aider les secteurs en difficulté. J’avoue que trouver des ressources additionnelles pour aider Air Mauritius pourrait nous poser problème surtout en terme de déficit budgétaire et de dette sur une période allant de 4 à 5 ans Mais en même temps, la compagnie aérienne nationale représente un outil extrêmement important et stratégique pour

Let’s talk •••

After the Air Mauritius scandal, whereby the government has to intervene financially to prevent the financial crash of the company. Don’t you think that this unexpected event can compromise the objectives fixed in the Stimulus package to boost the economy?

Our engagement is to boost the economy with the stimulus package for a period of two years. The aim of this programme is to help sectors in difficult position to overcome the crisis. I should admit that the problem of Air Mauritius puts us in a tricky situation as finding additional funds can cause a budget deficit and debts for a period of 4 to 5 years. However, the national aviation company is such an important tool for our economy as 55% of our tourists travel by Air Mauritius.

We will help to our best possibilities by providing guarantees and injecting funds in the company with the approval of the shareholders of course. Moreover, other financing sources should be found to alleviate this situation but at any cost we will review the Stimulus Package. The government trusts Air Mauritius and we can only hope that within two years, the company will be profitable.

The 24/7 formula is now operational as a result of the two new laws being voted namely the Employments Rights Act and the Employment Relations Act. Can you tell us more about this formula?

Beforehand, as you already know many sectors such as tourism, ICT, textile factories in the Zone Franche and some public services (hospital, police force, fire brigade and so forth) operate 24/24 and 7/7. The foreign investors are attracted to Mauritius because of its time-lag whereby in the same day we are able to work with Asia, Europe and the United States. Facing the challenges of globalization, we should ensure that our economy is opened and flexible. The two new laws adopted last February provide the adequate setting for this formula to be operational for the whole economy. Nowadays, it is unacceptable that expensive equipments and assets stopped running at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Enterprises should find solutions to overcome these costly expenses. This is where diversification and optimization of human resources come into play. The Human Resources Development Council has undertaken a campaign to sensitize Mauritians about the benefits of this concept for our economy. We are also putting together the logistics like late night transports as well as security to ensure the smooth running of the concept. Finally, we are also focusing on training and education to make sure that Mauritians are able to follow this new economic trend.

notre économie, surtout que plus de 55% des personnes qui viennent à Maurice voyagent par Air Mauritius. Nous comptons donc aider à travers des garanties voir même injecter des fonds propres dans la compagnie avec l’accord des autres actionnaires bien sûr. Il nous faudra certainement trouver d’autres sources de financement, mais il n’est pas question de revoir le Stimulus Package. Le gouvernement a confiance en Air Mauritius et nous espérons que d’ici deux ans, la compagnie sera à nouveau profitable.

La formule 24/7 est dorénavant une réalité grâce à l’Employment Rights Act et l’Employment Relations Act. Dites nous un peu plus sur cette formule ?

Plusieurs activités dans plusieurs secteurs du pays travaillent déjà 24/24 et 7/7 notamment dans le tourisme, TIC, certaines usines de la Zone Franche et certains services publics comme les hôpitaux, la force policière et les casernes des pompiers entre autres. Les investisseurs étrangers sont attirés par la fusion d’horaire qu’offre Maurice et peuvent par conséquent travailler dans une même journée avec l’Asie, l’Europe et les Etats-Unis. Face aux défis de la mondialisation, Maurice se doit être une économie ouverte et flexible. Les deux nouvelles lois offrent l’encadrement adéquat pour faire de cette formule une réalité. Aujourd’hui une entreprise compétitive ne peut pas cesser les opérations à 17 heures. Les coûts fixes tels que les équipements et machines sont élevés, il est donc important que ces entreprises puissent couvrir ces dépenses. D’où l’importance de la diversification de l’économie et l’optimisation de nos ressources humaines. Le Human Ressources Development Council a entamé une campagne de sensibilisation aux mauriciens pour leur expliquer les avantages de ce concept pour le progrès de notre pays. Nous sommes aussi en train d’organiser toutes les logistiques telles que la disponibilité des transports à des heures tardives et la sécurité pour que cela soit rendu possible. Par ailleurs nous misons aussi sur l’éducation et la formation des Mauriciens afin qu’ils soient en ligne avec les exigences des secteurs émergeants.

Let’s talk •••



Mauritius offered best golf destination according to German

expert.Mauritius nominated ‘climber of the year’ by a

panel of professional jury composed of golf travel specialists (tour operators and travel agencies) and golf journalists during the Golf CMT in Stuttgart, Germany. The Canary Islands and Turkey took the second and third place respectively. This year’s award is being organised in partnership with the Golf Journal, a German publication. This comes as a good news for the Mauritian hotel resorts during this financial crisis period.

Held from 17th to 25th January 2009, the German Travel Show had a great success with more than 200,000 visitors who attended this event. Hosting 1950 exhibitors from all over the world to display their products. The aim of this international exhibition is to promote the different fields of tourism namely, golf and wellness holidays, adventure holidays, cruise and ship travel and so forth.

Furthermore, three days of the forum were devoted to the promotion of Golf & WellnessReisen around the world. Mauritius was represented by MTPA, Germany (Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority) and other local partners such as Constance Group, Sun Resorts, Air Mauritius and so on. During this event, Mauritius was voted the preferred destination for Classic Golf Tours by professional experts

In addition, two of our 5 stars hotels were ranked in the category of most popular international golf course. The Touessrok Hotel and the Belle Mare Plage Hotel won the second and third place respectively.

Maurice offre la meilleure destination de golf selon des experts

allemandsMaurice décroche la palme de ‘climber of the

year’. Cela s’est passé en Allemagne lors du salon CMT à New Stuttgart Trade Fair Center. Les membres du jury étaient composés notamment des tours opérateurs, des agents de voyage et des journalistes de golf entre autres. Les Iles Caïmans et la Turquie ont pris respectivement la deuxième et troisième place au classement. Cette année, la sélection a été organisée en collaboration avec le Golf Journal, une publication allemande. Cette récompense apporte donc une bouffée d’air frais pour le secteur touristique mauricien qui passe actuellement par des moments difficiles à cause de la crise financière.

Le plus grand salon mondial qui s’est tenue du 17 au 25 janvier 2009 a eu un franc succès. Ainsi, 1950 exposants ont répondu présents à l’événement alors que plus de 200,000 personnes ont visité l’exposition. Le salon international vise à promouvoir intensivement les différentes filières du tourisme notamment le golf, les randonnées et les croisières entre autres

Par ailleurs, trois jours ont été consacrés à la promotion du golf au niveau mondial. Maurice était représenté par la MTPA- Allemagne ainsi que d’autres partenaires touristiques, dont Constance Groupe, Sun Resorts et Air Mauritius.

Votée meilleure destination golfique au monde, Maurice a aussi reçu le premier prix notamment le Golf Journal Travel Award offert par le magazine le plus populaire d’Allemagne, le Golf Journal.

De plus, deux des hôtels cinq étoiles de Maurice; le Touessrok Hotel et le Belle Mare Plage Hotel ont pris respectivement la deuxième et troisième place dans le classement du parcours de golf le plus populaire au niveau mondial.

•••Travel agenda


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Innovation, proximity and difference best describe AfrAsia Bank. With anchor Mauritian shareholder, Groupe Mon Loisir and other strategic partners, including SEM Trinity Financial Group from South Africa, the Bank is poised to become a reference point for Private Banking and Wealth Management, Corporate and Investment Banking, and International Banking Solutions linking Mauritius and the Africa-Asia trade corridor by being closer to those markets.

Located in the center of Port Louis, AfrAsia is the twentieth bank entitled to operate on the Mauritian market. Since its launch the bank has been able to tap into the growing trade, investment and capital flows between Africa and Asia. With its domestic strength and regional reach, and the imminent launch of a representative office in Cape Town, South Africa, AfrAsia Bank is pursuing a targeted approach on the domestic and regional market. The Bank is carving out a unique niche with a focus on Corporates and Institutions as well as High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) providing comprehensive advisory, service and execution solutions for its target customers. This unique positioning has allowed it to find profitable growth opportunities when it recorded its first profits for the period ended 31st December 2008.

The dynamic team of AfrAsia Bank is led by Canadian James Benoit, who was previously a senior executive of HSBC in Mauritius, Canada, China, Philippines, and other Asian countries. The Bank’s experienced international and regional bankers, and strategic partners, deliver tailored and innovative banking solutions while ensuring that customers benefit from dedicated relationship management and client service.

Some of its innovative products and services are: Enhanced savings packages – Interest rates on MUR Spinnaker Savings Accounts at 5.75% p.a. compared to • normal savings rate of 4.75% p.a. subject to a minimum balance requirementRemunerated Current Accounts – AfrAsia Bank remunerates every rupee banked with them, interest being payable • on a monthly basis and giving free cheque book for private requirementsUnique Titanium MasterCard credit card in both MUR and USD offering exclusive lifestyle privileges • Attractive interest rates on the MUR and foreign currency fixed deposits with the automatic granting of Titanium / • Gold Credit Card. Unique Structured Deposits and Investment Services with capital guarantee options in partnership with JP Morgan• Free Internet Banking for both viewing and transacting• Treasury & Hedging products• Mezzanine finance and working capital funding • Project Finance including Integrated Resort Schemes for developers and buyers •

In spite of the financial crisis, AfrAsia Bank manages to draw its pin out of the game. Winner of the “Most Innovative Bank in Mauritius Award for the year 2008” by UK-based magazine World Finance, it has been rewarded namely for its well established financial structure, good governance as well as all the above mentioned tailored innovative products and services.

The Bank has recently been the first to launch a corporate blog where the CEO, James Benoit, shares his regular perspectives on the banking and economic events that drive clients financial success.

AfrAsia BankAt the peak of innovation


www.swingtimegolf.co.za22 Swingtime - Issue 4

••• Ladies’ swing

rançoise Desvaux est une de ces rares personnes dans la vie, qui ne vit que pour la passion du sport. Son parcours est un exemple pour les nombreuses

femmes qui veulent réussir dans la vie. Plusieurs fois championne de tennis, son choix pour le golf s’est avéré être une suite naturelle dans sa vie sportive. A la tête de l’Association de Golf Féminin depuis deux ans, elle dresse un bilan positif de son mandat.

Pendant de nombreuses années, le tennis a été toute sa vie. A ce moment là, personne ne pouvait prédire qu’elle se trouverait un deuxième amour et devenir une des figures incontournable du golf mauricien. «Tout à commencer en Polynésie Française à Tahiti, j’avais à ce moment là 35 ans et ma carrière en tant que tennis woman tirait à sa fin. Comme vous le savez, pour des raisons physiques, les joueurs prennent le chemin de la retraite tôt au Tennis. Et pour suivre la tendance de l’époque, je voulais m’orienter vers le golf qui demandait moins d’effort physique. Je me suis donc jetée à l’eau sans pour autant savoir où j’allais. Je m’étais embarquée

rançoise Desvaux is one of the rarest people you can come across, who lives for the love of sports. Her path is an example for all ladies who want to

succeed in sport. Previously a Tennis Champion, golf was not her preference, rather a natural way to continue what she likes most: practicing sports. Now at the end of her contract as the President of the Ladies Golf Union, Françoise gives a positive assessment of what she has accomplished during the last two years to encourage golf among ladies within Mauritian.

Tennis was all she knew in her life and no one could predict that Françoise Desvaux would one day become one of the most popular lady golfers in Mauritius. “It all started at the age of 35 in French Polynesia in Tahiti, where my career as a competitive tennis woman was coming to an end. As you may know, in Tennis, the retirement age is very young due to physical constraints. And like all other competitive tennis players did, I decided to shift to golf though I did not know much about the sport itself. I was like embarking on a new journey.”

F F

President of Ladies Golf Union

Françoise Desvaux:“ Shifting to golf was like embarking for a new journey”

www.swingtimegolf.co.za 23

•••Ladies’ swing

Swingtime - Issue 4

Determined, her first steps to golf were hard, but the mother of one son and two daughters never gave up. “I remember my first days playing golf. It was hard and difficult. It was only after the 10th shot that I finally made a good drive. I liked the challenge and wanted to start again” she said. She was so passionate about her new hobby that she soon embraced a career as a golf coach in Tahiti. “Though golf was not so popular in Tahiti at that time, I soon became addicted to golf and stopped playing tennis. And to combine work and hobby, I gave tuitions to youngsters in Tahiti” she added.

In ten years, the career of the Mauritian lady golfer is rich in experience. “I had the chance to compete in different golf courses around the world. I have been to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, France, Palm Springs, South Africa and Mauritius of course. All the courses are beautiful and each time I play in a course, it is a new experience, a new challenge”

According to the President of Ladies Golf Union, Mauritian golf courses are now of high quality. “The industry of golf has evolved drastically and it is a good thing for the economy of Mauritius in terms of

dans un nouveau voyage, dans l’inconnu » souligne-t-elle avec beaucoup d’émotion.

Déterminée, ses premiers pas dans le monde golfique n’étaient pas de tout repos pour cette mère de trois enfants. «Je me souviens encore de la première fois que j’avais touché à un club. Il m’a fallu plus de dix shoots pour pouvoir effectuer un bon drive. J’ai énormément apprécié le défi et par la suite, je n’ai voulu qu’une chose : recommencer à jouer » raconte-t-elle. Sa passion grandissante l’a conduit

à travailler comme monitrice de golf à Tahiti. «Bien que le golf était loin d’être un sport populaire à Tahiti, j’avais commencé à enseigner le golf au plus jeune. J’en étais tellement accro que j’ai fini par arrêter le tennis » elle ajouta.

Que du chemin parcouru en dix ans de carrière et notre interlocutrice ne nous dira pas le contraire. «J’ai eu la chance de côtoyer plusieurs parcours de golf autour du monde. J’ai joué en Nouvelle Zélande, en Australie, au Canada, en France, à Palm Springs, en Afrique du Sud et à Maurice bien évidemment. Les parcours sont les uns plus beaux que les autres. Chaque nouveau jeu se présente comme une nouvelle expérience, un nouveau défi » relate la golfeuse mauricienne.

Pour la Présidente de l’Association de Golf Féminin, les parcours de golf mauriciens sont maintenant d’un niveau international. « L’industrie du golf a beaucoup évolué au fil des années, ce qui une bonne chose pour l’économie de Maurice en terme d’emploi et de tourisme. Autrefois, nous n’avions que le green de Gymkhana, maintenant nous avons celui de Bel Ombre et de Tamarina mon préféré entre autres. Nous avons presque l’embarras du choix » renchérit-elle

Habituée à des postes de haute responsabilité, François Desvaux n’est pas à sa première expérience en tant que Présidente d’une association. «En effet, pendant ma longue carrière de joueuse de tennis, j’ai siégé comme Présidente de la Fédération Mauricienne de Tennis pendant plusieurs années.

