Nicolas Colsaerts used his knowledge of Four Seasons Golf Club Anahita to full effect on Friday to surge up the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open leaderboard.
The Belgian, who has been a touring professional at the venue since 2010, tamed the wild winds on the stunning island’s east coast, posting a wonderful seven under par 65 to rise 68 places into a share of third.
“I can’t really think of a better display than that,” said the 2012 Ryder Cup player, who had birdies and two bogeys.
“I played every shot the way I intended, using the wind here and there, and most of them were really close.
Nicolas Colsaerts
"I converted most of the birdie chances I gave myself, but it could’ve been even better.
“I drove just off the back of the green on the ninth and made four, and I three-putted the tenth. I dropped another shot on the 17th and got it back on the last, so overall I’m very happy. It’s the toughest I’ve ever seen this place play in however many rounds I’ve played here. It’s a serious test.”
South African Hennie Otto is the other touring pro at Four Seasons Golf Club Anahita and also benefitted from his experience there over the years to sign for a level par 72, which left him one under for the tournament in joint sixth place.
“It’s the toughest you will ever play this golf course, the last two days,” said Otto. “It’s a pity the wind is blowing so hard, but it’s the same for everyone.
“The way it is, I didn’t expect to be one under at halfway.
Hennie Otto
"I’ve just been trying to stay in there and stay patient. If you miss greens, you have to make sure you can get up and down, and that’s what I did.
“It does help when you know where to miss and where not to miss. The wind has never blown this hard when I’ve been here, so it’s different. The greens are slower, too – they are usually much quicker than this.”
