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In conversation with...
JEREMY MAMET, SUPERINTENDENT OF
HERITAGE GOLF CLUB’S TWO COURSES.
Could you tell us more about La Reserve’s
links concept?
The architects’ idea is to produce a links
atmosphere by minimising the planting of trees
around the course. The aim is to provide an
unobstructed view of the natural surroundings
from every spot. The major natural undulations
of the terrain will add to the general atmosphere.
The fairways, greens and the areas between holes
will follow the sweep of the land. When playing,
mastering the wind will be very important. The
links concept springs from these factors, even if, of
course, the course is not really a links in the original
sense of the term.
What’s different about the route the
course follows?
Most of the holes will involve playing downhill.
The first hole will start from the estate’s highest
point and the course will terminate some 650 feet
lower down. There will be as many as ten different
tee-off points on some holes in order to vary the
experience to a certain degree and make it even
more interesting – whatever one’s level.
Which will be La Reserve’s signature hole?
Peter Matkovich isn’t keen on the concept of a
signature hole. He seeks genuinely to create 18
very different holes, each with its own personality.
I suspect that the first four holes from up at the
top of the estate may well leave some haunting
memories. But even from the clubhouse down
below, the views are truly majestic…
BERTRAND D'UNIENVILLE,
THE PROJECT’S LEAD LANDSCAPER
“AN OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE
THE MAURITIAN COUNTRYSIDE”
Is the terrain on which the course will
be built right for landscaping?
Yes, because the area is on the final slopes
of the range of hills running down to the sea.
Such regions are typically full of grasslands.
We’ve selected five main grass varieties, some
endemic and some indigenous, and other
species will add themselves naturally over time.
The mix will supplement itself and the idea is to
help it along by preserving local species.
Is there a grass which has particularly
struck you?
Digiteria didactyla, also known as Queensland
Blue Couch, has an interesting story. Native to
the Mascarene Islands and part of the general
mix we’ll be using, it was accidentally introduced
into Sydney at the end of the 19th century.
In 1925, mention is made of its use for the
governor’s lawns and also those of botanical
gardens. Later on, it was used as the main grass
at the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Is there anything you’d like to stress
about the landscaping aspects of the
project?
Above all, the idea is not to go back to a bygone
era but, using landscaping methods in a
responsible way, to select existing species that
fit in well within the terrain. This golf course is
a great opportunity to celebrate the Mauritian
countryside.
HERITAGE RESORTS STORIES |
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