“Chaque nouveau jeu se présente comme une nouvelle expérience, un

nouveau défi”


Je suis pour quelques temps encore présidente de l’Association de Golf Féminin et je suis pleinement satisfaite de mon mandat. Nous avons à ce jour plus de 88 membres autour de l’île. C’est un signe flagrant que les femmes s’intéressent de plus en plus au golf. C’est non seulement un moyen de distraction et de détente, mais également un moyen de partager sa passion avec les amies » reprend-t-elle. Selon elle, le nombre de femmes ne fera qu’augmenter au fil des mois «Nous prévoyons d’organiser plusieurs compétitions d’envergure en plus des tournois mensuels pour les membres et aussi les non membres. Nous envisageons de mettre sur pied des tournois inter-îles avec la Réunion en Mai prochain avec à la clé des prix alléchants » explique-t-elle.

Ainsi, Françoise Desvaux ne compte pas arrêter le golf de sitôt. Pour elle, l’heure de la retraite n’a pas encore sonné. « La fin de mon mandat ne veut pas dire la fin de ma carrière en tant que joueuse, bien au contraire, cela me permettra de consacrer encore plus de temps au jeu qu’à l’organisation du jeu. » conclut-elle.

employment and tourism. In the past, there was only Gymkhana and now you have a variety of choice like Bel Ombre and Tamarina which is my favorite course”

Accustomed to high positions, Françoise Desvaux is not new to holding Presidency of an organization. “During my long career as a tennis player, I was the head of the Mauritius Tennis Federation for a couple of years. And now, I am the president of the Ladies Golf Union for nearly two years.” Now at the end of her term in office, she seemed to be satisfied with what she achieved. “My assessment as president of the Ladies Golf Union is positive. We are now a group of 88 members around the island which is encouraging; meaning that women are more and more interested in golf. We are now organizing national tournaments every month for members and also non members. We are planning to organize inter island tournament with Reunion Island in May and other important competitions with interesting prizes during the year.”

For Françoise Desvaux, there is no question of retirement “The end of my mandate as president does not mean that I am retiring from my career as a golfer. It will be an opportunity for me to devote more time to play rather than to organize” she concluded.

•••Ladies’ swing

“All the courses are beautiful and each time I play in a course, it is a new experience, a new

challenge”

Valentines cup •••

Lovers honored on the green… St Valentine Day, the Four Seasons Golf club hosted a competition dedicated to couples fond of golf. Entitled the Lovers Cup, the tournament was held on February 14 at Anahita Resorts. 34 couples were registered for this competition and though the weather was cloudy, the tournament went on in a joyful and relaxed atmosphere.

Love and courtesy were the main themes of this event while the game format chosen was the two better balls scramble. The competition started with a debriefing session organized by the golf director Marc Amelot before the first tee-off devoted to spouses and partners who were experiencing golf for the first time. In such a case, the Club allowed them to make a symbolic putting on the green –a way of contributing to the game.

The competition ended with a prize giving ceremony whereby winners received gifts and bouquets of red roses for their excellent performance. Finally, a feastwas also organized for the 68 competitors to end the day in a good and festive ambiance.

Les amoureux à l’honneur. En effet, dans le cadre de la St Valentin, le Four Seasons Golf Club a organisé, le 14 février dernier, un tournoi réservé uniquement aux couples amoureux du golf. Le Lovers Cup, comme l’ont surnommé les organisateurs a eu un franc succès, cela malgré un temps maussade en début de matinée. Ils étaient 34 couples à avoir répondu présents à ce tournoi des amoureux qui s’est déroulé dans un esprit de fête et de détente.

Sous le signe de l’amour et de la courtoisie, la compétition s’est jouée sur le format de ‘2 better balls scramble’ sur le beau parcours d’Anahita. Alors que pour certains, c’était facile de se jeter à l’eau, les choses étaient un peu plus corsées pour d’autres – surtout les conjoints qui se sont mis pour la première fois au golf pour plaire à leurs partenaires. Dans ce cas précis, ils leur suffisaient de faire un symbolique putting sur le green, synonyme de participation dans le jeu. Ainsi, un débriefing orchestré par Marc Amelot, le directeur du golf du Four Seasons Golf Club a eu lieu avant le début des hostilités afin d’encadrer les nouveaux initiés.

Par ailleurs, les vainqueurs des différentes catégories ont reçu non seulement des cadeaux pour leur performance, mais également un bouquet de roses rouges avant de se retrouver pour un merveilleux déjeuner dans la joie et la bonne humeur, au grand bonheur des participants.

Valentine DayGolf celebrating love


Appleby is a leading provider of offshore legal, fiduciary and administration services. Uniquely positioned in the key offshore jurisdictions of Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Jersey and Mauritius, as well as the international financial centres of London, Hong Kong and Zurich, the group offers objective jurisdictional business solutions. Over 700 lawyers and professional specialists deliver sophisticated, specialised services primarily in the areas of Corporate and Commercial, Litigation and Insolvency, Trusts and Property. Clients include global public and private companies, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals.

Australian Malcolm Moller has been living in Mauritius for 20 months and is the Managing Partner of the new office with Gilbert Noel. His office specializes in advising financial institutions on financial regulation, banking, insurance, funds, shipping, aviation, telecommunications and technology industries, as well as advising on derivatives transactions and securities offering.

Previous to his appointment in Mauritius Malcolm was living and working in Bermuda for five years. The companies’ decision to open an office in Mauritius is part of Appleby’s global strategy driven by the demand of their institutional clients in North America, Europe and Asia who indicated that they were looking for the resources of a global offshore services firm, to create efficient investment structures through a well-placed, independent sovereign country. “We are here to make our clients happy”. With over ten of the world’s leading golf courses at his door step Malcolm intends to get more into the game of golf now that he is living in one of the world’s greatest locations for golfing. “Golf as a business seems to be unaffected by the recession and tends to hold up no matter the

financial situation.”

With the addition of their Mauritius office, there are new opportunities, particularly for access to business into and out of the emerging markets in Asia and Africa. “We think Mauritius is strategically located within Africa, if you’re looking for an office anywhere

in Africa then you can’t go past Mauritius”.

With 95% percent of their clients being fortune 500 Companies Malcolm feels their move to Mauritius was an important one. “Mauritius is an up and coming jurisdiction – so there is a lot that needs to be modernized but they have got the framework there”. For a multinational company setting up business on a small island can have its difficulties. However Malcolm reports a positive experience of his time here working with Mauritian Government and Companies. “The Government has been very much promoting people coming to Mauritius so we have found procedures here to be quite good for new companies wanting to get set up in the country.”

The slowdown in the global market is something

Appleby has been preparing for. “The year will be a bit slow but I think maybe now is the time to look at restructuring, and we see of lot of companies doing that now... We think 2009 may be a bit difficult but it will not be as bad as we initially thought.”

Mr Malcolm Moller

“ If you’re looking for an office anywhere in

Africa then you can’t go past Mauritius ”


•••Business profile

Malcolm Moller is the Managing Partner of the Mauritius Office and a member of both the Insurance and Structured Finance Teams within the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group. Malcolm specialises in advising financial institutions on financial regulation, regulatory capital issues, financial institution M&A, funds and insurance related transactions, as well as advising on derivatives transactions and securities offerings.

As a regular contributor on Mauritius-related articles, Malcolm’s writings have been featured in numerous publications, including The Lawyer, The American Lawyer International Investment and Investor Services Journal.

A preferred jurisdiction Malcolm Moller of Appleby outlines the regulation of collective investment schemes or closed-end funds in Mauritius:

INBOUND INVESTMENT INTO INDIA THROUGH MAURITIUS INCORPORATED ENTITIES SUCH AS COLLECTIVE INVESTMENT SCHEMES OR CLOSED-END FUNDS

For the past decades, the global business industry in Mauritius has been quite active mainly for inbound investment into India, Africa and China. Since the double taxation treaty between Mauritius and India (the “Mauritius treaty”) is more favorable compared to other jurisdictions, Mauritius has become the preferred jurisdiction for providing Foreign Direct Investment in India. As a result, many investment and/or hedge funds were incorporated in Mauritius for the purpose of investment in India.

For example, the income of a Mauritius fund will be subject to income tax in Mauritius at the rate of 15%. However, the Mauritius fund will be allowed a credit for foreign tax on its income which is not derived from Mauritius against the Mauritius tax computed by reference to that same income. If no written evidence is presented to the Mauritius Commissioner of Income Tax showing the amount of foreign tax charged, the amount of foreign tax shall nevertheless be conclusively presumed to be equal to 80% of the Mauritius tax chargeable with respect to that income, which would reduce the rate of tax effectively to 3%. Capital gains derived from the sale of securities held by the Mauritius fund will not be subject to Mauritius tax and any dividends and proceeds paid by the Mauritius fund to the shareholders will be exempt from Mauritius withholding tax.

Under the Mauritius treaty, capital gains, if any, that the Mauritius fund realizes on transfer of investments in Indian securities would not be liable to tax in India so long as the Mauritius fund does not

have a permanent establishment in India to which its investment holdings may be attributed. Accordingly, based on the Mauritius treaty, the Mauritius fund should be exempt from paying tax in India on capital gains realized on the transfer of investments in Indian securities. The Mauritius treaty has always been and continues to be a subject of controversy. While the Supreme Court of India in Azadi Bachao Andolan & Anr 263 ITR 706 has upheld the use of Mauritius to invest into India, nevertheless, media reports bring up news items which suggest further challenges in investing though Mauritius. Mauritius has also tightened its tax residency requirements and formulated strict anti-money laundering laws. In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) signed between India and Mauritius provides for effective exchange of information in the detection of fraudulent market practices. Certain procedures have been established for effective exchange of information, both on request and on a voluntary basis, about suspicious securities dealings between the two countries. It should be noted that the intention behind the MOU is to track down transactions tainted by fraud and financial crime, not to target bona fide legitimate transactions. Until, the two nations decide to re-negotiation Mauritius treaty, Mauritius shall continue to be a recommended and effective jurisdiction for inbound investments into India and shall continue to be the number one jurisdiction in providing Foreign Direct Investment in India.

FLEXIBLE SET OF GUIDELINES FOR FUNDS

The Financial Services Commission (the “Commission”) has, since its coming into existence in 2001, developed a very flexible set of guidelines for the regulation of collective investment schemes in Mauritius, adopting what it considers “industry best practices” from various long established and well regarded jurisdictions. While this has, over the years, resulted in over 439 investment funds having been incorporated in Mauritius and assets in excess of US$43 billion, this trend is set to grow with the recent coming into force of the Securities Act 2005 (the “Securities Act”), the Securities (Licensing) Rules 2007 (the “Securities Licensing Rules”), the Financial Services Act 2007 (the “FSA 2007”) and the Securities (Collective Investment Schemes and Closed-end Funds) Regulations 2008 (the “Securities Regulations 2008”) providing a modern, comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for the setting up and administration of funds in Mauritius.



REGULATION & COMPLIANCE

Any collective investment scheme or closed-end fund (individually a “scheme” or collectively “schemes”) wishing to be approved, registered with, recognised and/or licensed by the Commission under the Securities Act must first, apply to the Commission for the authorisation as a collective investment scheme or closed-end fund under the Securities Act in the manner set out in the Securities Regulations 2008 and obtain a Category 1 Global Business Licence (a “GBL1”) under the Financial Services Act 2007 (for global schemes). The business purpose of these schemes is making collective investment of funds in a portfolio of securities, or other financial assets, real property or non-financial assets, whose operation is based on the principle of diversification of risk for the benefit of Global Business Fund members. The present regulatory framework now allows collective investment schemes and closed-end funds to be constituted, under Mauritius Law, as: (a) a company limited by shares; (b) a trust (including unit trusts); or (c) any other legal entity prescribed or approved by the Commission and may operate as:

TAXATION

All schemes are liable to pay Mauritius income tax at 15%, but the successful application of foreign tax credits can effectively reduce the rate to 3% or nil, in given circumstances. In addition, Schemes that are centrally controlled and managed and are tax resident in Mauritius may, upon written approval from the Commissioner of Income Tax, benefit from any one of over 33 Double Taxation Agreements.

There is no withholding tax on dividends, capital gains or interest, and no stamp duty leviable.

•••Business profile

ike a first Love, Prem Beebaky is passionately dedicated to his job. Aged 65, the ex master caddy and veteran coach is a self made man. His achievement

within golf is a success story. This gentleman cannot imagine his life without golf. Though he came from a middle class family, Prem never gave up when confronted with obstacles. As each lesson learnt on the greens made him a stronger person in life.

It all started at the age of ten when Prem Beebaky made his first steps in golf as a club caddy in Mauritius first Golf course, the Gymkhana Club. At that time, he never thought he would have a long and enriching career in golf. “The reason that first motivated me to get in the golf world was to earn some pocket money. At that time, schooling was not free and working for the Gymkhana club, which was five minutes from my house, was the only way I had to help my parents pay for my schooling. Thus I started as a part time caddy with the English people as the club belonged to the English army” he explained.

In 1975, after finishing his schooling, Prem decided to work on a fulltime basis for the club. “I never had the chance to have a coach to guide me; all I learnt

Portrait•••

el un amour d’enfance, Prem Beebaky est passionné par son travail. Agé de 65 ans, l’ancien caddy master et moniteur de golf s’est forgé une réputation de fer

au fil des années. Sa carrière dans le monde du golf est une réussite à part entière. Le golf est en fait toute sa vie. Bien qu’il soit issu d’une famille modeste, Prem Beebaky n’a toutefois jamais baissé les bras devant les difficultés, car s’inspirant des leçons apprises sur le green, il a su les mettre en pratique dans son quotidien.

Tout à commencer à l’âge de dix ans, quand Prem Beebaky a fait ses premiers balbutiements dans le monde golfique en tant que club caddy dans le premier club de golf construit à Maurice, le Gymkhana club. A cette époque, il était loin de s’imaginer qu’il allait embrasser une riche et longue carrière dans le domaine. « J’ai commencé comme caddy dans l’unique but de me faire un peu d’argent de poche. Les temps étaient difficiles et l’école était payante. Comme le Gymkhana Club était à cinq minutes de chez moi, j’en ai profité pour trouver un travail à mi-temps avec les membres du club composé principalement d’anglais pour aider mes

Prem BEEBAKYEx caddy master and coach

L T

« Le golf est non seulement devenu populaire, mais aussi plus accessible et diversifié »


•••Portrait

about golf was on the greens of my home club by observing and practicing my play. And when I started working as full-time employee, a few months later, I was appointed as a master caddy and coach.”

Coaching mainly children and adolescents, Prem Beebaky is often approached by adults for short term training. His technique of coaching is short but effective. . “I teach golf to children from seven onwards. During the first five sessions, I try to make them appreciate the beauty of the sport. Once, they are able to do a couple of swings and longer teeoffs correctly, I leave them on their own to practice and they come back a few months later for new lessons.”

According to the veteran coach, the future of golf is in the hands of the youngsters. “Nine years ago, children were not allowed to play golf. A Mauritian captain fought to make this possible at the Gymkhana Club. This is one of the best things that could happen to Mauritian golf. After all, golf like other activities in life can only survive through children, the future citizens.”

