Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
The Business of Golf
Citation preview
“ ”Serving Serious Entrepreneurs Worldwide• Corporate Strategic Planning• Business Plans• Venture Capital• Evaluation and Due Diligences• Dept Financing• Equity Financing• Asset Financing• Property Finance• Real Estate Financing
Our well developed relationships with Private Angel Investors, Venture Capital Firms, Merger
and Acquisition Professionals, Companies looking for Joint Ventures and highly
qualifi ed Intermediaries offer businesses and entrepreneurs the ability to quickly fi nd capital for
their business development and fi nancing needs.
Skyprops has developed Partnerships with
accredited offshore, national and International
commercial investors and investment banking fi rms, who will commit
to lending to accredited
entrepreneurs.
Together with our partners we strive to
embrace all our clients to achieve par excellence results
for their business.
Swingtime 2011
Publisher’s Letter
Editor’s Letter
Luc BaxFitness Personifi ed
Antoine DevalseA Passion for Life
Gabriela FreyIn a League of her own
Swadeck TaherOpportunities abound in Africa
The Ritz Carlton, OrlandoA Business Destination Like None Other
Local NewsTamarina Junior
Local NewsGolf Initiation @ Golf du Château
Local NewsMauritius Union Open
Swingtime Golf LeagueIn Full Swing
Tech & Trends
5
7
10
20
28
30
39
44
49
50
54
60
10 39
20
28
38
Contents2
A publication of Market Info Direct (Mauritius) Ltd
PublicationDirector of PublicationAlan Leslie [email protected]
Administration Offi cePersonal AssistantJoyce [email protected]
Business Development ManagerKiran [email protected]
Swingtime AgentsSwingtime Agent - SwitzerlandFranco [email protected]
Swingtime Agent - Florida, USALuke CLEMENT
Reuben [email protected]
Jose DE [email protected]
Media TeamEditor
Concept & DesignGilbert LE CHARTIER
Graphic DesignersPatrice SARAMANDIF
Annie [email protected]
PhotographerManoj NAWOOR
ContributorsEmotion Golf Events
PhotosEmotion Golf Events
PrintingT-Printers Co. Ltd.
Golf Fashion
Asian Tour
Fit Round
Golf Tips
Welcoming new members to Swingtime
Franco spearheads Swingtime Corporate Challenge in Switzerland
Directory
62
65
68
71
74
77
79
44
Market Info Direct (Mauritius) Ltd6th Floor, Victoria House
Line Barracks StreetPort Louis, Mauritius
E-mail : [email protected] Web Site : www.marketindirect.com
www.swingtimegolf.co.za
The opinions expressed in Swingtime Mauritius and in the advertorials are not necessarily those
of the publisher.
© Copyright : Swingtime MauritiusISSN No. 1694-0687
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the publisher.
3Swingtime issue 15www.swingtimegolf.co.zain association with TIMESONLINE of London
DAVID
LEADBETTERGOLF ACADEMY
The World’s #1 Golf Instructor and coach to countless PGA Tour, European PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour players, is known throughout the world for his innovative and creative teaching techniques.
Over the past 30 years, his players have amassed over a dozen Major Championship titles and over 100 individual worldwide tournament victories. David’s coaching has spanned three decades and he has often been recognized as the “man who invented the golf instruction industry”.
For 25 years, David Leadbetter and DLGA have provided world class golf instruction to golfers of all ages and abilities. We are dedicated to helping golfers just like you swing better, score better and have more fun playing golf.
David Leadbetter Golf Academy
World Headquarters
1410 Masters BoulevardChampionsGateFlorida 33896
Toll free: 1-888-633-5323Phone: 407-787-3330Fax: [email protected]
ePublisher’s letter
Welcome to the 15th edition of the Swingtime- The Business of Golf magazine! I recently participated in an amateur tournament at The Private Golf & Country Club Blumisberg in Bern. At the beginning of prize giving, I was called upon to collect a prize. I became aloof as I was nowhere in the prizes. “There must be a mistake”, I said to myself!
The prize was in fact legitimate as the sponsor showcased an immense gratitude for my presence having traveled all the way from the United States to attend the tournament for the day. Thanking the staff at Swingtime Golf for their contribution to the tournament, when concluding her speech she howled, “Swing Time, One Time”- the brand rapidly becoming the difference-maker in the sport of golf in Switzerland.
The members gave us a standing ovation, which indeed was a moment to cherish and a recognition of our accomplishments, realizing the power of comradeship, and at the same time anchoring yet another accolade to the Swingtime portfolio.
The Swingtime Golf Travel magazine will showcase many golf destinations around the world in the months
and years to come. Swingtime, from its humble beginnings,
has conceptualized a host of exciting golf
packages and events for the discerning golf traveler the world over.
Accurate detail in the research to worldwide golf tourism
statistically shows that an estimated
50 million golf tourists are playing golf on around 32,000 courses. Professional and amateur golfers also spend more per capita than the run-of-the-mill tourists.
Therefore, Swingtime Golf Travel is focused on the achievements of successful individuals and organizations in the international golf tourism industry, spanning the globe from Mauritius, Seychelles and Reunion Island to the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, South Africa, India and Singapore.
Since its inception, since publishing the 1st golf publication in Mauritius, Swingtime has “weathered many storms” by pursing and partnering with golf academics, researchers, students, industry professionals and your everyday golf fanatics, to assist and participate in the quest to deliver and encourage golfers to play around the globe. The discerning golfer will now be accommodated in a combination of Golf Travel Packages that provide turnkey services categorized in Platinum, Gold and Silver status.
I am proud to announce that Swingtime has taken its long awaited place in the United States, Switzerland and Singapore markets.
Kicking off with affordable Golf Packages in Orlando (United States), Swingtime and its sponsors partnered with several golf estates, to provide branding and promotion for major companies and corporate events for entry into the golfing season that will be held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, ChampionsGate, National Orange, Bay Hill, and many more golf courses. This will include the inauguration of the Swingtime Pro-Am America Corporate Challenge Series, the Sponsors’ Monthly League and Local Corporate Monthly Medal (full story soon).
