Giant golf simulator arrives at Constance Belle Mare Plage

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It has raised a few eyebrows among golfers on the Constance Legend course and diners at the Deerhunter Restaurant. But what is it – that massive golf ball that has appeared on the lake alongside the 18th green?

World class golf simulator

For those who have yet to find out, we are happy to reveal all. The golf ball is a massive air-conditioned dome that houses one of the largest and most sophisticated golf simulators to have been created. And it is the first time such an advanced piece of equipment has been seen on Mauritius.

How it works

Throughout this week, guests of the Mauritius Commercial Bank and Constance Hotels & Resorts will be able to play on one of over 100 golf courses in a comfortable environment and without getting wet, losing a ball or burning excess energy negotiating steep climbs and sharp descents.

They can simply stand on the tee, select the club of their choice and hit the ball down a fairway that is displayed on a huge screen in front of them. Without taking so much as a step forward, the player is transported to the ball and the procedure is repeated until the ball finally drops into the cup. It could hardly be easier and an 18-hole game can be over in barely an hour.

The simulator can cater for all formats of play and can also be used for swing analysis, allowing professionals to coach amateur players and to hopefully improve their game.

Off-Course Golf

Off-Course Golf (OCG) has been in existence for six months and was the brainchild of partners Julien Montlahuc and Benoit Revol, from Paris. Julien discovered the simulator on a trip to Vienna and returned home full of enthusiasm. He convinced his friend, Benoit, of its potential and the two men invested all their capital to develop and build the system. When that was done, they needed an outlet to display and promote it.

Where better than in the heart of Paris – at Fouquet’s Hotel, part of the Lucien Barriere chain – near the Champs Elysees. Yes, the young entrepreneurs persuaded the manager to sign an agreement allowing them to set up the simulator on the roof of his hotel for six months. It proved a massive hit and the unit remained in place for two years.

The Mauritius Commercial Bank eventually got to hear about OCG through a contact who had seen the simulator in Paris and the bank agreed to commission its appearance at the golf week.

The MCB will be using the Dome to host clients but there will also be plenty of opportunities for hotel guests and golfers to try it out.

Find out more

Visit the MCB Tour Championship website to find out more or discover the delights in store at Constance Belle Mare Plage.

In the mood for winning?

Enter our fun golf game on Facebook and you could win a Kindle Fire. Closing date Friday 7 December.

Article by Neil Webber