Golf courses of the Big Island

 
On holiday in the Big Island and eager to play a round of golf? In this article find out about the four existing golf courses in Madagascar. Ranging from 9 holes to 18 holes, take a dream swing in the most beautiful parts of the island.
 
The Antsirabe Golf Course: appreciated for its Vichy water, Antsirabe, also known as the water city is also famous for its golf course. Created in 1935, the grounds are located in Ivohitra. With a distance of 1,8km there is 1 golf course, with 9 holes. This course is the oldest golf course in Madagascar. The fairways of the golf course create unique shapes, you will not miss a good swing.
 
The Ny Rova Golf Course: Founded in 1951, the Ny Rova Golf Course is located in Andakana, one hour from the capital Antananarivo. Notably, one finds there 1 golf course with its 18 holes. Its hilly course and narrow tree-lined fairways make it very popular. An international golf course, it is highly appreciated by international players, mainly from Mauritius and Reunion.
 
The Nosy Be Golf Course: The Pearls Golf course in Nosy Be is a magnificent 18-hole, par 72, 6,058m long course. Beginners and professionals alike are welcome! No worries for beginners, a professional accompanies you for your first tour to explain.
 
The Azura Golf Course: Located on the east coast of Madagascar 40 kms north of Tamatave, the Foulpointe Golf has been in existence since 1954. Created by AXEL AUBRY, this 9-hole golf course has been converted into 18 holes, in May 2017, by professional golfer Billy NARRAINA. Par 72 of 5 325 metres, this course enjoys an exceptional position and is a pleasure for players of all levels. Strewn with species typical of the region (eucalyptus, ravinala, acacia and many fruit trees and tropical plants), the Golf de Foulpointe offers a hilly and distinctive environment. The environment is natural with bodies of water, sandbanks and breathtaking landscapes.
 
The Golf de Foulpointe is distinguished from the other courses of the Big Island: the automatic watering, a first in Madagascar which allows one to play on a verdant and pleasant green to practice this sport. The greens consist of Salam Seaside Paspalum, a grass very resistant to tropical climates. Combining environment, quality and excellence, the Golf de Foulpointe is just as much a meeting point for experienced golfers as it is for people wishing to learn.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine December 2017

Useful Information

When to go

Each city where each grounds are located has its own climates. The best way to play is during the dry season, between May and September.

How to get there

For Nosy be, the best is to take a flight from Air Madagascar. To join Foulpointe, fly from the capital to Tamatave, then take the road to Foulpointe by car for a distance of 59 kms. For Antananarivo and Antsirabe you can access the locations by car.

Where to stay

During your trip to the capital, stay at Hotel La Ribaudière located in the city centre, in Tana Hotel or at the Hotel Colbert. In Foulpointe, you can stay at the Azura Golf Resort & Spa in the same place as the golf course. In Nosy Be you have the choice between Vanila Hotel & Spa, Nosy Be Hotel Resort & Spa, Home Madagascar The Residence. In the city of Antsirabe, stay at the Royal Palace or at the H1 hotel.

Where to eat

The hotels mentioned above have all the necessary qualities to concoct good dishes for you, like the Azura Hotel, with its renowned chef. In Nosy Be, the chef of Vanila Hotel will show you his culinary know-how.

What to see

In Nosy Be do not forget to see the various islands that surround them, do scuba diving and visit the sights already provided by the guides. At Foulpointe, do not forget to visit the fort, called "manda". In Antsirabe, go through the thermal waters, Tritriva Lake and Lake Andraikiba. In the capital Antananarivo, visit the historical sites like the Rova de Manjakamiadana and the Tsimbazaza Botanical Park.