In conclusion, I welcome the newly appointed executives to Swingtime Golf (USA). I wish them a successful and prosperous future with the company. A very special welcome to Franco Cavegn, who has been appointed the Swingtime Agent for Switzerland and Nic Huddy, who has been appointed as International Media Manager of Swingtime.
Last but not least, I also extend my warm welcome to our new Business Development Manager, Kiran, and our new Editor, Tj. Welcome on board you all.
To our collective success,
Alan DuvalPublisher
5
“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies”.Bobby Jones
Are you ready to take your game to the next level?
Integrated Tour-proven coaching and world-class education in Orlando, Florida
For information, visit www.coregolfacademy.com or
telephone 1.407.592.8236 for Jeff Hay, Director of Operations
The Core Golf Junior Academy in Orlando, Florida delivers intensive instruction by PGA Tour coaches and private secondary school education to young golfers determined to realize their potential on and off the golf course. Our PGA Tour instructional team led by Tom Jackson and Jeff Hay includes:
• PGA Tour Coach Sean Foley • Director of Fitness & Nutrition Dr. Craig Davies • Mental Performance Coach Neale Smith
The program includes:
• Tour-level coaching in all facets of high-performance golf • Instruction in swing mechanics, fitness, nutrition, mental performance, tournament play, and more • Playing/practice privileges at world-class Orange County National Golf Center • Private schooling at acclaimed Windermere Preparatory School • Full schedule on Florida's top junior tours scouted by NCAA coaches • Mentoring from touring professionals • Nike Golf players’ package • Room & board supervised by live-in house parents • Transportation
Editor’s Letter
The 4th round of the Swingtime League was played at one of the most spectacular golf courses in Mauritius and I reckon around the world- Le Touessrok on Ile aux Cerf on the 23rd of July. We’re all tickling with anticipation of the 5th and 6th rounds. I’m optimistic about the participation in the event especially with a few surprise gifts we have up our sleeves for those who don’t win the top prizes. So don’t miss out on it even if you’re not eligible for the main draws. In this issue, we have included golf tips from Les Ross, author of ‘Breaking the distance barrier’, who has impressed me with his unique, scientific approach to the physics of golf. Since reading his works, I have certainly made a quantum leap in my mental approach to the sport. Of course, our regular sections are as good as ever and perhaps a tad better. As our valued readers, your suggestions and comments are always welcome so please do write to us about what we can add to our publications in order to further appeal to your reading styles and preferences. With this, I say farewell and hope you enjoy reading our current issue that is brewed with a new recipe. This is inevitable with the fresh blood now taking Swingtime into a new era of fun, feats, and even more fun. To your success, Tj.
7
Your New Editor tees off
Allow me to welcome you all to the latest issue of a new and improved Swingtime- The Business of Golf magazine. I am very excited to join this effervescent team of professionals in Mauritius and cannot wait for the myriad possibilities that are now at my feet with this new assignment. As you are all aware, Mauritius is not only a heavenly place to spend your vacations in but also a fantastic business destination for a number of reasons. In my two-or-so years on the island, I have met dozens of people who came here for a few days and stayed on to adopt it as their home for as long as the sun came up in the east every morning. Living the charmed life that comes naturally to anyone with a passion for golf is just one of the many incentives I’m enjoying today. I hope you’ve got your golf bag within touching distance as I’m scavenging for anything golf and might just bump into you at one of the golf courses in Mauritius, or the rest of the world. We’ve had an eventful couple of months in the golf and business domains and many titles have changed hands. As always, fortune favoured the brave and those who stood up and faced the challenges head-on will agree that the occasional bad news is almost always followed by great news. In the golfing world, many new stars were born as Rory McIllroy won the US Open and records tumbled like ten pins in other tournaments too. Tiger seems to still be limping through that rough patch and some sceptics have already written him off as a chapter in history that had its moment in the spotlight. What’s your take on it? The business world has also seen some ups and downs, though the tropical business climate has been doing consistently well in spite of the global volatility. If you haven’t considered the possibilities here, I can assure you it’s worth a swing.
Main sponsors:M A R K E T
O U R B U S I N E S S I S H E L P I N G Y O U R S T O S U C C E E D
D I R E C T ( M t i u s ) L t dI N F O
Golf League 2011
Collaborators:Swingtime Media Pty LtdMedia & Press:
GOLF TR VEL1 Swing 1 Journey Your World
Co-sponsors:
Format: BetterBall Stableford - team of 2Play: 3 Golf Courses
Star Prizes:1) Winners Overall Nett Category:
Two Air Tickets sponsored by Air Mauritius for the Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge 2011, 15th September (Golfclub Gams-Werdenberg, Switzerland).
2) 2nd Nett:
Two nights stay for 2 couples at Heritage Awali
3) 3rd Nett:
Two nights stay for 2 couples at Le Touessrok
Bel Ombre
Le Touessrok
Tamarina
Terms & Conditions:A minimum of 3 scores to count over the 6 competition rounds. Competitors are to play at least one round at each participating course to be eligible for the grand prize! The cummulative total of your 3 best scores will be your team’s final grand total.
1st Round - 9th April - Tamarina Golf Club 2nd Round - 23rd April - Le Touessrok Golf Course 3rd Round - 25th June - Golf du Château, Bel Ombre 4th Round - 23rd July - Le Touessrok Golf Course 5th Round - 20th August - Golf du Château, Bel Ombre 6th Round - 4th September - Tamarina Golf Club (Final)
Handicap: Full.
Competition Fee: Rs 1,900 per player, per round - including breakfast and lunch (excluding drinks), Green Fees and Shared Buggy.
Prize Giving during the final 6th round:
1st & 2nd Nett 1st gross Nearest the Pin Longest Drive
Entries: As per round of golf to each venue.
Registration & payment:Directly at the Golf Clubs.