Furthermore, the popularity of golf has evolved through time. “In the past, we could have three to five golfers on the greens per day compared to now where there are around a hundred players who come and play daily. We also have more and more women who practice the sport whether for fun or for competition. Therefore, Golf is not only more popular but also accessible and diversified.”

Regarding the rules and regulations of golf around Mauritius, Prem Beebaky concluded that “It is ample time for all golfers to adjust their violins and coordinate their way of playing. Putting into practice the international rules and regulations of golf is the best way to professionalize and raise the sport.”

parents » explique-t-il.En 1975, Prem termine sa dernière année au

collègue et commence à travailler à plein temps pour le club. « Je n’ai pas eu la chance d’avoir un coach pendant mon apprentissage, tout mon savoir faire, je l’ai appris sur le green de mon club préféré, cela en observant et en pratiquant le jeu. Et quelques années après mon embauche, à ma grande fierté, j’ai été désigné caddy master et coach » relate-t-il.

Prem Beebaky enseigne principalement les enfants et les adolescents. Toutefois, il arrive que des adultes débutants l’approchent pour quelques leçons de golf. La technique d’enseignement adoptée par Prem est courte, mais efficace. « Je donne des leçons de golf aux enfants âgés de 7 ans à monter. Pendant les cinq premières leçons, j’essaye de leur donner le goût du golf. Une fois qu’ils sont capables d’effectuer correctement quelques swings et tee-offs, je leur laisse le loisir de pratiquer par eux-mêmes. Quelques mois après, ils reviennent pour de nouvelles leçons » souligne Prem Beebaky.

Selon le vétéran, l’avenir du golf est entre les mains des plus jeunes. « Il y a neuf ans, les enfants étaient interdits d’accès sur un parcours de golf. Une capitaine d’origine mauricienne s’est battue pour que cela soit possible au Gymkhana. C’est une des meilleures choses qui auraient pu arriver au golf mauricien. Après tout, que ce soit pour le golf ou autre, la survive d’une activité dépend des enfants, les futurs citoyens» soutient-il.

De plus, le golf connaît une popularité grandissante et Prem ne nous dira pas le contraire. « Auparavant, nous avions un maximum de trois à cinq golfeurs par jour sur le green de Gymkhana et maintenant, nous accueillons plus d’une centaine de joueurs tous les jours. Par ailleurs, le nombre de femmes qui pratiquent le golf ne cesse d’accroître d’année en année. Ce qui vraisemblablement prouve que la mentalité a évolué et que le golf est non seulement devenu populaire, mais aussi plus accessible et diversifié » explique ce dernier.

En ce qui concerne les règlements du golf, Prem Beebaky ajoutera « Il est grand temps d’accorder nos violons et coordonner notre manière de jouer. Les clubs à travers l’île doivent mettre en pratique les règlements internationaux, c’est la meilleure façon de professionnaliser et d’élever le sport. »


“ Je n’ai pas eu la chance d’avoir un coach pendant

mon apprentissage, tout mon savoir faire, je l’ai appris sur

le green ”


Partners: Dr. Alexander F. Galli René K. Voser Alexander Benz Ruth Linder Gerhard F. Skwaric Maria-Rita Günther

Sell in May and Go Away?

In this issue:

• Recent optimism on the equity markets has gener-ated considerable gains for many. Cautious investors should now take some of these profits.

• In uncertain times, the key is to realize gains from time to time. This creates liquidity for new opportunities.

• An active investment strat-egy should be used to lock in short-term profits for the long term.

• Given its heavy exposure to the export markets, the Swiss industrial sector has been severely impacted by the global downturn.

• The recent and relatively sharp rise in US Treasury yields was unexpected. The increase reflects unease and hope at the same time!

Benz & Partners LTD Talstrasse 58 8022 Zurich [email protected] www.benzpartner.ch Tel. 043 344 73 70 Fax 043 344 73 76

Benz & Partners View

Issue 77 May 2009

As a recommendation to investors, the advice suggested in the title is nothing new; on the contrary, this adage - based seemingly on an old, empirically proven stock market rule - pops up time and again at this time of year. The fact that it is making its scheduled appearance again this year, in the midst of the economic crisis, is undoubtedly due to the extremely solid performance posted by most equity markets since the beginning of March. The SMI has gained 21%, the DAX and the S&P Comp are both up around 30%, while share prices in Ru-mania have surged by almost 60%. There is definitely some profit-taking in the air.

But if investors were to base their decisions on the year-to-date performance of the interna-tional markets, the situation would look quite different. The MSCI World Index (weighted aver-age of all equity markets ), for example, which has gained 26% since 9 March, was actually down 2% on its year-start level at the end of April. Indeed, none of the blue chip markets was able to make up lost territory by end-April. Only the emerging markets achieved an above-average performance during this period: first and foremost the Chinese stock markets, fol-lowed by Russia and Brazil.

The circumstances behind the sale of shares are thus not as straightforward as they might appear at first glance. Growth forecasts for the coming twelve months are usually the decisive factor. Unfortunately, the outlook in this regard is extremely diffuse at the moment. As we re-ported last month, a number of indicators are already pointing toward an economic recovery

by the end of the year. But as the old saying goes, one swallow doesn’t make a summer. China’s economy is again expanding at a faster pace and global industrial production picked up significantly last month. The housing markets in the USA and England appear to be recovering on the back of a sharp reduction in mortgage rates. Consumer spending and confidence have re-bounded in the USA.

Despite this positive flow of data, future eco-nomic performance remains extremely difficult to predict, not least because unemployment is set to rise further, which will no doubt dampen con-sumer spending. While governments will attempt to plug the gap, this will require an acceptance of increased taxes. In other words, earnings and GDP growth will likely remain moderate. A clear case for an active investment strategy!

Time for an active investment strategy! We find ourselves in uncertain times. Given their recent fail-ures, economic forecasts are unlikely to provide much reas-surance. There is also scant clarity about the future trend for company earnings. The sur-prises delivered by the banking sector in recent weeks have raised questions about the gen-eral sustainability of earnings

performances. For this reason, but also based on past experi-ence, a prolonged rally ap-pears unlikely.

This environment calls for a cautious, trading-oriented in-vestment strategy. Gains should be partially realized in order to build up new positions when share prices dip.

Such trading strategies should revolve around stocks that have suffered an exaggerated fall in the last 12 months and have only recovered a little of their lost ground. Notable ex-amples include Swiss Re, Zu-rich Insurance and Petroplus, as well as Russian energy giant Gazprom as exposure to the emerging markets.

International equity markets%change since year-start

Source: Thomson Datastream

-30-25-20-15-10

-505

1015

02.01.09 27.01.09 21.02.09 18.03.09 12.04.09

SMIDAX

Dow JonesNikkei

Nasdaq


Following the share-price gains witnessed in recent weeks, investors would be well advised to pursue an active investment strategy. In principle, short-term profits should be locked in for the long term. In order to achieve this, only one half to two-thirds of the proceeds of a given transac-tion should be reinvested, as opposed to the entire gain.

A variety of trading opportunities exists across a broad spectrum of sectors. In the recent past, companies that have lent themselves to such short-term transac-tions have been those with sound funda-

mentals but whose shares are underval-ued and exposed to substantial price fluc-tuations.

Alongside the stocks mentioned in the previous section, these could also include index and theme funds, as well as ex-change traded funds (ETFs). We currently favor ETFs in the emerging markets. Such vehicles minimize company-specific risks.

Commodity-based funds are also attrac-tive. Basicstar for example, is a fund that invests globally in non-renewable com-modities and listed companies that oper-ate primarily in the commodity sector.

Benz & Partners LTD

Surprise increase in US capital market yields

Swiss industrial sector in the doldrums

Lock in short-term profits!

Although the recent share-price perform-ance of Swiss industrial companies would have suggested otherwise, both the KOF economic barometer and the UBS eco-nomic indicator reflected a dreadful first quarter. New orders slumped dramatically compared to the prior year. Sales and earnings erosion accelerated, staff were laid off and production and output fell off dramatically. Average capacity utilization in the first quarter was 81%. The company representatives surveyed in the industrial and construction sectors remained pessi-mistic in their outlook for the second quar-ter and are anticipating further job cuts.

As the areas of the Swiss economy most heavily exposed to export markets, the mechanical and electrical engineering sectors and the metal industry have been

particularly hard hit by the economic cri-sis. These sectors have been dominated by a sharp reduction in sales and earn-ings. As a result, many companies have introduced shortened shifts.

The clock and watch industry has also born the full brunt of the global downturn. Not only have new foreign orders col-lapsed, domestic demand has also been eroded. This, in turn, has precipitated a slump in earnings and cash flow, forcing companies in the sector to reduce their workforce. In contrast to forecasts for the equity market, Swiss industry representa-tives do not anticipate a rapid recovery in the sector.

In the USA, the yield on 10-year Treasuries has increased from 2.25% to 3.15% since the beginning of the year. This rise in yields has been in stark contrast to the performance of the US economy, which contracted a further 6.1% in the first quar-ter relative to the prior quarter, indicating that the USA is in the midst of a deep re-cession. Moreover, the US inflation rate has fallen from 4.9% in September 2008 to -0.4% today.

This yield trend can be explained by two factors: First, that there has been an in-crease in risk aversion on the part of a number of investors; and second, that investors’ economic outlook has consid-erably improved.

The massive additional debt incurred by governments in an effort to survive the current crisis appears to be a source of concern for some investors, given that the long-term impact of this fiscal approach is anything but clear. As a result, these inves-tors are demanding a higher risk premium on government bonds.

Other investors apparently believe that this expansive fiscal and monetary policy course will begin to bear fruit in the not-too-distant future. They thus expect an economic recovery, but also a surge in inflation. Given the global interconnected-ness of the capital markets, the non-US markets will likely follow this uptrend.

Performance of selected stocksIndex: 1 January 2008 = 100


J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A0

20

40

60

80

100

120

SWISS RE

ISHARES XINHUA / China

XSTRATA

Massive downturnin Swiss industrial sector

Source: Global Insight: WMM

-50.0-30.0-10.010.030.050.070.090.0

110.0130.0150.0

04M3 05M3 06M3 07M3 08M3 09M3-2.0-1.5-1.0-0.50.00.51.01.52.02.53.0

New domestic and foreign orders(% change vs. prior year)

KOF economic barometer (r.h. scale)

Government bond yields10-year bonds


2.002.202.402.602.803.003.203.403.603.804.004.20

01.01.09 05.02.09 12.03.09 16.04.091.751.801.851.901.952.002.052.102.152.202.252.30

USA

England

Euroland

Switzerland(r.h. scale)


February 2009, saw the introduction of Tee-Off Golf Junior Academy. Situated at Montebello in Pailles, the academy forms part of the Tee-Off Golf School which opened 8 years ago, developing golf skills to the Mauritian community. Managed by Ann Minkley, the academy offers a wide range of golfing skills and tips from top professionals to young beginners who want to discover the world of golf. As the proverb says the future is in the hands of children and so is the future of golf.

An academy for everyone – that is the aim of the Tee –Off Academy which was set up after encountering a high demand of children who wished to play golf. In fact, there are at present 16 children registered at the academy comprising of five girls and eleven boys aged between 4 to 14 years. In a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the children meet their Golf Professional and assistant coach for their Saturday lessons from 9 to 11 o’clock in the morning. Every training session is like a journey towards discoveries for the youngsters. Between fundamental of the golf swing to rules and etiquettes; understanding the importance of dress code on the golf course, the Academy does not only give golf tuitions but is a passport towards cultivating smart and gentle behaviours, useful in everyday life.

Furthermore, the Academy aspires to produce future champions and discover new talents. According to the manager, “Out of sixteen children registered at the Academy, some of them are accomplished young golfers working on more skilled techniques’ of golf while others are not as skilled and

Lets tee off•••

Tee off Golf Academybeing taught the right basics. At Tee-Off Academy, we try our best to give individual trainings while at the same time promoting team work. Every child works at his/her own rhythm; we respect that as long as the child is showing progress.” For Mrs Ann Minkley, the journey has just started. “We have long term projects for the academy. After six months or more depending on the performance of our juniors, we want them to participate in competitions and inter act with other players around the Island. Learning for the sake of learning is not the end of it. One should challenge one’s self to greater heights by entering competitions putting our skills to the test at the highest level. We are planning for our juniors to participate in the Mauritius Golf Federation Junior Open at the Dodo Club this April 09. Our juniors are hard at training in preparation for this event and we future champions at the open.

Tee-Off Golf Academy invites parents to take an active part in the apprenticeship of their children. They have the opportunity to see and supervise their offspring’s performance on the golf course. “At Tee-Off Golf Academy, we have at heart the well being of our young members. We believe that the presence of parents can be a good support for the child in term of reassurance and easiness. It is thus important to encourage such behaviour as after all, golf in itself is a game that puts people together in an enjoyable ambience”


Training Future Champions

Golfer’s paradise •••Lets tee off •••

Contact details:Tee-Off LtdMontebello PaillesTel: 230 728 52 84Tel: 230 988 34 62Email: [email protected]

C’est en février 2009 que l’Académie Tee Off Golf Junior a vu le jour. Situé à Montebello Pailles, l’Académie forme partie de la Tee-Off Golf School qui existe depuis bientôt 8 années. Elle a pour but de promouvoir et d’inculquer la passion du golf aux plus jeunes. Sous la férule d’Ann Minkley, l’Académie offre toute une panoplie de cours et d’entrainements taillée sur mesure à ceux qui souhaitent découvrir le monde golfique. Encadrés par un golfeur professionnel et son assistant, les enfants apprennent les techniques de bases pour pouvoir battre de leurs propres ailes. Comme dit si bien l’adage, la survie d’une civilisation dépend des enfants et le golf est loin d’échapper à cette règle.

Une Académie pour tous – c’est l’objectif de la Tee-Off Golf Academy qui fait suite à une demande accrue chez les enfants pour pratiquer cette discipline. L’Académie compte à présent 16 enfants dont cinq filles et onze garçons âgés de 4 à 14 ans. Chaque samedi de 9 heures à 11 heures, les enfants bénéficient d’une formation intensive avec le coach attitré et son assistant en toute convivialité. Chaque session d’entraînement est un moment privilégié pour les jeunes apprentis, allant de découverte en découverte dans le monde fascinant du golf. Entre règles fondamentales du golf aux étiquettes sans oublier la tenue vestimentaire exigée sur un parcours de golf, l’académie n’est pas seulement une école de golf, mais un passeport vers la culture de l’élégance et de la politesse ; essentielles dans la vie de tous les jours.

L’Académie espère devenir un jour la référence du golf mauricien en attendant d’engendrer des futurs champions et découvrir de nouveaux talents. Selon la directrice, « Les 16 enfants enregistrés à l’Académie sont de différents niveaux. Alors que certains ont déjà une base technique solide et ne cherchent qu’à perfectionner leurs niveaux, d’autres sont qu’à leur premiers balbutiements dans le domaine. « Chez Tee-Off Academy, nous faisons de notre mieux pour donner une attention spéciale à chaque membre tout en encourageant l’esprit d’équipe. Chaque enfant travaille à son rythme ; nous respectons cela tant que l’enfant montre des signes de progrès. » Pour Ann Minkley: l’aventure ne fait que commencer. «Nous avons des projets à long terme à l’Académie. Dans six mois ou plus, dépendant de la performance de nos

juniors, nous envisageons de participer à quelques compétitions à travers l’île afin de côtoyer d’autres golfeurs du même âge. Il ne faut pas uniquement apprendre les techniques de golf, mais surtout les mettre en pratique. Nous devons mettre à rude épreuve notre niveau afin de pouvoir améliorer notre performance. D’ailleurs, les jeunes ont participé

au Mauritius Golf Federation Junior Open en avril dernier au Dodo Club.

