Behind the Greens: An Exclusive Interview with Sebastien Pilot

As we approach the 13th edition of MCB Tour Championship, Constance Belle Mare Plage is preparing to host what has become the most prestigious golf event in the Indian Ocean region. Taking place from December 5-10, 2024, this year’s tournament is once again a partnership between Constance Hotels & Resorts, The Mauritius Commercial Bank, and the Legends Tour, and promises an unforgettable week for both players and fans.

This celebrated event brings together passionate amateurs and some of the finest names in golf, transforming the Legend Golf Course into a battleground of skill and strategy. Beyond the professional tournament, a rich lineup awaits, including the Air Mauritius Trophy, the Constance Pro-Am, and the thrilling main event—the MCB Tour Championship.

In anticipation of this milestone year, we had the chance to speak with Sebastien Pilot, the Golf Director at Constance Belle Mare Plage, for an inside look at what it takes to bring these world-class greens to life.

What does it take to prepare a championship course at Constance Belle Mare Plage, and how do you approach maintaining it to such high standards?

 “Our objective is to maintain the Legend and the Links courses at a high level throughout the year. This is achieved thanks to an exceptional team of experienced greenkeepers who work tirelessly to present two perfectly manicured golf courses. Each year, we strive to meet and aim to exceed our standards.”

How does the environment in Mauritius influence your approach to managing the course for this prestigious event?

 “We stay flexible with our maintenance schedule to adapt to our tropical climate. We’ve introduced paspalum grass to our greens to ensure they remain pristine year-round. This grass is ideally suited to our environment, enabling us to deliver an excellent playing surface regardless of the season.”

What unique features or challenges of the courses at Constance Belle Mare Plage can we expect to see in this year’s MCB Tour Championship?

 “The Legend course is truly a masterpiece and has won recognition as the Best Golf Course in the Indian Ocean. Each hole offers a unique challenge, but the standout features include the narrow fairways and water hazards on every hole. Over at Links Golf Course, our second championship course here in Mauritius, the lava rock formations make for a striking landscape. Hole 17 at the Legend course—our signature par 3—is a breathtaking experience for any golfer.”

In your opinion, what makes the MCB Tour Championship at Constance Belle Mare Plage special compared to other golf events?

 “The MCB Tour Championship is a prestigious competition that attracts top players from the Legends Tour, including Ryder Cup veterans, captains, and Major champions like Ian Woosnam, Colin Montgomerie, Paul Lawrie, and Michael Campbell. The lineup alone speaks to the tournament’s exceptional appeal.”

What advice would you give to golfers coming to play in the MCB Tour Championship who may be unfamiliar with the nuances of this course?

 “The Legend course demands a strategic mindset. It’s not about distance; it’s about precision. Approach each hole thoughtfully, from Tee to Green, and prioritise accuracy over power.”

As we look forward to MCB Tour Championship in December, the greens are ready, the course is set, and golf enthusiasts from around the world will witness a celebration of skill, strategy, and passion for the game at Constance Belle Mare Plage. This event is more than just a tournament—it’s a showcase of the spirit of golf in paradise.