Contact
Swingtime Mauritius: [email protected] - Tel: 213 3399
Tamarina Pro Shop: - Mr. Ravin Chunivan - Tel: 401 3006
Le Touessrok Golf Course: - Ms. Selvi - Tel: 402 7720
Golf du Château: - Mr. Jayesh Choony - Tel: 623 5600
Under the Management of the Swingtime Golf League Committee. Results of committee are official and non questionable.
Special prizes for one-off players!
Swingtime 201110 Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
Partnerships for progressAs I enter his office complex to meet him, I’m told to proceed to the third floor using the
staircase. If first impressions are anything to go by, I was evermore impressed at the man I’ve only met once before when he played the 4th round of the Swingtime Golf League at
Le Touessrok.
I meet him on the staircase as he is returning from one of his many errands to the other sections of the building. We perch in a conference room on leather sofas. He orders Orangina and takes a sip before talking.
Mr Bax has just returned to golf after some reconstruction surgery to one of his knees. 50 years of sporting 7 days a week do take their toll on bones and joints. Yet, he remains active and competes like there’s no tomorrow.
Swingtime 2011 11Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
12
As a young man, he played international volleyball, basketball, athletics and squash. On the national level, he played football; and availed every opportunity to try any sport that came his way. He even participated in decathlons. He represented Mauritius at several African games and played across the region for many years.
“I have lived a very fulfilling life and I’ve enjoyed every day of it. I must thank sports for keeping me away from cigarettes, alcohol and other evils. It has also taught me determination. I was only 21 when my father passed away and since then I’ve taken charge of life and done pretty well, I think,” he says unpretentiously.
On the verge of turning 69, Luc is still brimming with energy and zest for life and takes part in golf alongside his sons almost every weekend. In addition to golf, he plays tennis at the Dodo Club in Curepipe and other facilities around the island.
He laments the fact that the youth of today are distracted by so many unhealthy attractions that keep them away from real sports and healthy living. “This is the reason Mauritius is no longer challenging as a force in the region. We lived for our inter-school and inter-college competitions. Times have changed and not always for the better. It’s so, so sad,” he sighs.
He still remembers his first job and the fact that he went from it straight into his own business in 1974. “All by myself, I started the company with 2 people back then and now there are 160 people working at my various companies. These days it’s impossible to survive only on one type of business. Therefore, we have diversified.
“My main business is still importing of JCB excavators, bulldozers, road rollers, construction equipment and agricultural machines. Another aspect of my business is contracting. I contract sugarcane harvests and their movement; I also contract rocks for crushing; I have a sand quarry where we get sand for construction and allied industries; we import coal for all the sugar estates on the island; we have a hydraulics company, an advertising agency, we import tires, and perhaps one or two others that I can’t remember right now,” he laughs.
Intelligently working together as a group, the companies all form a chain with each link fortifying and complementing each other to create a one-stop shop for clients of MECOM. “Whatever a client needs, we can provide all business solutions under one roof.”
Luc admits that Mauritius isn’t the easiest market but perseverance and patience win the day for those who refuse to accept defeat. Plus, the recent economic imbalances around the globe have made life difficult for all businesses regardless of geographic positioning.
“About a year ago, the situation was so bad we were looking at shutting down some operations. Thankfully,
the diversity of our businesses helped sustain the group. Mauritius is a small country and it’s absolutely essential that we not put all our eggs in one basket.”
Then suddenly, he spills the beans on the secret to success. “It’s very simple. You have to wake up and start working before your competition does and keep at it long after they’ve gone to bed.” He admits the strengths and weaknesses of his business, which shows just how well he understands not only himself but also everyone he deals with.
Commenting on the business possibilities on the island, Luc says it depends on the nature of business you’re in. “If you’re into heavy machinery, you need lots of capital and patience in order to beat the established competition here. Yet, there are many industries where the opportunities are better than many places around the world today.”
He points to offshore businesses, the business process outsourcing industry, textile and tourism as potential investment gold mines but warns at the same time that the present time is not ideally suited to investing in infrastructure. Therefore, one could also look at the present time as a consolidation period.
Mr Bax quite rightly believes that economic conditions in one part of the world will inevitably impact every corner of the globe and it might be best for established businesses to play their hand with caution. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the future.
After running the company for 47 years and working for well over 50 years, he is pleased with the way things are going presently for his business.
We return to our favourite subject and he reiterates how sports help people discipline themselves and learn so much about action and reaction in real life. He praises team sports and how they inculcate unity, team spirit and support. He thanks the clubs and people who gave him the opportunity to lead a sporting life.
He recalls his father being the greatest inspiration in his life and supporting his every endeavour in his youth. Other than that, he says he has never been impressed by the big names in sports and other arenas though he looks up to everyone who is ahead of him in any way.
Walking in his father’s footsteps, he tries to be an inspiration for his own children but admits they will not take over his business. Now that’s a lesson in ethics many people forget to give their children!
“I have people here who can run the business when I decide to hang my boots. If any of my children take over from me, it has to be purely on merit; but I don’t see any of them coming up to the standards I’ve set in the next 6 years or so I have before I retire,” he confesses.
Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
13
In the next 10 years, he wants to serve people. “I will work as long as my health permits and then I’ll go into social work. I want to join a little organisation and devote my time to service of humanity.”
Talking about his passion for golf he admits that his only regret is that he was introduced to the sport very late. “I started playing golf after I turned 50. But I still thank God I found it. It’s such a great, social game. Moreover, one day you could be ruling the greens and the next day the game brings you back to earth.”
He’s never had a golf lesson and still managed a 13 handicap. He says he has learned about golf from watching the game on TV. He was captain of the Dodo Club team and is a member of many clubs. He is also a frontrunner for the Mauritius Golf Federation.
He narrates some of the obstacles the Federation faces in Mauritius such as limited budget and facilities. “This is where Swingtime can play a major role for golf, working hand in hand with the Federation. The chairman is a devoted man who is willing to take steps in the right direction given the right circumstances.”
He lauded the superlative service Swingtime has rendered to golf in Mauritius and believes that Swingtime must now take the next step and be more accessible to over 70 per cent of the population that cannot afford golfing facilities.