Tee-Off Golf Academy adopte également un esprit d’ouverture et invite les parents à prendre une part active dans la formation de l’enfant. La formation du jeune apprenti au golf se fait donc sous l’œil attentif des parents. Ils peuvent ainsi

regarder et superviser la performance de leurs progénitures sur le terrain. « Chez Tee-Off Golf Academy, nous avons à cœur le bien-être de nos jeunes membres. Nous pensons que la présence des parents peut être un élément positif dans le progrès de l’enfant en termes d’assurance et d’intégration. Il faut encourager ce genre d’attitude car le golf est avant tout un sport qui réunit les personnes dans une ambiance de fête ».

GOLF

SCHOOL& DRIVING RANGE

TEE OFF




Les Villas Valriche : 125 des 132 villas déjà vendues

La vente des villas Valriche à Bel Ombre ne semble pas souffrir des effets de la récession économique mondiale. Lancé en juin 2007, le promoteur de ce projet, Rogers & Co, comme développeur s’est protégé en exigeant aux acheteurs de fournir des garanties bancaires. A ce jour, quelque 125 des 132 villas ont déjà trouvé preneurs. Le prix de vente varie de USD 1 million à USD 3 millions.

Sur le chantier, 75 villas sont actuellement en construction, les premières villas seront livrées à partir d’avril 2009. Ces villas de style colonial moderne de 2 à 4 chambres, avec piscine et jardin privé, donnent à leurs propriétaires une vue imprenable sur le golf du Château de 18 trous et le lagon. Les Villas Valriche fait partie du Domaine de Bel Ombre qui comprend déjà quatre hôtels, à savoir Le Telfair, Heritage , Movenpick et Tamassa ainsi qu’un parcours de golf de compétition. Les promoteurs ont ciblé des marchés principaux comme le Royaume-Uni, l¹Afrique du sud et la France.

Le FMI prévoit une croissance de 2%

Le Fond Monétaire International prévoit une croissance de 2% en 2009. C’est la principale conclusion d’une mission que cette institution financière a passé à Maurice du 17 au 20 février dernier. Dirigée par Christina Daseking, conseillère au département africain du FMI, cette mission s’est basée sur une contraction des marchés des secteurs textile et tourisme pour soutenir cette baisse de croissance et ce par rapport à 2008 quand le taux s’élevait à plus de 5%. Le rapport note également que le déficit du compte courant se creusera davantage pour atteindre 11% du Produit Intérieur Brut malgré la baisse des prix de produits pétroliers et alimentaires. Le FMI accueille favorablement le Stimulus Package proposé par le gouvernement pour relancer la machinerie économique face aux effets de la récession. Et d’ajouter que le gouvernement aura à se montrer vigilant pour s’assurer que le pays prenne pleinement avantage des mesures de ce plan de relance tout en contenant des pressions fiscales et celles liées à la balance de paiements.

IMF targets a 2 per cent growthInternational Monetary Fund targets a 2 per cent

growth for Mauritius in 2009, says the financing agency in a latest report following a staff mission in the country from 17 to 20 February last. Led by Christina Daseking, Advisor at IMF’s African Department, the mission bases its conclusion on the fact that external

Biz bits•••

demand from textile and tourism sectors are being weakened

IMF’s report says that the current account deficit is expected to rise further to 11 percent of GDP despite falling prices for food and fuel. The mission welcomes however government’s fiscal stimulus package aimed at boosting economic machinery in order to mitigate negative effects of the world crisis on the economy. Given the serious risks to the economy, it stresses the need to remain vigilant in maximizing the impact of the stimulus, while containing fiscal and balance of payments pressures.


Le cimentier indien Binani s’installe à Maurice

Le conglomérat indien Binani, qui possède des actifs de plus de USD 466 millions, se propose de lancer une cimenterie à Maurice au coût de USD 20 millions. Une délégation de haut niveau était à Maurice récemment pour engager des discussions avec les ministres et autres officiels du gouvernement. Cette cimenterie, qui sera située dans l’enceinte portuaire, produira 1 million de tonnes de ciment destiné exclusivement pour le marché d’exportation, soit des pays de l’océan Indien, d’Afrique australe et de l’Est. Selon la direction de Binani, les matières premières, soit principalement le clinker, seront importés de plusieurs pays dont la Chine, Dubaï et l’Inde où le géant dispose des réserves. Le groupe a déjà incorporé une subsidiaire qui aura la responsabilité de mettre en place ce projet. Il sera opérationnel d’ici 18 mois après que tous les permis aient été obtenus.

Binani Cement comes to MauritiusIndian based business conglomerate, Binani

cement, which own assets of over USD 466 million, will set up a cement grinding factory in Mauritius. A high level delegation from the group was recently in the country to discuss and finalise various aspects of the project with ministers and senior officials of the Government. This grinding and packaging unit, which will require an investment of USD 20 million, will be located within the port area. It will produce 1 million metric tonnes per annum to be solely exported to regional countries and those of southern and eastern parts of Africa. According to management, clinker, which is the base raw material to produce cement, will be imported from countries like Dubai, China and India where the group owns important reserves. Binani Cement has already incorporated a local subsidiary which will be responsible for the setting up of this plant which will be operational within a period of 18 months once all the permits have been obtained.

Valriche IRS Project: 125 luxure villas already sold

Sales of Valriche luxurious villas, promoted by Rogers & Co at Belle-Ombre, have not been affected by world economic crisis. Today, 125 out of 132 villas have already found buyers. Prices of the villas vary from USD 1 million to USD 3 million. On the site located on south western part of Mauritius, 75 villas are being constructed, of which some will be delivered in April 2009. These villas designed in modern colonial style of 2 to 4 rooms, with piscine and private gardens offer an panoramic view of the Château golf course and the lagoon. Valriche villas form part of Domaine de Bel Ombre which comprises four hotels, namely, Le Telfair, Heritage, Movenpick , Tamassa and a golf course of international standard. The promoters are targeting potential buyers from United Kingdom, France and South Africa.

Biz bits •••


EligibilityPlayers are required to present their updated proof of their handicap (certified through individual´s golf club and approved by a Golf Federation) to the tournament director.

Tournament committeeTournament Director: Gavin Minkley (Golf Professional from Swingtime Magazine)Committee members: Golf Director Ditier Praun, and his team from BELLE PLAGE GOLF RESORTS, Golf Director David Marsh and his team from LE TOUESSROK GOLF and a member of the Mauritius Golf Federation.

ConditionsThe following conditions shall be applied at all stages of the Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge:

The Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge shall be played in accordance to the local rules of golf and amateur 1. status as provided by the R & A Rules.Each player shall be responsible for playing without undue delay2. The organising committee reserves the right to amend starting time and groups3. The use of distance measuring devices is not permitted at any stage of the competition4. n the event of a tie; the count back system will be applied as tie-breaker.5. Tournament Director, Directors’ of local golf courses, Rules officials and Marshals shall be present at all 6. venues. Golf etiquette should be respected by one and all7.

Regulations

The tournament consists of 72 holes of 4 balls alliance using Stableford scoring system which will be held during 1. the period of 10th June to 13th June 2009Entry fee:2. In the event of an adverse weather condition, the committee reserves the right cancel the particular round without 3. replacement. No refunds or exchanges will be made if the tournament is cancelled or shortened due to weather condition.All cancellation must be received in writing at the tournament office. Requests are accepted via fax and e-mails 4. only. No refund is possible after payment.No registration will be accepted after due date. 5. The Rules Committee will resolve all disputes regarding any aspects of tournament play. The decisions of the 6. Committee are final.

Golf and business have become the most probable catalyst over the past five years, with an increasing number of corporate leaders playing the game to relax, entertain their clients, as well as to pursue networking opportunities in an environment. The game encourages more personal interaction among serious entrepreneurs therefore, allows for the pressure of the corporate pressures to be left behind in the office. Golf provides a unique environment in the business world and gives one a truly competitive networking edge, thus affording a window of opportunity for the procurement of lucrative business. Swingtime Golf has the pleasure to invite you and your team to the most outstanding golf event of the year in Mauritius…DO NOT MISS the opportunity to participate in the 1st exclusive Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge. Secure your company’s participation TODAY!


Benz and partners •••

Launched in 1994, Benz and Partners Asset Management Ltd have built up through the years a strong and vast reputation in the European financial world. Well known for its personalised and resourceful services, the business has recently established a sister company in Mauritius. A risky challenge during this crisis period, yet, Benz and Partners company is out to make it work and will rely in its goodwill and trustworthiness to break the ice.

Benz and Partners Asset management Ltd was founded by Alexander Benz and was transformed as a joint stock company in 1998. Situated in Zurich in Switzerland, the company was sold to René K. Voser and Alexander F. Galli in 2003. As from that time, the company welcomes new partners; experts in different areas in the financial field to strengthen the company’s status with regard to financial knowledge. Moreover, Alexander Benz is still playing an active role in the company together with the other six professionals

Benz and Partners aim at providing a tailor-made service to their private and institutional clients. They focus mainly in the management of assets of different clients around the world. Benz and Partners provide security portfolio on a flexible basis for its global customers and is responsible for the allocation of funds in the international stock and bond markets. Their stock selection strategies are based on deep knowledge of markets. And when it comes to emerging markets, they rely on the expertise of the best external fund managers to guide them and identify new opportunities. Furthermore, B &P is also responsible of the European Property Fund which deals in the investment of Commercial Real Estate mainly in Germany and Nederland’s.

After years of experience working with different institutions and Swiss banks such as Bank Julius Bär, Credit Suisse Private Banking, Zurich and so forth. Benz and Partners has decided to expand and extend its services in the Indian Ocean through Mauritius. According to Gerhard Skwaric, one of the partners, ‘’Mauritius is a highly interesting financial place which offers a lot of investment opportunities. Not only the country has a stable political condition and interesting tax rate but the government is making huge efforts to encourage people to invest or book for holidays’’. In fact the choice of Mauritius was not made at random. Benz and Partners got positive feedbacks from current investors “Mr Alan Duval, Chief Executive Officer of Market Info Direct convinced us to invest in Mauritius. We were given tangible proofs of the advantages of Mauritius and more importantly how the country can benefit from our services.”

For Benz and Partners, the global crisis represents enormous business opportunities. Different options are offered to the courageous business person. “Our valuable advices allow clients to overcome a bad situation and aspire to a better future. We pick, we choose and we apply the best solution at very low costs. In the end, the client is happy” said Mr Skwaric.

Golf has always been part of the culture of Benz and Partners. While some of the partners are regular golf players, the company has been one of the biggest sponsors of the Keiler Cup golf tournament since three years. Benz and Partners will carry on this tradition in Mauritius by co sponsoring the 1st exclusive corporate golf challenge of the year organised by Swingtime Magazine Mauritius.

Benz and Partners Asset Management Ltd:

Alexander BenzDr. Alexander F. GalliGerhard F. Skwaric René K. Voser

the key to success…


“ Through the years, I have developed a

strong interest for the game”

Ludovic Bax on his way to

success

Ludovic Bax is a young passionate golfer. And like most aspiring golfers of his age, he embraces his dream of playing among the famous worldwide professionals. Aged 15, this young and talented gentleman is determined to overcome all the obstacles to make his dream come true. As such, if he continues to improve his performance, Ludovic Bax will soon hit his peak…

The passion of golf is deeply seeded in the Bax family. Golf has been passed on from generations and forms an integral part in the life of Ludovic as well as his sisters and brothers. His father, Luc Bax introduced him to golf very young “My father is a member of the Dodo Club for many years. Therefore each time, he went for a couple of swings, I was by his side. Through the years, I have developed a strong interest for the game.”

At the age of nine, he made his first step into the fascinating world of golf. “I learned everything at the Dodo Club golf course with the help of my coach Tamby” he said. According to him, each game is like a new quest. “I had the chance to play in different golf courses in and around Mauritius and in my opinion; each new game is a new challenge to you, a new adventure with new discoveries”.

Animé d’une grande passion pour le golf, Ludovic Bax est ce qu’on appelle un accro du sport. A 15 ans, le jeune homme ne jure que pour le golf. Pour cause, il embrasse le rêve de jouer bientôt chez les PROs. Rêve qui ne tardera à se réaliser s’il continue sur

cette lancée…Le golf chez les Bax est

avant tout une histoire de famille. Il occupe donc une place prépondérante dans la vie du jeune Ludovic ainsi que celle de ses frères et sœurs. Ainsi, c’est son père Luc Bax, lui-même amateur de golf qui lui a inculqué cette passion du golf. « Mon père est membre du Dodo Club depuis de nombreuses années tout

comme mon grand-père. Donc, à chaque fois qu’il allait jouer, je l’accompagnais et c’est ainsi que j’ai développé un intérêt grandissant pour ce sport » confie le jeune homme.

C’est à l’âge de neuf ans qu’ont eu lieu ces premiers balbutiements. «Je joue au golf depuis l’âge de 9 ans. Mon apprentissage s’est fait au Dodo Club avec mon coach Tamby qui m’a montré les différents rouages de cette discipline » explique-t-il. Pour lui, chaque partie de golf est un challenge et chaque parcours une nouvelle aventure. «J’ai eu la chance de côtoyer plusieurs parcours de golf à Maurice et je

Early ams•••


peux vous dire qu’à chaque fois, c’était une nouvelle aventure où on y découvre une nouvelle facette. »

Pour Ludovic, le golf n’est pas seulement un sport physique mais aussi une manière de vivre. « Le challenge ne se joue pas uniquement sur le green mais aussi dans la tête. On peut ou on ne peut pas. On arrive à maîtriser ses sentiments et forger son

caractère. D’ailleurs, le golf m’a aidé à vaincre ma timidité » souligne-t-il

Doué, le jeune passionné n’a pas tardé à faire ses preuves dans son entourage. Il remporte donc plusieurs petits tournois organisés par son club et à travers l’île dont le Mauritius Open à Bel Ombre en 2007 entre autres. Mais sa grande fierté demeure incontestablement sa victoire au tournoi de la Barclay Open à Tamarina en Avril 2008. « J’ai beaucoup travaillé pour remporter la Barclays Open. Et la récompense a été payante puisque j’ai eu l’occasion d’aller

à Old Trafford pour voir jouer mon équipe préférée, Manchester United » relate-t-il.

Le jeune homme ne compte cependant pas s’arrêter en si bon chemin. Avec un handicap 8, Ludovic espère d’ici quelques années jouer chez les PROs. « J’aimerai faire carrière dans le golf, soit être golfeur pro ou devenir un golf Manager. Je suis conscient que cela demande beaucoup de sacrifice. Mais je suis content que mes parents me soutiennent dans mon choix » soutient-il.

