One of the "must play" (30.11.2013, temperature in the 30 Degrees C +).
To play this course, one needs the agility of a mountain goat, the golfing skills and imagination of Seve and of large oxygen bottle....
This is certainly the most testing 9 holes I have ever played, I have never seen such steep inclines and blind holes, but what a challenge. The scenery is breathtaking too and the added thrill of a storm lurking made it an unforgettable experience plus the warm welcome from the Proshop and the Members with whom I played.
Le Golf Club du Colorado was very accommodating as I was 1 hour late for my round (dont ever rely on non-golfing family members to give you a lift !!!) Although, La Reunion is part of France, the attitude on this island is very laid back. I was slotted in with 3 charming local Members. Being part of The Social Golfer.com I am quite at ease playing with total strangers. We started as a 4 balls but soon decided to split up as the course was very busy and nature decided it was time to show how quickly the weather can change in this tropical part of the world.
A set of brand new Left Hand Ladies golf clubs was waiting for me with a new bag and new trolley, what a treat, normally when I hire clubs abroad, I have to make do with Mens clubs and old ones with steel shafts...
The only flat lie on this course on on the Tee boxes. The fairways are well maintained despite the slopes and inclines, natural contours utilised to their best to make the 9 holes a very challenging course. For a 1st timers, better to be playing with a Member who can give you some tips as to where the ball will react and as to where to aim as not always obvious with the blind shots.
The greens were superb, fast, even the Members well having difficulty in reading the lines.
Bunkers were plentiful and filled in with dark, blackish sand from the volcanic rocks so present everywhere in La Reunion island which still has a live Volcano (the most monitored one in the world!!!).
There are wonderful views of the Indian Ocean, the volcanic Mountains.
Wind and clouds suddenly appeared but not serouis enough for us to abandon golf, and run back with the oxygen bottle to the Clubhouse! A beautiful rainbow showed up at the end of the round and the sun shone again.
An enjoyable course discovery & experience, a warm welcome in the Proshop (even if you are late), a friendly Bar/Restaurant with a terrace overlooking the finishing hole guarded by large bunkers and several stray dogs, a particular trait in La Reunion. All these dogs are friendly and just looking for affection/love/food. If you took one home, you know it will never leave you.
I was given some golf magazines by the Proshop as they could see I had a special interest in their course, set up. activities etc. I read all about their members taking part in various competitions on the island and further afield, like Mauritius or Madagascar...
A new, larger and more modern Clubhouse is being built for everyone to enjoy. There is a strong, active & mixed membership taking part in numerous tournaments etc.
Very reasonable prices in Euros for the round, equipment hire and the Bar.
There are 2 car parks, one for the Golf and Tennis members and one for the Visitors (probably an overflow).
Excellent practice facility in the open, replicating the actual contours of the course.
THE END......
Date Monday, 20, January 2014