“Alan did a fantastic job introducing the ‘Adopt-a-Golfer programme’, ‘the Swingtime Golf League’ and ‘Corporate Challenge’. These initiatives are a first in Mauritius and have immense potential. A vast majority of people cannot afford golf facilities. Therefore, getting companies to sponsor a few tournaments or a league should be the next project for you guys.
“If Swingtime can come up with other programmes that help the next generation of golfers, we will extend a helping hand,” he vows. Within the next minute, he explodes with innovative ideas for competitions, one-off games, 2 ball and 4 ball rounds, scrambles and so much more.
Mauritius is also a great golfing business holiday destination and most business visitors to the island want to play golf here. He says in the peak season around the end of the year, it’s nearly impossible to find random tee off without reservation.
He wishes more Mauritian youth would focus on sports, and on golf in particular, and that training facilities could be more convenient and more cost-effective.
The possibilities are infinite, says Luc, we just have to find our feet, find the perfect partners, and move steadily in the right direction!
Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
Swingtime 2011
Partnerschaften für den Fortschritt
14 Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
Ich betrat das Bürogebäude um Luc Bax zu treffen. Man sagte mir, das sich sein Büro im dritten Stock befinde und ich die Treppen nehmen müsse. Es
heisst, der erste Eindruck sei der Beste und ich gebe zu, das ich immer noch sehr beeindruckt bin von diesem Mann, dem ich nur ein einziges Mal zuvor begegnet bin und zwar während der 4. Runde der Swingtime Golf League im Hotel „Le Touessrok“.
Ich treffe ihn im Treppenhaus, als er gerade von einem seiner vielen Erledigungsgänge zurückkommt. Wir lassen uns auf den Ledersofas in einem der Konferenzräume nieder. Er bestellt uns Orangina und trinkt einen Schluck bevor das Gespräch beginnt.
Luc Bax hat nach seiner Knieoperation gerade erst wieder angefangen Golf zu spielen. 50 Jahre Sport an sieben Tagen der Woche hinterlassen Spuren an Knochen und Gelenken. Und doch ist er aktiv wie nie und spielt als gäbe es kein morgen.
Als Luc jünger war, betrieb er Leichtathletik und spielte auf internationaler Ebene Volleyball, Basketbass und Squash. Hier in Mauritius spielte er Fussball und versuchte sich auch sonst in vielen anderen Sportarten. Er nahm sogar an Zehnkampf-Wettkämpfen teil, vertrat Mauritius bei verschiedenen afrikanischen Meisterschaften und ist seit vielen Jahren überall in unseren Breitengraden sportlich unterwegs.
„Mein Leben ist ausgefüllt und ich geniesse jeden Augenblick. Der Sport hat mich von Zigaretten, Alkohol und anderen Übeln ferngehalten, dafür bin ich wirklich dankbar. Ausserdem entwickelte ich Entschlossenheit und Zielstrebigkeit. Als mein Vater starb war ich gerade 21 und musste von da an mein Leben selbst in die Hand nehmen. Ich denke, das mir das sehr gut gelungen ist“, sagt er einfach.
Obwohl er kurz vor seinem 69sten Geburtstag steht, ist er immer noch voller Energie und Lebenslust. An fast jedem Wochenende spielt er mit seinen Söhnen Golf. Und nicht nur das, neben dem Golf spielt er Tennis im Dodoclub Curepipe und anderen Einrichtungen.
Er bedauert, das die heutige Jugend sich aufgrund vieler anderer Aktivitäten vom richtigen Sport und einem gesunden Lebensstil abwendet. „Das ist ein Grund dafür, warum Mauritius keine Herausforderung als Sportgrösse in unserer Region mehr dastellt. Wir lebten damals für unsere schul- und collegeinternen Wettkämpfe. Die Zeiten haben sich geändert und nicht unbedingt zum Guten. Das ist wirklich traurig,“ seufzt er.
Er erinnert sich noch an seine erste Arbeitsstelle und das er 1974 aus dieser Stelle heraus direkt sein eigenes Geschäft eröffnete. „Ich startete damals aus eigener Kraft mit 2 Angestellten und daraus wurden bis heute 160 Personen, die ich in meinen verschiedenen
Firmen beschäftige. Heutzutage ist es unmöglich, mit nur einer Geschäftsart zu überleben. Deshalb haben wir breit gefächert.
Mein Hauptunternehmen ist nach wie vor der Import von JCB Baggern, Planierraupen, Strassenwalzen, Baumaterial und landwirtschaftlichen Maschinen. Ein anderer Teil meiner Geschäfte ist die Annahme von Vertragsarbeiten, wie beispielsweise bei der Zuckerrohrernte und dem Transport oder Organisation und Transport von grossen Steinblöcken zum Zerkleinern; ferner besitze ich eine Sandgrube. Von dort beziehen wir Sand für die Bauindustrie und verwandte Industrien; wir importieren Kohle für alle Zuckerrohrfabriken der Insel; wir haben ein Hydraulik-Unternehmen, eine Werbeagentur, wir importieren Reifen und es gibt bestimmt noch ein bis zwei andere Geschäfte, an die ich mich gerade nicht erinnern kann,“ lacht er.
Seine Unternehmen bilden eine Kette deren Glieder miteinander verbunden sind und sich perfekt ergänzen. Diese intelligente Zusammenarbeit als Gruppe hat für die Kunden von MECOM den grossen Vorteil einer zentralen Anlaufstelle. „Was auch immer unsere Geschäftspartner brauchen, wir haben für alles die Lösung unter einem Dach.“
Luc Bax gibt zu, dass Mauritius wahrlich kein einfacher Geschäftsmarkt ist, aber mit viel Durchhaltevermögen und Geduld gewinnt man schliesslich doch die Oberhand. Tja, und die gegenwärtigen Wirtschaftschwankungen, machen allen Geschäftsleuten zu schaffen, unabhängig von ihrer geographischen Lage.