Malgré son jeune âge, Ludovic a un esprit très critique par rapport au développement de la discipline à Maurice. « La Fédération de Golf doit aider et encourager les clubs à être plus ouvert aux Mauriciens » soutient-il. Et d’ajouter que « Le golf est un sport coûteux, mais ce n’est pas pour autant inaccessible. On peut pratiquer le sport en étant un caddy. D’ailleurs, la plupart des caddies que je connais sont d’excellents golfeurs »

Early ams•••

For Ludovic, golf is not only a physical sport, rather a way of life. “You do not face the challenge only on the greens but also in your head. Either you can or you cannot. We learn to overcome our feelings and strengthen our personality with time. Likewise, golf helped me to overcome my shyness”. The young gentleman showed a lot of improvement in the early days. He won many small tournaments organized by his club and around Mauritius. He also participated in the Mauritius Open in Bel Ombre in 2007. But his biggest pride remains his win at the Barclays Open at Tamarina in April 2008. “I have worked hard to win the Barclays Open. It looks like a dream coming true since I won a trip to Old Trafford, England to watch my favorite football team, Manchester United playing…”

It is only the beginning of a long and exciting trip for Ludovic Bax. With a handicap of 8, Ludovic hopes to play with the professionals in the years to come.

“I would like to work in the golf industry whether as a professional player, or golf manager and so on. I cannot imagine my life without golf. I’m conscious that it is not an easy task and I need to make a lot of sacrifices. But I am happy that my parents are behind me and encourage me in my choice.”

Regarding the evolution of the game in Mauritius, he is quite skeptic about the situation here. “The Mauritius Golf Federation has the responsibility to promote golf to non players and encourage clubs to organize more national tournaments” And added that “I know that golf is not a cheap sport but it does not necessarily mean that it is inaccessible. One can play golf by being a Caddy. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that most caddies I know are excellent golfers.”


Le golf est considéré comme l’un des sports, les plus anciens au monde, mais, vous êtes- vous déjà demandé comment tout avait commencé, où et pourquoi? Ce qui est certain, c’est que depuis sa création, le golf a sans aucun doute évolué et changé pour devenir le sport que nous connaissons aujourd’hui.

A l’origine, les joueurs sculptaient leurs clubs et leurs balles dans différents types de bois. Plus tard, ce travail requiert les compétences des artisans qui confectionnaient des équipements, plus précis et plus compétitifs. Alors que le golf se développait au fil des années, les matériaux utilisés se variaient aussi. La première balle de golf sculptée dans le bois se voyait remplacée au 17ème siècle, par ce qu’on appelle la Featherlie. Fabriquée à partir de plumes d’oie fourées dans un sac en cuir de vache, la Featherlie est une balle plus légère et aérodynamique. Elle sera utilisée par les golfeurs pendant les 200 années qui suivirent. Cependant, le club en bois sculpté a été remplacé bien après. En effet, le changement s’est effectué en 1929, année à laquelle le club en acier fut légalisé. Par ailleurs, ce n’est qu’en 1970 que la tête en bois du club fut remplacée par l’acier et le titane.

Néanmoins, la modernisation des équipements golfiques ne signifie pas pour autant la fin des pièces originales utilisées par les fondateurs. Au contraire, elles ont été conservées et chéries par les amateurs de golf, les musées et les associations à travers le monde. Tant et si bien, que les échanges d’antiquités reliées au golf sont très rentables, aussi bien pour les collectionneurs que les vendeurs. L’effervescence autour de ces objets anciens montre bien leur rôle majeur dans la création des équipements de golf et du jeu comme nous pouvons le constater aujourd’hui.

As one of the world’s oldest sports, have you ever wondered how it all began, and when it did, what was it like!? It is certain that throughout the (years) that golf has existed, it has undoubtedly changed and evolved into the sport as we know it.

Originally, players carved clubs and balls from various kinds of wood, which later required the skills of a craftsman to produce more accurate and competitive playing tools. Throughout golfing development, the materials used have changed a number of times. As the original Golf ball was carved from wood, it was replaced in the 17th Century by what is called the Featherlie. Made from Goose feathers set within a leather cowhide bag, the Featherie offered a lighter more aerodynamic ball which was then implemented into the game for the next 200 hundred years. The wooden carved club however was slower in its progress. It was not until 1929 that the steel shaft club was legalized, and not until the 1970’s that and the wooden club head was replaced with and steel and titanium.

However the modernization of golf equipment is not to say that the original pieces of equipment used by the founders of golf have been forgotten, to say the least. Rather they have been preserved and treasured by golf enthusiasts, museums and associations throughout the world. So much so, that the trading of Golf antiques and artifacts are very highly profitable business, for both collectors and sellers. Most importantly, it shows appreciation and preservation of equipment that played a major role in making golf the game that it is today.

Golf and its History •••

Back to the Roots of Golf !


he One and Only Le Saint Géran hosts 3 tournaments that are reserved exclusively for hotelguests every year. The Easter Tournament the Anniversary of the Hotel on the 20th October andthe End of Year Golf Challenge. The competitions form part of the marketing strategy of the hotelto foster customer’s loyalty through the years.

The business of golf is very active at the One and Only, le St Géran. For instance, the club house and golfacademy employ ten staff members with more than 30 gardeners to maintain the greens and hotel gardens.“Up to now we have been very lucky, the Saint Géran has a reputation and the clientele we have will still travel even in the Financial Crisis. We have not really felt the Financial Crisis yet because the guests have bookedalready with the tour operators.” Glen Hossen explained.According to the director of Le St Géran, the crisis is near and they shall arm themselves to face it. “We havedeveloped some strategies that can help to slow down the consequences of the crisis. To overcome the amplification of the financial crisis we have had to review our budget reducing expenses but as long as we can we will not reduce our staffs”.With the critical situation prevailing, golf seems to be an important element to attract international visitors. “We have nearly 30 – 35% of guests to come for the Golf. The advantage that we have with our small course isthat the players can play nine holes in the morning then go to the beach and play nine holes in the afternoon.Furthermore, our guests also have access to the Links, Ill Surf and Four Seasons so they have a choice” heconcluded.

e One and Only, le St Géran est le théâtre de trois compétitions d’envergure chaque année destinées aux invités de l’hôtel. Le Easter Tournament (tournoi de la Pâques), L’anniversaire de l’hôtel qui a lieu le 20 octobre et le End of Year Golf Challenge. Le club et l’Académie du golf emploient dix personnels et plus de trente jardiniers pour l’entretien du green et des jardins de

l’hôtel.« Je dois dire que nous avons été chanceux jusqu’ici car le Saint Géran jouit d’une bonne réputation au

niveau international et malgré la crise financière, nos clients continuent à venir. De plus, les effets de la crise financière ne nous ont pas encore atteints puisque beaucoup de nos clients ont réservé auprès des tours opérateurs bien à l’avance».

Mais la crise menace toujours selon le directeur de l’hôtel et nous confie que « Nous avons mis au point des stratégies pour ralentir ou sinon repousser les conséquences de cette crise. Nous avons passé au peigne fin notre budget en réduisant certaines dépenses. Et tant que nous pourrons, nous n’allons pas licencier nos employés. »

Par la tournure que prennent les événements, le golf se présente comme un atout essentiel pour attirer les clients internationaux «Nous avons plus de 30-35% de nos clients qui viennent pour le golf. L’avantage que nous bénéficions est que le parcours de 9 trous est petit, donc, le client peut jouer une partie dans la matinée, ensuite profiter de la plage et rejouer dans l’après midi. Nos clients ont également le choix puisqu’ils ont accès aux parcours du Links, le 3 Surf et Four Seasons entre autres. »

Golf tournament•••

T

L

Le Saint Géran


•••Golf tournament

Stewart Southerland – “ Winning the St Géran Tournament is a pleasant surprise”Stewart Southerland was awarded tournament Champion at the One and Only Le Saint Géran’s End of Year Tournament 2008. Shocked with his win after having a trying game and some bad holes, however a surprise birdie on the last hole bought him the Championship Trophy. From Brie, Scotland, Mr Southerland has been playing Golf for 30 years. Here on his 13th visit to the One and Only Le Saint Geran, Stewart finds Mauritius the perfect holiday destination. “I love it here....It’s the only place for us.”In the construction business, Stewart is one of the loyalguests that returns to Mauritius every year for golf and time with his family. “The course is nice, the good thing is that you can walk straight from the hotel play at anytime no problem, play an hour and half and be back in side – no hassle.”

Jeff Hill : “Le St Géran offers a wonderful golfing experience’’Jeff Hill is a regular each year at the One and Only LeSaint Géran Resort. For the past nine years his wife and children spend an entire month holidaying at the Mauritian Resort they now refer to as ‘home’. His reasons include “the service, the people because they are always the same and obviously the closeness of the Golf course which is fantastic because it doesn’t take much out of your day.”Jeff has been a tournament winner3 times since first coming to Le Saint Géran. Although the past twoyears have seen him taking the trophy, this year he was a runner up. “This is a challenging nine holeGolf Course, more challenging than anywhere else because the two par 4’s & 5’s are very long and the par 3’s are very protected by water so it’s very difficult. It brings everybody together from all nationalities and allows them to socialize which is one of the things about the hotel... it’s become very much like a family atmosphere”Jeff runs Astute Electronics in Great Britain and knowsthe Business of Golf. “In my company I have 90 peopleand I have a lot of assistant professionals that came out of Golf and then went into Sales because during their golfing experience they were very used to giving lessons and mixing with the young. So now not only are they good sales people but now they use Golf as a way of attracting customers and getting them out onto the course.”

Stewart Southerland : «Remporter le tournoi est une merveilleuse surprise »

Stewart Southerland est l’heureux gagnant de l’édition 2008 du End of Year Tournament au One and Only le St Géran en décembre dernier. Une victoire inattendue pour ce dernier, qui débuta la compétition sur de mauvaises auspices, mais la chance finit par lui sourire au dernier trou et d’un étonnant birdie, il réussit un coup de maître pour remporter le Championnat.

Ce golfeur d’origine écossaise, plus précisément de Brie, pratique la discipline depuis plus de 30 ans. Il est à sa 13e visite au One and Only, le St Géran. Pour Stewart Southerland, Maurice est la destination

idéale pour les vacances. «J’aime beaucoup Maurice, j’aime aussi le St Géran. Cet endroit est fait pour nous »

Entrepreneur dans le secteur de la construction, Stewart est un des fidèles invités, qui revient chaque année avec sa famille pour vivre un de ces moments inoubliables. « Le parcours de St Géran est excellent dans le sens que nous pouvons marcher de l’hôtel jusqu’au parcours et y revenir après une partie de 30 minutes – cela sans aucun souci »

Jeff Hill : « Le St Géran offre une expérience golfique unique au monde »

Jeff Hill est un habitué au One and Only, le St Géran Resort. Depuis neuf ans, le golfeur accompagné de son épouse et de ses enfants reviennent pour un mois de vacances dans le luxueux hôtel mauricien. D’ailleurs, ils le considèrent comme leur deuxième maison. «Le service, l’hospitalité des employés que nous revoyons chaque année et bien sûr la proximité du parcours de golf sont des éléments qui a fait du St Géran notre destination de choix. ». Par ailleurs, il nous confiera que « Le charme de l’hôtel repose aussi dans sa manière de créer une ambiance familiale propice à réunir et rencontrer des joueurs de différentes nationalités. »

Depuis son premier escale au St Géran, Jeff Hill a remporté le tournoi à trois reprises. Bien qu’il ait eu du succès ces dernières années, il semble avoir eu moins de chance en 2008. « Ceux sont des choses

qui arrivent chez les amateurs de golf, nous avons des bons mais aussi des mauvais jours. Ce parcours de neuf trous vous met constamment à l’épreuve surtout avec les deux pars 4 et 5 qui sont très longues et la trois qui semble particulièrement difficile puisqu’elle est entourée d’eau. »

Jeff Hill est le grand patron d’Astute Electronics en Grande Bretagne et connaît bien le business du golf. « J’emplois quatre vingt dix personnes dans ma compagnie et beaucoup de mes assistants ont côtoyé le golf à un moment de leurs vies avant de bouger dans la vente. Ainsi, ils n’ont pas de difficulté à se démarquer puisqu’ils utilisent leurs connaissances dans le domaine pour attirer les jeunes »

Strengthening Port-Louis/ Beijing economic cooperation

The Chinese President, Hu Jintao’s State visit to Mauritius on the 16th and 17th of February has certainly been instrumental in consolidating economic cooperation between Mauritius and China. At the end of his 48 hour visit to the country, the last destination on his African trip, Mauritius can boast about its achievement of positive results. Three financing agreements were signed, with an amount of 9 billion rupees. 8, 3 billion of which is a low -interest loan which will be used to finance a SSR International Airport terminal in Plaisance.

Cooperation between the two countries is not new, it dates back to the official establishment of diplomatic ties, 37 years ago. From then on, cooperation has existed in various fields: economic, commercial and political. Even today, Chinese contributions in different sectors can be seen and felt. The first phase of development of the SSR International Airport, Anjalay Stadium and road construction in main parts of the country are among the few projects that have benefited significantly from Chinese investments. China has also contributed to low cost social housing projects and the Plaines-Wilhems Sewage Project. Furthermore, Chinese-based companies are operating in Mauritius’ textile and IT sectors.

By helping Chinese investors to prospect African markets, Mauritius is bound to benefit from the new partnership between China and the African continent

Reserrer l’axe Port-Louis-Beijing

La visite d’Etat du Président de la République Populaire de Chine, Hu Jintao à Maurice les 16 et 17 février dernier ; dernière étape de son périple africain, est venue renforcer l’axe Port-Louis/ Beijing. A la clé: la signature par la délégation présidentielle de trois accords de financement pour un montant totalisant plus de 9 milliards de roupies, dont la grosse part, près de 8,3 milliards ira financer l’extension de l’aéroport international de Plaisance.

La coopération entre les deux pays ne date pas d’hier. Depuis l’établissement des relations diplomatiques entre Maurice et la Chine il y a déjà 37 ans, des avenues de coopération ont toujours existé entre les deux pays tant sur le plan économique que commercial et politique. Aujourd’hui encore, la présence chinoise dans différentes sphères de la société est pleinement ressentie. Les travaux de la première phase de l’aéroport international Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, le Stade Anjalay et la réfection de certaines routes du pays ont bénéficié, entre autres, des financements chinois. L’Empire du Milieu a également apporté sa contribution à la construction de logements ‘Low cost’ et du Plaines-Wilhems Sewerage Project. De plus, plusieurs grosses firmes chinoises dans le domaine de l’informatique et du textile sont déjà basées à Maurice.

Maurice souhaite s’appuyer sur le partenariat que la Chine développe actuellement avec l’Afrique pour se positionner comme une tête de pont pouvant assister


Perspective•••

Chinese President, Hu Jintao


Perspective •••

and can position itself as a bridgehead in assisting investors to prospect and invest in African countries. In fact, the Chinese government’s strategic choice to set up one of the Tianli Economic and Commercial Zones in Mauritius forms part of this strategy.

