Avalon Golf Course occupies nearly half of the 544-acre Avalon Golf Estate in the central highlands of Mauritius, close to the Black River Gorges National Park. The 18-hole layout was designed by Peter Matkovich, widely regarded as the most prolific and influential golf course architect working in Africa today.

Avalon has earned a reputation as something of a golfing garden of Eden, and it is easy to understand why. Tea plantations climb the surrounding mountain slopes, lush fairways rise and fall across ridge lines and ravines, and streams weave through the layout on several holes. The result is a course that feels genuinely immersed in its highland landscape rather than imposed upon it.

Avalon Golf Estate is located in the central highlands of Mauritius near the Black River Gorges National Park, one of the island’s most protected natural areas. The elevated position of the course means cooler temperatures than the coastal resorts, making it a welcome option during the warmer months. The estate is accessible from both the north and south of the island and welcomes visiting golfers alongside estate residents.

Course Design and Routing

Matkovich routed the par-3s and par-5s with the southeast trade winds firmly in mind, orientating each of these holes in a different direction to ensure that wind conditions vary throughout the round and no single strategy dominates. This thoughtful approach to routing means Avalon plays differently depending on the day, rewarding players who read conditions well.

The most memorable holes on the course include two short par-4s that demand precision over power. The 273-metre 4th plays downhill with a ravine threatening down the left side, while the 292-metre 17th presents a stream running along the right side of the fairway, punishing anything that drifts off line.

Signature Hole: The Par-4 13th

The 13th at Avalon Golf Course is 380 yards from the club tees, a par-4 that is approachable in terms of length and offers a generous landing zone from the tee. A river runs along the right side of the fairway before crossing directly in front of the green, and the views across the Mauritian highlands from this part of the course are outstanding.

The real test arrives on the approach. A well-struck drive leaves a mid to short iron into an elevated, well-bunkered green that falls away sharply on its far side toward the stream below. Club selection is critical: short misses are punished, and anything long risks an awkward recovery from difficult ground. Take your time, pick the right club, and this hole rewards good decision-making as much as ball-striking.