„Vor ungefähr einem Jahr war die Situation sehr kritisch und wir mussten einige Operationen einzustellen. Doch dank der breiten Fächerung unserer Geschäfte konnten wir die Gruppe erhalten. Mauritius ist ein sehr kleiner Markt und es ist daher absolut wichtig, nicht alles auf eine Karte zu setzen.“
Und dann plaudert er sein Erfolgsgeheimnis aus. „Es ist doch ganz einfach. Du musst früher als deine Konkurrenten aufstehen und immer noch am Ball sein, wenn sie schon lange zu Bett gegangen sind.“ Er spricht über die Stärken und Schwächen seines Geschäfts und zeigt deutlich, das er sich in seine Mitmenschen und jede Situation gut hineinversetzen kann.
Wir schneiden das Thema Geschäftsmöglichkeiten auf der Insel an. Luc meint, das dies von der jeweiligen Branche abhängt. „Für den Handel mit Schwermaschinen braucht man viel Kapital und Geduld um die schon existierende Konkurrenz zu schlagen. Aber es gibt durchaus Industriezweige, die hier auf Mauritius bessere Möglichkeiten bieten als anderswo.“
15Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
16 Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
Er nennt das Offshore-Geschäft, die Geschäftsprozesse des Outsourcings, Textilindustrie und den Tourismus als potentielle Investmentbereiche, warnt aber gleichzeitig, das die momentane Lage nicht unbedingt geeignet ist, in Infrastruktur zu investieren. Deshalb sollte man die jetzige Situation als Konsolidierungsphase betrachten.
Luc Bax glaubt zu Recht, das die Wirtschaftslagen aller Länder sich gegenseitig beeinflussen. Für etablierte Unternehmen sei Vorsicht geboten. Trotz allem blickt er optimistisch in die Zukunft.
Nach 47 Geschäftsjahren und über 50 Arbeitsjahren ist er mit der jetzigen Entwicklung seines Unternehmens zufrieden.
Wir wenden uns wieder unserem Lieblingsthema zu und er wiederholt noch einmal wie der Sport hilft, Disziplin aufzubauen und wie viel man über Aktion und Reaktion im wirklichen Leben lernt. Er lobt den Teamsport und die damit verbundene Einheit, Teamspirit und gegenseitige Unterstützung. Er dankt den Sportclubs und allen Menschen, die ihm dazu verhalfen ein Leben im Zeichen des Sports zu führen.
Gerne erinnert sich Luc an seinen Vater, der gleichzeitig die Inspirationsquelle seines Lebens war und ihn bei all seinen Unternehmungen in der Jugend unterstützte. Er hat grossen Respekt vor Menschen, die ihm einen Schritt voraus sind, wogegen Sportgrössen oder andere Berühmtheiten ihn nie sonderlich beeindruckt haben.
Genau wie einst sein Vater versucht er, seinen Kindern ein Vorbild zu sein und er gibt zu, das keiner die Geschäfte nach seiner Pensionierung übernehmen wird. Nun, viele vergessen, ihren Kindern diese ethische Lektion zu erteilen!
„Ich habe Leute hier, die den Laden weiterführen, wenn ich meinen Kittel an den Nagel hänge. Sollte eines meiner Kinder doch übernehmen wollen, dann muss die Leistung stimmen; aber ehrlich gesagt, bis jetzt erreichen sie noch nicht die von mir gesetzten Standards. Zumindest nicht in den nächsten 6 Jahren bis zu meiner Pensionierung,“ gibt er zu.
In den kommenden 10 Jahren möchte er vor allen Dingen Menschen helfen. „Ich werde arbeiten solange es meine Gesundheit erlaubt und danach wende ich mich der Sozialarbeit zu. Ich möchte gerne einer kleinen Organisation beitreten und meine Zeit und Kraft humanitären Zwecken zur Verfügung stellen.“
Als wir über den Golfsport sprechen, gibt er zu, das er es sehr bedauert, diesen Sport erst relativ spät kennengelernt zu haben. „Ich begann mit 50 Jahren Golf zu spielen. Aber ich danke Gott dafür, das ich
diesen Sport für mich entdecken durfte. Es ist ein so grosser, sozialer Sport. An einem Tag fühlst Du Dich wie der König aller Greens und am nächsten Tag bringt Dich Dein Spiel zurück auf den Boden der Tatsachen.“
Er nahm nie in seinem Leben auch nur eine Golfstunde und schaffte es dennoch auf ein Handikap 13. Das Golfen, erklärt er, habe er aus dem Fernsehen gelernt, einfach nur vom Zuschauen der Golfübertragungen. Er war Kapitän des Dodoclub-Teams, ist immer noch Mitglied in vielen anderen Sportclubs und einer der Pioniere der Mauritius Golf Federation.
Er schildert uns die Probleme des Verbandes hier auf Mauritius bezüglich der Einschränkungen von Budget und Einrichtungen. „Hier kann Swingtime eine wichtige Rolle übernehmen und in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Verband dazu beitragen, den Stellenwert des Golfsports zu erhöhen. Unser Vorsitzender ist mit Leib und Seele bei der Sache und bereit, unter den richtigen Umständen die Massnahmen voranzutreiben.“
Er lobt Swingtime für die Verdienste um den Golf in Mauritius. Swingtime müsse nun dabei helfen, den Golfsport und seine Einrichtungen allen leichter zugänglich zu machen.
„Eine grossartige Leistung von Alan war die Einführung des „Adopt-a-Golfer“- Programms“, der „Swingtime Golf League“ und „Corporate Challenge“. Es sind erstmalige Initiativen in Mauritius und sie beinhalten ein immenses Potential. Ein Grossteil der Bevölkerung kann sich das Golfen nicht leisten. Deshalb sollte es eure nächste Aufgabe sein, Sponsoren für verschiedene Turniere oder eine League zu finden“.
„Falls Swingtime neue Programme für die nächste Golfergeneration entwickelt werden wir hilfreich zur Seite stehen,“ verspricht er. In den nächsten zwei Minuten sprudelt er über mit innovativen Ideen zu Wettkämpfen und One-off Spielen, 2 Ball- und 4 Ballrunden, Scrambles und anderem.