The construction of this Economic Zone will require investments of 15 billion rupees. It will accommodate companies who specialize in textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, household electric appliances and agricultural products. This commercial zone, when fully operational, will generate annual exports of 6 billion rupees.

The Mauritian government has already set itself to task by constructing an access road linking Tianli industrial zone to the main road. As for the infrastructure works outside the site, they are due to start in April, according to the Stimulus Package calendar proposed by the Finance Minister, Rama Sithanen. This ambitious project, though it did not rank high on the agenda of the working session between the Chinese presidential delegation and Government Ministers and high officials, was nevertheless mentioned by President Hu Jintao who expressed his hopes that this project would materialize rapidly enough to give new impetus to industrial and commercial cooperation between China and Mauritius.

More concretely, China is presently involved in the construction of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation’s head office, located in Ebène. This project is being financed by China, who’s contribution stands at US D 15 million.

However, it is unfortunate that Mauritius was not able to attract the China -Africa Development Fund toits Financial Centre as it would have been a source of pride to the country. Mauritius had to face a serious competitor, Dubai, which accepted to house this fund without any tax being levied.

Chinese presence is visible by the number of expatriates working in the country. Almost 50% of the country’s foreign labor is Chinese, who are mostly working in construction and textile sectors.

Concerning commercial trade, China ranks as the second highest supplier to the country with 10, 8% of total imports for the period from January to September 2008. It was surpassed by India which satisfies a huge chunk of the country’s needs in petroleum products. In fact, Mauritius’ exported products to China totaling 131 million rupees in 2007. Sea food products represent the lion’s share, with exports standing at 55 million rupees. Chinese products have been on the rise in the years following its new industrialization policy.

les investisseurs de cette puissance économique mondiale à pénétrer le continent Africain. Le choix de la Chine pour localiser une des quatre zones économiques et commerciales de Tianli à Maurice s’inscrit dans cette démarche.

La zone économique de Tianli nécessitera des investissements de l’ordre de 15 milliards de roupie. Elle accueillera des entreprises chinoises spécialisées dans la production textile, pharmaceutique, électroménagère et agroalimentaire. Celles-ci devraient générer des exportations annuelles tournant autour de Rs 6 milliards.

Le gouvernement mauricien a déjà initié les actions pour la construction d’une route d’accès qui reliera la zone industrielle de Tianli à l’autoroute. Quant aux travaux infrastructurels hors du site, ils devront commencer d’ici le mois d’avril selon le calendrier du Stimulus Package présenté par le ministre des Finances, Rama Sithanen en décembre 2008.

Ce projet, même s’il n’a pas fait l’objet des discussions officielles entre le président Hu Jintao et le Premier ministre, le Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, a néanmoins été mentionné par le Président de la RPC qui a exprimé le vœu qu’il soit démarré assez vite pour donner un nouvel essor à la coopération industrielle et commerciale entre la Chine et Maurice.

Plus concrètement, il y a les travaux du futur quartier général de la Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation à Ebène qui sont en cours. La construction qui s’élève à plus de 15 millions de dollars américains est financée par la Chine.

Toutefois, Maurice a laissé filer le China-Africa Development Fund qu’il n’a pu héberger-ce qui aurait été une source de fierté pour le centre financier mauricien. Celui ci s’était retrouvé face à un concurrent de taille, notamment Dubayy, qui a offert d’héberger le fonds sans qu’aucune taxe ne soit imposée.

La présence chinoise dans l’île se traduit également par le nombre d’expatriés qui y travaillent. Quelques 50% des travailleurs étrangers à Maurice viennent de Chine et sont engagés dans le secteur de la construction et du textile.

Sur le plan des échanges commerciaux, la Chine est classée comme le deuxième fournisseur de Maurice avec 10.8% des importations totales pour la période allant de janvier à septembre 2008. Elle a été dépassée par l’Inde en raison du poids de l’importation des produits pétroliers de ce pays.

Par ailleurs, Maurice a exporté des produits d’une valeur de 131 millions de roupies vers la Chine en 2007. Les produits marins se taillent la part du lion avec des exportations totales de plus de 55 millions de roupies. La gamme de produits en provenance de la Chine s’est nettement élargie, cela suivant sa stratégie d’industrialisation.




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Ces photos nous ont été fournies par Emotions Golf Events représentant exclusif des marques de vêtements, MASTERS GOLF-FASHION, DAILY SPORTS et ROHNISCH, à l’île Maurice.

Golf Fashion

Golf fashion •••



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Golf Fashion

Golf fashion•••

Swingtime - Issue 4

What is good nutrition for a golfer?

Have you ever experience a loss of stamina and endurance towards the end of a game? If yes, it means that you have a poor nutrition. This is not the end of the world, you can change it and the best way is to adopt good nutritional habits. Golf nutrition has many of the same characteristics as general nutrition; here are some of the tips that can help you improve your performance on the greens:

Eat foods that are low in fat and contain balanced • portions of lean protein and slow release carbohydrates. Lean meat, fish, and poultry are all excellent choices which should be stapled in a high nutrition diet. Golfers should avoid too much starchy foods like • potatoes, white breads, corn, and foods high in sugars. These can serve to make you groggy and less able to react properly. They will rob you of stamina rather than enhance it.Instead of eating a traditional “three meals per • day,” it is better to eat several small meals over the course of the day. This process helps to train the body to take in energy in small doses and use that energy more efficiently. Drink lots of water. Hydration is very important. • Anywhere from eight to ten glasses per day is optimal, and more than that may be necessary when playing – especially during summer or in places with an exceedingly warm climate like Mauritius Avoid Caffeine and alcohol. Both adversely affect • your play. Caffeine over-stimulates your muscles and increases your heart rate. It makes it difficult to concentrate and can cause you to play with less elements of control. Alcoholic beverages, of course, can significantly reduce your coordination, even in small doses. It’s best not to drink any alcohol before or during play unless you don’t mind the compromise in performance.

Note: Use these tips to gain competitive advantage over your opponents while at the same time preserving your energy, increasing stamina and endurance.

Things to remember: Foods to eat to gain energy are banana, apple, wheat, bread…

Quelle est l’alimentation la mieux adaptée à un golfeur?

Avez-vous déjà connu une perte d’énergie vers la fin d’une partie de golf? Si oui, cela signifie que vous n’adoptez pas l’alimentation la mieux adaptée. Ne vous inquiétez pas, ceci n’est pas une fatalité ! Vous pouvez toujours changer vos habitudes alimentaires, et voici quelques conseils qui vous aideront à améliorer votre performance sur le parcours:

Mangez des aliments pauvres en matières • grasses qui contiennent des portions équilibrées en protéines maigres et en hydrates de carbone à libération lente. La viande maigre, le poisson et la volaille sont d’excellents mets que vous devriez inclure dans votre régime alimentaire.Evitez le trop plein de féculents tel que les • pommes de terre, le pain blanc, les grains et les aliments riches en sucres qui peuvent vous alourdir et altérer vos réflexes.Au lieu d’appliquer le traditionnel “trois repas par • jour’, il vaut mieux consommer plusieurs petits repas tout au long de la journée. Grâce à ce processus, le corps s’habitue à puiser l’énergie dans de petites portions et à l’utiliser plus efficacement.Buvez beaucoup d’eau. S’hydrater est un geste • essentiel sur un parcours de golf, surtout en été, dans les pays chauds comme Maurice.Évitez la caféine et l’alcool car ces deux • stimulants affectent votre jeu. La caféine surexcite vos muscles, augmente les battements du cœur et vous empêche de vous concentrer, vous faisant perdre le contrôle de votre jeu. Quant aux boissons alcoolisées, elles réduisent votre coordination, même à petites doses.

Notez : Ces petits conseils peuvent vous aider à gagner un avantage compétitif sur vos adversaires tout en préservant votre énergie et en augmentant votre résistance.

Souvenez-vous que vous trouverez des apports énergétiques dans les aliments tels que la banane, la pomme, le blé ou le pain.


Nutrition •••

Tips to swing well!

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•••Trends & Tech

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Outstanding performance of Mauritius in the Gauchos country…

The Mauritian flag was hoisted during the BMW Golf Club International final, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in December 2008. This was made possible by the excellent performance of the lady golfer, Florence Luron, winner of the women’s category, as well as the participation of two other golfers, namely Wellington Lam Po Tang and Daniel Hardy. Similarly, the Guest Golf Cup; a competition reserved for relatives of participants of the BMW Golf Cup, was also held. A Mauritian woman, Nathalie Serret repeated her performance and won the same trophy for the second time. In fact, with around 100,000 participants from more than 50 countries, this event is one of the World’s largest amateur tournaments in golf history.

This is Mauritius’ third participation in this prestigious tournament, which is exclusively reserved for BMW customers and partners. Its growing success led to an annual meeting for one day in October at le Paradis Hotel, where all invited golfers did their best to win the first prize in a friendly atmosphere. “More than 100 amateur golfers participated in the national tournament organized by BMW. From which, three of were selected accordingly to participate in the grand BMW Golf Cup final, free of charge. Together with their spouses, the three finalists had the chance to spend seven outstanding days in one of the premier 5 star hotels of Buenos Aires” said Vivian Serret from Leal and Co Ltd, official representative of BMW in Mauritius.

It has been twenty years since the first BMW Golf Cup was organized, and still the number of participants around the world keeps on growing year after year. This can be explained by the original and

Maurice ne passe pas inaperçu au pays des Gauchos…

Le quadricolore flottait dans le ciel de Buenos Aires lors de la finale mondiale de la BMW Golf Cup tenue en décembre 2008. Florence Luron, l’unique femme de la sélection mauricienne a permis à Maurice de briller, cela en remportant avec brio le premier prix dans la catégorie des dames. Il faut également saluer la prestation des deux autres golfeurs de la délégation à savoir Wellington Lam Po Tang et Daniel Hardy qui n’ont pas pour autant démérités. Par ailleurs, Nathalie Serret, invitée à jouer au tournoi réservé uniquement aux proches des participants s’est imposée pour la deuxième année consécutive lors de ce rendez vous annuel. Ainsi, au fil des années, cet évènement qui accueille plus de 100,000 participants de 50 pays est devenu un des tournois mondiaux le plus prisés chez les amateurs dans toute l’histoire du golf.

Exclusivement réservé aux clients de la BMW et aux partenaires, Maurice est à sa troisième participation à ce tournoi d’envergure. Grâce à son succès grandissant, la franchise BMW de Maurice organise chaque année une sélection annuelle à l’hôtel le Paradis. Dans une ambiance conviviale, les golfeurs conviés donnent le meilleur d’eux-même pour remporter le premier prix. « Une centaine d’amateurs participe à ce tournoi national et trois d’entre eux dont deux hommes et une femme sont sélectionnés du lot pour représenter Maurice en finale. Accompagnés de leurs conjoints, ils ont le privilège de participer au tournoi, tous frais payés par la compagnie, mais aussi sept jours exceptionnels dans un hôtel de luxe à Buenos Aires » explique Vivian Serret, directeur de Leal & Co Ltd, représentant officiel de BMW à Maurice.


BMW Golf Cup International 2008World Biggest Amateur Tournament

Mauritius v/s the world •••



attractive formula of the tournament. “Each year, more than 1000 national competitions are organized worldwide. The best players are then qualified to participate in world BMW Golf Cup final, which is held in different but always wonderful and exclusive golf courses” he added.

Furthermore, to make the event even more Exceptional, PGAs are invited to give golf clinics to amateur golfers. “Each year, there are one or two international professional players who attend the tournament. In Buenos Aires, we had the opportunity to see Argentina’s professionals, namely Andrés and Eduardo Romero, in action. They both gave a golf clinic to 141 amateurs who were present at the world final” concluded Vivian Serret.

Vingt ans après la première édition du BMW Golf Cup, la compétition continue à avoir le même succès chez les amateurs. D’ailleurs, le nombre de participants ne cessent d’augmenter d’année en année au grand bonheur des organisateurs. Cela peut sans doute s’expliquer par la forme originale et attirante du tournoi «Chaque année, plus de 1000 compétitions nationales sont organisées dans une cinquantaine de pays. Les meilleurs joueurs sont sélectionnés pour participer à la grande finale qui se tient à chaque fois sur un parcours de golf d’un pays différent, les uns aussi beaux que les autres » ajoute-t-il.

«Chaque année, il y a un ou deux joueurs professionnels internationaux qui assistent au tournoi. À Buenos Aires, nous avons eu l’occasion de rencontrer deux des professionnels argentins notamment Andrés et Eduardo Romero. Les cent quarante et un amateurs présents ont bénéficié de ces sessions » a conclu Vivian Serret.

Left to right : Florence Luron, Wellington Lam Po Tang, Madeleine Lam Po Tang, Roxanne Hardy, Daniel Hardy, Nathalie Serret, Vivian Serret

Mauritius v/s the world •••

Golfing tips and strategy Courtesy of Tee Off Ltd

GAVIN MINKLEYPGA PROFESSIONAL • useful tips around the greens - “Pitching“ distance control

Swing it!•••

Set up - Pitching the golf ball requires feel and control, most player conceder the half shot as the most difficult golf shot to execute.

Good players use the length of swing to control their pitching distance. Using the length principle certainly gives you a good feeling to work on:Control the distance of your back swing to improve your distance control, trajectory and spin.


Distance control is now enhanced, and the control of spin to particular pin placements, with varying slopes and conditions can now be combated. How do you remember these distances? A number of tour players have their distances on a label, which they stick to the underside of the shaft just below the grip.

9 O’clock 10 ‘O’ clock 11 O’clock

Pitching Wedge 90m 105m 120m

Gap Wedge 80m 95m 110m

9 iron 100m 115m 130m

Swing it! •••

Thought of the month...“ The aim is an integral part of the

first stages of learning. Without good aim the golf swing cannot function in the correct fashion. “

There are 2 main factors that will affect the distance Trajectory and the spin of a wedge shot.• The length of the swing• The loft of the club• By shortening your backswing, the club has less time to accelerate, which therefore reduces the club head speed and thus the distance.• By utilizing all your wedges instead of relying on just one (normally lob wedge), you give yourself far more distance, trajectory and spin optionsIn the above examples swing to 3 different positions, you could say 9, 10, & 11 O’clock on a clock face. Each backswing length will give me a different distance with the same club. Add in the variable of having 3 different wedges and I have 9 different distances.




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•••Local news

Tee Off

Boosting Mauritian golf… that is the main objective set by the board of the Mauritius Golf Federation for the 2009 season. A big challenge for the new committee under the leadership of Roy Chavrimootoo; newly elected in December 2008. In fact, the Mauritius Golf Federation in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Leisure wants to enhance the image of golf at all levels. In so doing, a boost up plan has been set up to give golf a new look. The disclosure of the new logo held last February 24 at Gymkhana Club in Vacoas set the tone for these changes.