Mauritius ist mittlerweile eine renommierte und etablierte Golfdestination und viele Geschäftsleute möchten während ihres Aufenthaltes hier Golf spielen. Luc erzählt, das es in der Hochsaison zum Ende des Jahres hin unmöglich ist, ohne Reservierung abzuschlagen.
Sein Wunsch ist, das sich viel mehr Jugendliche hier auf Mauritius für Sport interessieren, speziell auch für den Golfsport. Die Trainingseinrichtungen dafür müssten zweckdienlicher und günstiger sein.
Es gibt so viele Möglichkeiten, sagt Luc, wir müssen nur aktiv werden, die richtigen Partner finden und dürfen unser Ziel nicht aus den Augen verlieren!
Swingtime 2011 17Golfer’s Profile Luc Bax
It is a way of life
P E C A N W O O DE S T A T E
Fractional ownership in perpetuity for 4 weeks per year: ZAR 400,000 (US$ 60,000 - € 40,000).3 lots for sale at ZAR 600,000 (US$ 90,000 - € 60,000) each.
• Luxury house on the water with its own private jetty.
• 3 Bedrooms (sleeps 8): 2 with double beds, 1 with 4 bunk beds.• 2 Bathrooms.
For enquiries, contact us at [email protected] - www.golfersprivateproperty.com
Pecanwood Estate and Pecanwood Golf and Country Club, situated on the banks of Hartbeespoort Dam and nestled in the rolling hills of the picturesque Magaliesberg Mountains, adds a new dimension to the concept of rest and relaxation.
What’s more, this prestigious development is home to South Africa’s fi rst Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. It offers a unique combination of superb climate, outdoor activities and residential excellence that result in a lifestyle experience which many aspire to.
• Golf cart.• Dining room.• Pool room.• Jacuzzi.• Pool.
• Lounge.• 2 Garages.• Speed boat delivered to the house by
the boathouse.• Jet-ski also delivered by the boat house.
When immersed in the hustle and bustle of city life it seems hard to imagine that the ideal escape is less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Business Profile Antoine DevasleBusiness Profile Antoine Devasle20
Antoine Devasle“We are all brilliant”
Interview & photos by Annie Woo
21Business Profile Antoine Devasle
While headhunting in Mauritius, one could never end a day in disappointment. There is an infinite pool of local, regional and international
talent based on the island. One such brimming talent we discovered recently is Antoine Devasle.
The dynamic young man in his late 20s is a director and partner in TetraNergy Mauritius and epitomises the joy of living. In addition to his business accolades, he is an active and avid outdoor sports enthusiast, splitting his time between golf and beach tennis.
His office is housed in a colonial building that is adorned with woods of various pedigrees lining every inch of the ceiling, floors and everything in between. The elegantly crafted chairs are reminiscent of the colonial era too. It’s hard to keep your focus as every piece of furniture seems to be telling a story of its own.
We begin by breaking the ice and talking to Antoine about his early days. His casually classy character blends well within the surrounding architecture. He talks fondly about his memories of growing up in Reunion Island.
“I was born in Reunion Island. My father is French and my mother is from Reunion. For a long time, we lived in a big house in the upper parts of the island. Our home was in the middle of large gardens. Since I was very young, I’ve always been drawn to nature- huts, gardens and long walks...”
We ask where he sought his education and details about his professional accomplishments. He responds calmly, “I completed a BTS in international trade in Reunion Island. I then headed to Bordeaux to study at a business school majoring in Finance. Later, I returned home to pursue my Masters in Communications, specializing in the Indian Ocean region.
“My professional breakthrough came in Parisian firm, which was into event management and marketing; they specialised in golf. Here, I organized corporate golf events such as the Lexus Golf Cup, and many others in all the golf courses in France.
“I returned to Reunion Island and started job hunting. Then, I received an interesting proposal to set up a subsidiary of a French firm providing training advice in Mauritius. It’s already been 3 years and this is it,” he says referring to his sophisticated office space.
Asked if we could dissociate Antoine Devasle from TetraNergy Mauritius, he beams his trademark smile and replies without a moment’s hesitation, “Indeed, one cannot separate Antoine Devasle from TetraNergy Mauritius.”
Explaining to us what TetraNergy stands for, Antoine says, “TetraNergy is a company which provides corporate training and advice. We have been providing our expertise to our clientele for over 25 years. Our headquarters is in Reunion, where we have two agencies- one in the north and one in the south. Additionally, we also have an office in Paris.
“Our presence in Mauritius has spanned 3 years and we are actively providing our services to major groups such as Vindemia and Orange in Madagascar and Mayotte.
“We also specialize in marketing and now offer training on sustainable development, training seminars in business and human resources and also training need analysis.”
For the Mauritian market, he says the company is working on developing a Diploma in Sales in partnership with the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development (MITD) on three skill levels starting with the NC3 that has already been validated by the Mauritius Qualifications Authority (MQA), which will be followed by NC4 and NC6 monitoring that will lead to a Diploma in Sales and Sales Management.
“We are also launching a school of coaching in September for those who want to become coaching managers or coaching trainers. Our partner for this project will be AJ Coaching, a French company. We aim to cover all training, advice and support in modern enterprises from A to Z”, he adds.
So why did the company choose Mauritius to set up TetraNergy? “The choice of starting off in Mauritius is very simple. Jean-Luc Fiévet bought the company in 2008. Since trade relations between Mauritius and Reunion were fertile, we decided to anchor here.
“He felt there was a need for businesses to have better monitoring of their training and specific training needs. This fact necessitated the establishment of our agency and when I was asked to steer this boat, I seized the opportunity and subsequently developed a customer portfolio.”
On a personal note too, Antoine confesses that he prefers living in Mauritius as compared to France because he’s closer to home and can be with his loved ones within a few hours whenever he wants to.
Asked about the business climate in Mauritius and whether it provides the right kind of opportunities for those seeking to establish a base in the region, he replies with an emphatic affirmative. “With my experience in France and Reunion, I find that the Mauritian culture is very focused on business. It’s a great starting point and there is an abundance of opportunity. When it comes to new ideas, Mauritians are always willing to take the dive. The quality of life is very nice here with the most
Meet Antoine Devasle- a young man with a passion for life
Business Profile Antoine Devasle
heavenly beaches. I highly recommend that people come, invest and live here.”
Antoine radiates with positive energy and says that he would encourage young entrepreneurs to take the plunge instead of sitting on the ropes. He says we can face all kinds of challenges with the right attitude. He thinks that if he can do it, you can do it too.
When we touched on the current global financial crisis and whether it is cause for alarm, he says, “Yes and no. Yes, because it makes a lot of companies more cautious. No, because training is an area that is in high demand, especially in times of crisis when companies realise that they must retain their employees by investing in them, fortifying their strengths, and hiring professional training outfits. That is why we did not feel the pinch.”
He says things have been rolling smoothly at his company in the last few years. “We have diversified our services and developed a wide range of activities. So, we are not hurt by the volatility. We are optimistic that things will continue in the same way and companies will not cut their training budgets.”
Elaborating on the impact of the Euro Zone jitters creating ripples in the Indian Ocean region, Antoine feels the Euro Zone crisis will impact several sectors of the local economy including textile.
“I think the tourism sector is strong enough to cope with turbulence in spite of the many ups and downs. One industry that picked up very quickly in Mauritius but has taken a hit recently is the BPO sector, which had attracted international investors. However, right now these companies are struggling.”
He cautions every industry about rising wages and cost of living. As for other sectors of the economy, he believes that the Mauritian government has been proactive in resolving all foreseeable problems thus far.
Next Antoine shares with us his interest in golf. “By necessity, my father being a golfer, I started playing golf when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I was playing regularly until I was 17 years old, and was once ranked fifth.”
He gives out an all hearty laugh when he confesses that his tastes began to alter at that age and he preferred to party more. However, he is still keen on playing golf whenever he can though his present professional commitments do not allow him enough time to excel at golf.
“I love golf. I am a member at Tamarina and I try to go whenever I can,” he justifies to us!
Antoine recently organised the first international beach tennis tournament in Mauritius. He takes a step back in
memory lane, “I was one of the founders of beach tennis in Reunion Island where an international competition is held each year. I took part in the organisation and promotion of the event. It attracted and appealed to many people as a new beach sport.
“When I first arrived in Mauritius, there was a small group of beach tennis enthusiasts with whom I connected. I proposed to organize a competition as I had done in Reunion Island to create awareness for the sport that was invented in Italy. It’s a mix of volleyball, badminton and tennis. The racket is lighter and the ball is intermediate and soft, so it goes slower. Also, you don’t get a sore arm playing beach tennis.
“For the first open, we had a hundred participants from different countries, including the European and world champions; delegations from five continents were represented. For a first attempt, it was very successful even if it was not easy to find sponsors in the beginning.”
This generated the desire and motivation to continue the competition as an annual feature on the Mauritian sporting calendar. Antoine and his friends are busy raising awareness and expanding the sport through B2T (Tamarin Beach Tennis). Presently, they practice on the beach at Villas Caroline and Barachois and soon plan to take over the Riverland area.
Further explaining the format and features of the annual tournament, he reveals, “It will be open to participants from Mauritius and Reunion, which will make it even more interesting. The first prize will be $10,000 and this will be one of the largest endowments in the world circuit of beach tennis. We want to take advantage of this circuit to build on long-term accessibility and the fun side of the sport.”
But Antoine doesn’t stop playing when the clubs and rackets are packed. He has a passion for other adrenaline pumping sports too. “I have practiced climbing since my early days in Reunion Island, which is ideally suited for that. I am also very fond of tennis and ball sports such as football and volleyball.”
He also considers sports the lifeline to life itself. “Sports provide lessons in life. There is no restriction of any kind as long as we all participate in good spirit. Sports bring people closer and compel us to live better, healthier lives. I advise everyone to take up some sort of sports.”
Finally, he lets his youthful exuberance take the better of him as he says he also loves lots of other things, “Perhaps too many things and that sometimes distracts me from the bigger things in life. I also love cinema and films. I collect many different things. I hate mundane routines.”
Business Profile Antoine DevasleBusiness Profile Antoine Devasle22
23Business Profile Antoine Devasle
« Nous sommes tous formidables », confie Antoine Devasle Découvrons un jeune directeur d’entreprise passionné par la vie
Si vous êtes engagé dans un exercice de recrutement à Maurice, il vous est quasiment impossible de vous retrouver déçu en fin de
journée. Car un vivier inépuisable de talents locaux, régionaux et internationaux, est disponible dans l’île. C’est ce qui nous a permis récemment de découvrir l’un de ces talents confirmés : Antoine Devasle.
Encore à l’aube de la trentaine, ce jeune homme énergique est directeur et partenaire de TetraNergy Mauritius. Sa réussite en affaires ne l’empêche point d’illustrer cette joie de vivre qu’il transforme en une passion pour les activités en plein air, en particulier le golf et le tennis de plage ou beach tennis.
Son bureau est installé dans un bâtiment de style colonial, dont la charpente, le plafond et les cloisons sont de bois précieux. L’imposant mobilier rappelle encore l’élégance des siècles révolus. L’histoire et l’anecdote y sont pareillement calfeutrées.
Nous avons vite fait de faire ample connaissance à mesure que notre interlocuteur nous évoque le temps des origines. Son caractère souple et courtois s’allie à la perfection à l’architecture environnante et c’est avec une infinie tendresse qu’il nous parle de ses jeunes années à la Réunion, où il a grandi.
« Je suis né à la Réunion, nous confie notre interlocuteur, de père métropolitain et de mère réunionnaise. J’ai vécu très longtemps dans une grande maison dans les hauts de la Réunion, avec de grands jardins autour. J’ai toujours été attiré depuis tout petit par le côté nature : les cabanes, les jardins et les grandes randonnées. »
A propos de son parcours académique et professionnel, Antoine dira : « J’ai commencé un BTS commercial international à la Réunion. Ensuite je suis parti faire des études dans une école supérieure de commerce à Bordeaux, en majeure finance. Je suis revenu à la Réunion pour faire un Master en communication, spécialisé dans l’océan Indien.