The new official emblem of the Mauritius Golf Federation consists of a dodo on the green. Painted with the four colors of the Mauritian flag, it is an appeal to unification and popularization of golf. The 2009 season calendar featuring different national activities was also released. According to the new chairman, “Our priority is to boost the sport, give it a new blow and show the Mauritian population that it is not solely reserved to a unique social category. We want to create licenses for all golfers from all registered clubs so that we can have better control on the statistics and handicaps. It is high time to professionalize golf and why not aspiring to become a knowledgeable golf population.”

Some of the projects that have been initiated by the Federation to promote golf are mainly the construction of a public driving range. The Mauritius Golf Federation has been in contact with the Ministry of Land and Housing to find an ideal piece of land for the construction of the driving range.

Furthermore, a few major national tournaments have been scheduled for the year namely the juniors competition in April at the Dodo Club, the ProAm competition in May, the National Tournament at Belle Mare during the month of August while the last national competition will take place on the greens of Gymkhana in November.

Donner un nouveau souffle au golf mauricien; c’est ce que souhaite le nouveau comité directeur de la Fédération Mauricienne de Golf. Présidé par Roy Chavrimootoo depuis décembre dernier, la Fédération en collaboration avec le ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports veut démocratiser ce sport et initier le maximum de personne à sa pratique. Ainsi, le dévoilement d’un nouveau logo le mercredi 24 février dernier au Gymkhana Club, Vacoas aura donné le ton à cette fédération redynamisée.

Un dodo sur le green peint aux couleurs nationales, c’est le nouvel emblème de la Fédération Mauricienne de Golf (FMG) suivi par un plan de relance élaboré dans le calendrier de la saison 2009. «Nous voulons insuffler un nouveau dynamisme au golf local et montrer que cette discipline n’est pas réservée uniquement à une certaine catégorie de gens. Pour cela, nous allons créer des licences pour tous les golfeurs sans exception afin que nous puissions avoir un meilleur contrôle» relate Roy Chavrimootoo.

Dans le cadre de la démocratisation de ce sport et le rassemblement de la grande famille du golf, la FMG compte concrétiser quelques projets d’envergure. Parmi, il y a la création d’un public driving range qui est en ce moment à l’étude. La Fédération mauricienne de Golf négocie actuellement avec le ministère des terres et du logement pour acquérir un terrain en vue de construire ce driving range.

Par ailleurs, le calendrier d’activités 2009, nettement plus étoffé, comporte quatre tournois majeurs, entre autres la compétition destinée aux Juniors qui s’est tenu en avril dernier au Dodo Club. D’autres compétitions sont également prévues notamment celle destinée au ProAM, regroupant amateur et pros au mois de mai. Le 16 août se disputera le tournoi de Belle-Mare, alors que le dernier tournoi national se déroulera sur le green du Gymkhana.

Mauritian golfon the move…

The new boardPresident: Roy Chavrimootoo Vice-president: Jean-François de Robillard Secretary: Patrick Chui Wan Cheong (jr) Treasurer: Yves Bellepeau Members : Angela Peer, Jean-Claude Liong, Dass Thomas, Ravin Chunivan, Luc Bax, Nanda Isram Honorary President: Rajen Ramlakhan


rnaud Godère has built up a strong reputation among famous mauritian businessmen through the years. His passion and dedication for his job led him

to where he stands now. Hard work and sacrifice are his leitmotiv in life. The pathway of the actual Chairman of The Mauritius Post Ltd. is an example of a success story for the new generation. Born on the 1st of June 1956 in Mauritius, Arnaud Godère developed a passion for business at a very young age. After his secondary studies, he started a “Diplôme Supérieur Universitaire en Gestion des Entreprises’’ in France. In 1987, he joined one of the most powerful franchises on the island, Shell Mauritius Ltd. as LPG Sales Representative and his enthusiasm and aptitude brought him to the post of LPG Manager one year later. 1994 was the year of fame for Arnaud Godère who was elected as the World President of Junior Chamber International. With his new responsibility, he had to take a one-year leave to visit more than 70 countries and many dignitaries worldwide. Furthermore, during the same year, the President of the Republic of Mauritius bestowed him the national distinction of “Officer of Star and Key of the Indian Ocean – O.S.K’. Back to his homeland in 1995, the career of Arnaud Godère was meant to flourish again with his nomination as Public Affairs Assistant. Two years later, he became the manager of the Brand and Communication Department of Shell. He was also in charge of the Brand and Communication for Shell operating companies in East Africa from 1997 to 1999 before being appointed as Marine Centre Manager in May 2002. Married to Sylvette Godère and father of a daughter and a son, Arnaud Godère had the opportunity to lead two main pillars of the Mauritian Economy namely the Export Processing Zone Development Authority (EPZDA) and more recently, The Mauritius Post Limited. Besides being a busy company executive, Arnaud Godère is actively involved in social work. Member of Junior Chamber International, he was involved in the “Commission National de Suivi et de Soutien - Fonds Insertion Jeunes”, and acted as the treasurer of the “Comité sur la Pauvreté” – (Poverty Committee, which helps needy people). As an active sportsman, Arnaud Godère enjoys spending his spare time practising some water sports, jogging and tennis.

Arnaud Godère est devenu une des figures incontournables dans le monde des affaires à Maurice. Ce n’est certes pas le hasard qui l’a conduit au sommet,

mais bien des années de dur labeur et de sacrifice. Le parcours exceptionnel de l’actuel président de la Mauritius Post Ltd. demeure un exemple à suivre pour

la nouvelle génération. Né le 1er juin 1956 à Maurice, Arnaud Godère a développé le goût des affaires dès son jeune âge. Après ses études secondaires, il s’envola pour la France afin d’entamer un Diplôme Supérieur Universitaire en Gestion des Entreprises. A son retour au pays, il prit de l’emploi comme représentant des ventes des gaz ménager pour la compagnie Shell Mauritius Ltd., une des multinationales les plus côtés du pays. Son enthousiasme et sa détermination finissent par payer car il fut promu au poste de directeur dans le même département quelques mois plus tard. 1994 fut une année remarquable, car riche en événements pour Arnaud Godère. En effet, cette année-

là, ce dernier accéda à la Présidence de la Jeune Chambre Internationale et par conséquent prit un an de congé sabbatique pour visiter plus de 70 pays dans le cadre de cette nomination. Par ailleurs, pendant la même année, il reçut la médaille d’honneur ‘Officer of Star and Key of the Indian Ocean’ des mains du président de la République de Maurice pour service rendu à la nation. L’année suivante, Arnaud Godère fut nommé Assistant des Affaires Publiques de la compagnie Shell et en 1997 fut promu ‘Brand and Communication Manager’. Arnaud Godère chapota aussi le ‘Brand and Communication Department’ de la Shell pour l’Afrique de l’Est et occupa ensuite le poste de Directeur des Ressources Marines en mai 2002. Marié à Sylvette Godère, ce père de deux enfants a eu l’opportunité de diriger deux des piliers de l’Economie Mauricienne, notamment l’Export Processing Zone Development Authority (EPZDA) et tout récemment la Mauritius Post Ltd. Malgré un agenda toujours chargé, Arnaud Godère trouve le temps de faire du social. Membre de la Jeune Chambre Internationale et récemment de la Commission National de Suivi et de Soutien - Fonds Insertion Jeunes, il a aussi fait office de trésorier pour le Comité sur la Pauvreté. De plus, il s’adonne à quelques activités sportives, notamment le sport nautique, le jogging et le tennis.

A

Interview •••

Arnaud Godèrean example of success story


••• Pro corner

The survival of a pro-golfer is the willingness to go beyond your limits. Billy Narraina is well aware of this necessity after 12 years in the field of golf.

The ups and downs along his way never stopped him from doing what he liked most, but instead made him a stronger man full of conviction.

At the age of 40 Billy Narraina is one of the most popular players in the Mauritian golf community. His passion for football made him the last candidate to become golf professional. However, after his first swing at the age of 18, the golf fever was so strong that he chose to continue. From curiosity to passion, Billy Narraina was out for a rich career crowned with success. Golf has become his life and way to earn a living. “I started working as a caddy at the Gymkhana Club to get closer to golf especially that I had the opportunity to improve my techniques and my swings” he added.

Ambitious and audacious, Billy Narraina decided to go to Belgium for full time training at the PRO1Golf Academy. “I took a huge risk and I do not regret it at all.”

La survie d’un golfeur professionnel dépend de sa capacité d’aller au delà de ses limites. Billy Narraira ne nous dira pas le contraire. Douze années se sont écoulées depuis qu’il côtoie ce milieu. Ainsi, contre vents et marées, il n’a jamais jeté l’éponge et continue son petit bonhomme de chemin. Face à l’adversité, il a su tirer les leçons des erreurs commises faisant de lui un homme plus fort, plein de conviction.

Agé de 40 ans, Billy Narraina est une des figures incontournable du golf mauricien. Sa riche carrière couronnée de prestigieuses victoires est le fruit des années de travail et de sacrifice. Selon lui, « La volonté de se dépasser et croire en soi-même est primordiale, la réussite viendra naturellement ». Jadis fan de football, Billy Narraina n’aurait jamais envisagé faire carrière un jour dans le domaine. D’autant plus qu’il a commencé à jouer au golf à 18 ans. De la curiosité à la passion, le golf occupait une place prépondérante dans la vie du jeune homme. Il décida donc de faire de sa passion un métier. «J’ai commencé à travailler comme caddie au Gymkhana Club pour être plus prêt du golf. C’était une occasion en or pour moi de peaufiner ma technique et améliorer mes swings» relate-t-il. Ambitieux et téméraire, il décida d’aller parfaire sa technique au PRO1GOLF Academy en Belgique. « Je voulais à tous prix devenir un professionnel et à aucun moment je regrette ce choix» soutient-il

Billy Narraina

Pro-golferor the ability to go

beyond the limits…


•••Pro corner

The long-term outcomes for Billy Narraina were positive and he took his first win in 1987 during the IBL and British Airways Open. “I won the caddies championship many times but my pride remains the Lufthansa and British Airways Cup whereby I won all the editions.” With his outstanding performance, Billy Nairraina had the chance to participate in different international events namely in Germany, England, Kenya, India, Madagascar where he went to win many prizes.

His dream of being a pro-golfer became a reality in 1992 when he was employed as golf coach for the Trou aux Bîches hotel. “I have been unemployed since last year because the hotel is under renovation. Moreover, I am quite busy preparing myself for a professional challenge in India this year.”

The ex president of the Mauritius Professional Golfers Association and member of Sunshine Tour (Southern Africa Golf), Billy did not only play and teach golf. He also had at heart the development and expansion of the sport among the Mauritian population.

When it comes to the fact that Mauritius is the preferred destination for golf, he included. “I have seen people coming and going in the Mauritius Golf Federation but the situation remains idle. Mauritius is known as the best golf destination by foreigners but the majority of the population hardly has a culture of the game. Enable people to discover and appreciate the sport are the only way towards improvement. The government plays an important role in this process of making golf more accessible. Furthermore, it is important to train monitors and encourage them financially so that they can become real professional.In fact, there are so many things to do for this sport”

Les efforts de Billy Nairraina ne tardèrent pas à payer car il triompha pour la première fois en 1987 lors d’IBL and Birtish Airways Open. « J’ai remporté le championnat des caddies à plusieurs reprises, ma fierté demeure cependant mon sacre lors des quatre uniques éditions du Lufthansa & British Airways Cup». Très vite, il arpentera plusieurs pays notamment l’Allemagne, l’Angleterre, le Kenya, l’Inde et Madagascar entre autres et se distingua même à plusieurs reprises.

Ainsi son rêve de golfeur professionnel devint une réalité en 1992 lorsqu’il prit de l’emploi comme moniteur de golf à l’hôtel Trou aux Biches. «Je suis en chômage technique depuis 2008 car l’hôtel est en rénovation. En attendant de reprendre mes fonctions, je me prépare à participer à une compétition chez les pros en Inde».

Billy Nairraina ne faisait pas que jouer et enseigner le golf. Il avait également à cœur le progrès et l’épanouissement du sport chez les mauriciens. L’ancien président du Mauritius Professsional Golfers Association et membre du Sunshine Tour (Southern Africa Golf) ne mâche pas ses mots. Et lorsqu’on lui parle de Maurice comme la meilleure destination golfique, il nous dira «J’ai constaté pas mal d’aller et venir au sein de la Fédération sans que rien ne soit fait. Nous parlons de Maurice en tant que destination golfique, mais les mauriciens ont de loin une culture du golf. Instruire et faire découvrir le sport sont les seuls moyens de vulgariser le golf. Le gouvernement a un rôle important à jouer pour rendre le golf plus accessible. Il faut briser la glace et donner la chance aux aspirants moniteurs d’entreprendre des études poussées pour être des vrais pros en leur soutenant financièrement» conclu-t-il.


Le Hong Kong Bank de Maurice était exact au rendez- vous pour le tournoi HSBC Golf Classic, le 21 février dernier au Gymkhana Club. Cette initiative de la HSBC en collaboration avec le Club Gymkhana a encore une fois impressionnée plus d’un, de part son niveau et sa popularité. 160 golfeurs composé d’amateurs de golf et de clients de la banque ont répondu présents à cet évènement grandiose. Ainsi, un bon nombre de participants étaient issus de plus d’une dizaine de clubs à travers Maurice. Le tournoi s’est joué sur le format Stable ford avec un handicap 2/3 ne dépassant pas un handicap 24. Par ailleurs, les participants étaient divisés en deux catégories notamment les clients de la HSBC et les membres des clubs. Les prix, les uns plus alléchants que les autres rehaussaient le niveau de la compétition. Toutefois, le jackpot - des vacances golfiques pour deux d’une valeur de Rs35, 000 offert par la HSBC n’a pas trouvé de preneur étant donné qu’aucun des participants n’a pu décrocher le Hole in One.

Cependant, Frédérick Duthil a réalisé le Nearest to the Pin au trou No 9 alors que le Nearest to the Line a été remporté par Robert Espitalier Noël. Il faut aussi souligner la belle prestation du jeune Phil Minkley, le plus jeune des participants. Ce dernier a pris la quatrième place dans la catégorie homme chez les membres des clubs.

Le coup d’envoi de la compétition s’est tenu aux petites heures du matin sur le terrain humide de Gymkhana à Vacoas. Les quelques averses venues jouer aux trouble-fêtes en début de matinée, n’ont pas effacé l’enthousiasme des joueurs qui n’avaient que des yeux pour la compétition. Le tournoi s’est achevé en fin d’après midi par un cocktail et une remise des prix aux meilleurs joueurs du jour.

The Hong Kong Bank of Mauritius was above expectation on Saturday 21st February 2009 at the Mauritius Gymkhana Club for the annual HSBC Golf Classic. Organised by HSBC in collaboration with the Gymkhana Club, the tournament was once more prestigious and highly competitive. While the event brought together 160 golfers comprising of amateurs and HSBC clients, the main feature was the strong participation of members from other golf clubs around Mauritius. The format used was stable ford with 2/3rd handicap not exceeding a handicap of 24. Also note that the participants were divided into two categories namely HSBC clients and club members. Another element that made the competition even more challenging and outstanding is the star prize of a golf holiday for two worth Rs35, 000, offered by HSBC Mauritius to anyone having a Hole in One. However, the star prize will be kept for next year as no one has been able to win the ante.

Furthermore, Frédérick Duthil succeeded the Nearest to the Pin challenge on hole No 9 while the Nearest to the Line on hole No 2 was won by Robert Espitalier Noël. In addition, the wonderful performance of Phil Minkley should be acknowledged. Aged 14, the young player came out 4th in the Men’s category.

The first tee-off began early in the morning in the humid golf course of Gymkhana Club in Vacoas. A huge rainstorm started the day off however, this had no impact on the enthusiasm of the players which kept on growing as the competition went on.

Finally, the tournament ended up with a cocktail and prize giving ceremony to compensate the best players of the day.

ResultsThe Star Prize for Hole in one: No winnerThe nearest to the Pin on No 9: Frédérick DuthilNearest to the Line on No 2: Robert Espitalier Noël

HSBC Golf Classic 2009

HSBC committed to promote golf at all levels

Local golf news•••


•••Local golf newsJaganmohan Ramachandran (Vice Président

du Global Banking au HSBC)

Depuis plusieurs années, la HSBC a tissé des liens très solides avec le monde golfique. Tant et si bien que le golf est devenu une des activités les plus prisées chez les employés et les clients amateurs de golf. Ainsi, ils se rencontrent chaque année pour une partie de golf dans la joie et la bonne humeur, au bonheur des convives. Dans le cadre de leur projet pour le bien-être de la société, la HSBC souhaite avant tout promouvoir les valeurs essentielles telles que l’honnêteté, l’intégrité entre autres à travers ce sport. L’organisateur et vice président du Global Banking à la HSBC a voulu montrer l’exemple en jouant le dernier tee-off de cette journée. Geste simple, mais au combien symbolique pour démontrer l’engagement de la HSBC. Selon lui, « L’évènement a eu un grand succès. Tout le monde était au couleur de la HSBC. C’était l’occasion de raffermir les liens avec nos différents partenaires et clients dans un esprit de fraternité et de camaraderie, cela tout en mettant en avant le talent des golfeurs. Beaucoup seront d’accord avec moi qu’il ne s’agit pas uniquement de gagner la compétition, mais d’y apporter sa contribution en participant. »

Espace des gagnants

Vainqueur de l’édition 2009 de la HSBC Golf Classic dans la catégorie des hommes, Nand Sooredoo est un homme heureux. En effet, après un excellent début, il savait dès lors que cette compétition allait se jouer sur de bons auspices pour lui. « J’ai terminé mon premier trou par un Birdie. Cela ma porté chance, mais surtout donner confiance pour entamer le reste de la partie avec la rage de vaincre. J’ai donné le meilleur de moi-même jusqu’à la fin pour pouvoir remporter le tournoi. Je suis satisfait de ma journée car la compétition est d’un très bon niveau, tant sur le plan organisationnel que compétitif. »

Phil Minkley est le plus jeune des participants à ce tournoi. Agé de 14 ans, il a le vent en pourpre. S’il continue sur sa lancée, le talentueux jeune homme est promis à un bel avenir dans le monde golfique. Ainsi, il s’est distingué dans la catégorie des hommes en remportant la 4e place. Une prestation qui n’est pas déméritée en prenant en compte son jeune âge. Fier de sa performance, Phil Minkley ne compte toutefois pas s’arrêter en si bon chemin. «J’ai beaucoup apprécié la compétition et me frotter aux différents joueurs. Chaque compétition me permet de m’améliorer au niveau des tactiques du jeu. Cela n’a pas été de tout repos, mais j’ai quand même réussi à décrocher la 4e place. Je souhaite progresser d’avantage afin de pouvoir améliorer mon score. »

Jaganmohan Ramachandran ( Vice President of Global Banking at HSBC)

Strongly supported by HSBC group for years, golf remains one of the activities that bring HSBC employees, golf amateurs and clients together in a friendly and cool atmosphere. Forming part of their sponsorship strategy, HSBC is committed to promote golf at all levels. For the organisers, golf symbolises the principles of fairness, honesty, integrity and inclusiveness – important values that is nurture at HSBC. Jaganmohan Ramachandran, vice president of Global Banking at HSBC and organiser gave the example by ending the tee-off of the day. According to him “All the participants were provided HSBC Colours and the event was a great testimony to camaraderie amongst the participants, an opportunity to network and to test individual golfing skills. As most golfers would agree, it was not the sense of winning but the participation that matters”.

Winner’s corner

Nand Sooredoo is proud after winning the first place in the men category. After a fantastic start, he knew that his day was meant to be a very good one. “I started Hole No 1 with a birdie. This has given me the necessary confidence to give my best and win this tournament. This competition is of high quality in all its aspects. I really had a good time.”

Phil Minkley was the youngest player in the competition. Aged 14, he ranked 4th in the Men’s Gymkhana category. Phil is proud of his performance but yet thinks he can perform better next time. “I had great time plating with the other golfers. It was not an easy task but I like challengers. I am happy to have finished at the 4th place, however, I am looking forward to improve myself for the next tournament and score better results.”

Name Handicap Points

WOMEN - HSBC Guests

1 Saddul, Prabha 10 36

2 Goswamy, Roopal 20 33

3 Li Wan Po, Liliane 19 29

MGC MEMBERS

1 King, Maria 16 33

2 Kan Wah, Marguerite 14 31

3 Chung, Jennifer 11 30

MEN - HSBC Guests

1 Sood, Ashwini 9 34

2 Garrioch, Gerard 10 33

3 Chung Kai To, Cyril 9 32

MGC MEMBERS

1 Sooredoo, Nand 14 37

2 Provencal, Dominic 18 36

3 Espitalier Noel, Robert 8 35

L’équipe mauricienne brille en Afrique du Sud

Belle prestation de nos compatriotes lors de l’Affinity Cup de Nedbank qui s’est déroulé du 1er au 3 décembre dernier à Sun City en Afrique du Sud. La délégation mauricienne composée de Valérie Raffray, Robert Espitalier Noël, Agathe Desvaux de Marigny et Françoise Espitalier Noël n’a pas déméritée. En effet, l’unique équipe mixte du tournoi comprenant une trentaine d’équipes a pris la deuxième place au classement finale avec 59 points soit à deux points des vainqueurs grâce à la performance de Valérie Raffray et Robert Espitalier Noël.

Emotion Golf Ladies Cup continue

Après quelques semaines de repos, les golfeuses sont revenues à l’assaut pour entamer la troisième manche de l’Emotion Ladies Cup. La compétition qui s’est déroulée sur le parcours du Gymkhana Club le 19 février dernier est une initiative de l’Emotion Golf Events en collaboration avec l’Association de Golf féminin. A l’issu de cette journée, ceux sont les Butterflies I qui se sont imposés avec 37 points suivi de près par Pink Birdies qui compte 35 points alors que la troisième place est revenue aux Perdrix avec 25 points. Toutefois, les données peuvent changer pendant ces quatre derniers tours qui restent à jouer en attendant la grande finale qui récompensera la meilleure équipe de la saison. En tout cas, les dés sont jetés et le premier challenge inter-club féminin dans toute l’histoire du golf mauricien promet des étincelles.

Emotion Golf Ladies Cup continue

The lady golfers are back to business after a long rest to compete for the 3rd round of the Emotion Ladies Cup.

The competition was held at the Mauritius Gymkhana Club, last February 19th and was organized by Emotions Golf Events in partnership with the Ladies Golf Union.

The Butterflies once more showed their supremacy and took the first place with 37 points. The Pink Birdies took the second place with 35 points followed by the Perdrix which scored 25 points. However, more surprises are yet to come with the four remaining rounds before reaching the finals at the end of the season. The ladies are ready for the kill and enjoy the very first inter-club ladies challenge in the history of Mauritian golf.

News•••

Mauritian team shines in South Africa

An outstanding performance by our compatriots at the Affinity Cup of Nedbank which was held from the 1st to 3rd of December last at Sun City in South Africa. Mauritius was represented by Valérie Raffray, Robert Espitalier Noël, Agathe Desvaux de Marigny and Françoise Espitalier Noël. In fact, the Mauritian delegation was the only mixed team in the competition and their excellent performance led to a second place in the podium. Furthermore, the performance of Valérie Raffray and Robert Espitalier Noël enabled the Mauritian team to score 59 points, two points less than the leaders.


•••News

Emotion Kids Tournament: An opportunity to discover talents.

The Dodo club hosted the first kid’s tournament for 2009 on Saturday 21st February. Organized by Emotion Golf, this event aims at encouraging youngsters to play golf in a competitive way. More than 20 children were present for this day reserved only for kids. Moreover, it has a great success even though it was raining from time to time. Accompanied and guided by their parents, the children were able to learn and improve their techniques during the sessions. The organizers ceased the opportunity to scout some of the good elements. The performance of Alexandre Espitalier Noël with 37 points, Max Daruty de Grandpré with 41 points, Samuel Serret scoring 45 points as well as Adrien Amar and Quentin Adam both scoring 43 points show that many of the children have potential which need to be developed further in the future.

Note that these preparatory competitions will lead to a challenge for kids which will start as from 28 March 2009 at the St Géran Golf Course. The Emotions Kids Cup will allow children from different clubs around Mauritius to compete at national level.

Emotion Kids Tournament: A la découverte de nouveaux talents

Le premier tournoi des enfants pour l’année 2009 s’est tenu le samedi 21 Février dernier. Cette initiative de la compagnie Emotion Golf vise à encourage d’avantage les enfants et les adolescents à pratiquer le golf pour la compétition. Malgré le mauvais temps qui a persisté tout au long de la journée, la réaction a été positive puisqu’ils étaient plus d’une vingtaine d’enfants à répondre présent à l’évènement. Accompagnés et guidés par leurs parents, c’était l’occasion pour les jeunes golfeurs d’apprendre et de maitriser quelques techniques sur le parcours. De plus, les organisateurs en ont profité pour cibler quelques bons éléments parmi les participants. Par ailleurs, la performance d’Alexandre Espitalier Noël qui

a ramené 37 points, Max Daruty de Grandpré avec 41 points, Samuel Serret qui compte 45 point ainsi que Adrien Amar et Quentin Adam qui ont ramené 43 points chacun ont montré que beaucoup de jeunes ont du potentiel qui ne demande qu’à être développer d’avantage.

A noter que ces compétitions ne sont qu’une préparation en vue du prochain Emotions Kids Cup challenge qui a débuté en Mars dernier sur le parcours du St Géran. L’Emotion Kids Cup permettra aux enfants des différents clubs d’être en compétition au niveau national.

Golfsuisse magazine fait l’éloge de Maurice

Golfsuisse magazine consacre six de ses pages à Maurice. Rudolf Mueller, qui s’occupe de la rubrique découverte a fait le tour d’horizon des parcours de golf à Maurice dans son article intitulé Mauritius- Paradise « for sale » dans l’édition Mars/ Avril 2009. Par ailleurs, le journaliste spécialisé, qui était en visite chez nous en janvier dernier ne s’est permet de donner quelques précieux conseils aux golfeurs qui souhaitent tenter l’expérience golfique à Maurice. Selon lui, « Pour surmonter les effets de la récession, nous devons beaucoup dépenser, pour cela Maurice représente la destination idéale pour jouer au golf car elle en vaut vraiment le coût ».

Golfsuisse est le magazine officiel de la Swiss Golf Association (ASG). Plus de 39,000 copies sont imprimées en allemand et 14,000 en français.

GolfSuisse magazine reports on Mauritius

Six pages of the golfsuisse magazine dedicated to Mauritius. Rudolf Mueller who was in Mauritius last January made a full report of the different golf courses of Mauritius for readers to discover new golf opportunities. In his article entitled Maurtius – Paradise “For Sale” in the March/April issue, Rudolf Mueller recommends the following: “to overcome the recession means to consume more and the best thing is to go to Mauritius for golfing and he states that Mauritius has never been as worth the money’

GolfSuisse is the official magazine of the Swiss Golf Association (ASG) and has a circulation of 39000 copies in German and 14 000 copies in French version.



•••Rules & Jokes

Here’s the scenario:You Play a shot into a green; maybe it’s a blind green, but at any rate, you aren’t able to see your ball come

to rest. When you get up to the green, you can’t find your ball anywhere. You search, but eventually you are forced to declare a lost ball and take the stroke-plus-distance penalty.

So you put the second ball into play, and when you hole out with the second ball - lo andbehold - there’s your first ball in the bottom of the cup. What is the ruling? Does your first ball -a hole-out - count, or does your second ball?If your first ball counts, you might have just scored a hole in one, or perhaps even a double eagle.If your second ball counts, you are likely bogeying, at best.The answer is clear: The first ball (the one that was holed-out) counts.

The very first rule in the Rules of Golf says this:“The Game of Golf consists of playing a ball with a club from the teeing ground into the hole bya stroke or successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.”“Into the hole” is the part we’re most concerned with; the very first rule in the rulebook says that the point of

the game is to get the ball into the hole.Once you’ve done that the hole is considered finished. You’ve completed play of a hole as soon as your ball

finds the cup.So erroneously playing a second ball, assessing the stroke-and-distance penalty, is super ceded by the fact

that your play of the hole was complete as soon as your first ball found the cup.This ruling is specifically addressed in Decision 1-1/2 of the Rules of Golf, where the USGA answers the

question:“The score with the original ball counts. The play of the hole was completed when the player holed that

ball.”[Source: about.com: golf]

All in the Grip...... Jack was first up in his foursome. Eyeing the

ball, he swung his club and hooked his shot over the fence and down a road where the ball crashed through the windshield of an oncoming car. The startled driver lost control of his vehicle, and it spun into a parking lot and bounced off three cars.

Jack raced over to the crash scene and was relieved to find that no one was hurt. Almost immediately a policeman arrived and spotted Jack standing next to the crashed car eyeing his ball.

“Just what are you going to do about this?” demanded the policeman.

Jack looked up. “Well, the first thing I’m going to do is change my grip.”

The Hook Shot......An Irish guy goes to the US, meets a beautiful

young lady, falls in love, he proposes marriage, she accepts and they return to Ireland for the wedding with his family.

On the wedding night he tells her: “Honey I have a terrible secret... I love golf... I live for golf... I think all day long about nothing else only golf... I dream about golf... I play golf every opportunity I can..... in fact I’m

totally addicted to golf” She says: “Honey that’s fine because I have a

secret also... Back in the States before I met you I was a hooker”

He says: “That’s OK honey, if you just change your grip a little like this and open your stance!!”

10 things in golf that sound dirty

Look at the size of his putter.1. Oh, dang, my shafts all bent.2. You really wacked the hell out of that sucker.3. After 18 holes I can barely walk.4. My hands are so sweaty I can’t get a good 5. grip.Lift your head and spread your legs.6. You have a nice stroke, but your follow through 7. leaves a lot to be desired.Just turn your back and drop it.8. Hold up. I’ve got to wash my balls.9. Damn, I missed the hole again.10.

Lost and found golf rules

Golf Jokes


Swingtime 4th Issue

Documents

Transcript of Swingtime 4th Issue