« Mon expérience professionnelle a débuté à Paris dans une société de communication événementielle et de marketing spécialisée dans le golf. Je faisais des compétitions d’entreprises comme la Lexus Golf Cup, sur tous les golfs de France. »
« Je suis revenu à l’île de la Réunion pour trouver un poste et j’ai eu une proposition d’implanter une filiale d’un groupe français de formation-conseil à Maurice et je suis ici depuis trois ans. »
Business Profile Antoine Devasle
Peut-on dissocier Antoine Devasle de TetraNergy Mauritius ? Sans hésitation, et avec un large sourire, Antoine Devasle répond : « A priori, on ne peut dissocier Antoine de TetraNergy Mauritius. »
Élaborant sur le concept de TetraNergy, Antoine explique que « le groupe TetraNergy est une société de formation-conseil qui existe depuis plus de 25 ans, qui a son siège social installé à la Réunion. Aujourd’hui, il y a deux agences à la Réunion, une dans le nord et une autre dans le sud et nous sommes présents également sur la métropole avec un partenaire à Paris. Nous avons une agence depuis trois ans à Maurice et nous intervenons dans la zone avec les grands groupes, tels Vindemia et Orange à Madagascar et à Mayotte. Nous sommes spécialisés dans les classiques-ventes. Nous proposons aujourd’hui des formations sur des développements durables, des formations séminaires en entreprises et ressources humaines et des analyses des besoins. »
En ce qui concerne le marché mauricien, TetraNergy met sur pied un diplôme de vente, en partenariat avec le MITD sur trois niveaux de compétence, en débutant avec le NC3 qui a déjà été validé par la MQA, suivi de NC4 et NC6 qui donnera un diplôme dans la vente et de manager commercial.
« La compagnie, ajoute Antoine, fait aussi venir une école de coaching au mois de septembre pour ceux qui voudraient devenir coach-manager ou coach-formateur. Notre partenaire pour ce projet sera AJ Coaching, une entreprise française. Nous faisons en sorte de toucher à tout ce qui est formation, conseil et accompagnement dans les entreprises. Nous essayons de toucher de A à Z, tout ce qui est formation. »
Notre invité est d’opinion que « le choix de s’implanter à Maurice est très simple. », comme une évidence. La société a été rachetée par Jean-Luc Fiévet en 2008. Comme il y avait beaucoup d’interventions déjà entre Maurice et la Réunion, il a pris le parti d’avoir un contact qui serait sur place pour que les entreprises puissent avoir un meilleur suivi de leur formation et de leurs besoins spécifiques. Ce qui a donné naissance à cette agence et le poste a été offert à Antoine Devasle qui donc saisi l’occasion et qui par la suite a pu développer le portefeuille clients.
Sur une note plus personnelle, l’île Maurice étant près de l’île de la Réunion, c’est sans l’ombre d’un doute qu’Antoine dit préférer Maurice à la France.
Le climat des affaires étant ce qu’il est en ce moment, Antoine 0recommande aux étrangers de faire du business à Maurice car, de son expérience française et réunionnaise, il trouve que la culture mauricienne est très portée sur le business. « C’est déjà un bon début et il y a cette culture d’opportunités. Ça fulmine d’idées
Business Profile Antoine Devasle24
Business Profile Antoine Devasle 25Business Profile Antoine Devasle
et les Mauriciens sont réceptifs aux nouvelles idées. La qualité de vie est tellement agréable ici avec les plages plus paradisiaques les unes que les autres. Je recommande fortement de venir investir ici. »
Étant très positif, Antoine conseille aux jeunes entrepreneurs de se jeter à l’eau, de ne pas avoir peur de faire les choses, de monter et de faire face aux défis. « On m’a proposé un challenge que j’ai relevé. TetraNergy est une société qui fonctionne très bien. Je suis ravi de cette expérience et je préconise de la tenter. »
La crise économique qui sévit actuellement est source d’inquiétude, mais Antoine est plutôt mitigé car « d’un côté, cela rend beaucoup d’entreprises plus frileuses et de l’autre la formation reste un secteur très demandé en général. » Antoine se veut rassurant car en période de crise, « les entreprises se rendent compte qu’il faut fidéliser les employés en leur accordant plus d’importance et donc en puisant leur force dans leur compétence et en conséquence aux sociétés de formation. De ce fait, nous n’avons pas senti la crise. Cela s’est passé plutôt bien. Nous avons d’autres missions, nous avons développé aussi tout plein d’activités. Donc, pour nous la crise, on ne la voit pas et on espère que cela va continuer et que les entreprises ne coupent pas leur budget formation. »
De son point de vue, l’impact de la crise en zone euro va toucher plusieurs secteurs, à commencer par le textile, lequel fait face à la crise monétaire euro. Quant au secteur touristique, Antoine pense qu’il a les épaules assez solides pour s’en sortir même après des hauts et des bas.
« L’un des secteurs qui est monté très vite à Maurice et qui aujourd’hui a été touché un peu c’est celui du BPO qui avait attiré beaucoup d’investisseurs et aujourd’hui on voit que les sociétés sur place ont un peu plus de mal. A eux de faire attention à la hausse des salaires dans ce secteur. En ce qui concerne les autres
espaces, je pense que le gouvernement mauricien a été assez réceptif à combler les petits problèmes liés à cette crise qui, semble-t-il, serait passagère. »
Passionné de golf, Antoine est tombé dans ce sport tout petit, vers 9 ou 10 ans par la force des choses : son père étant golfeur. C’est dans un éclat de rire qu’Antoine nous confie :« j’ai
Business Profile Antoine DevasleBusiness Profile Antoine Devasle26
beaucoup joué jusqu’à mes 17 ans, jusqu’à
être classé 5ème. Après quoi, j’ai préféré faire la fête ! « Et d’ajouter « : Au début, j’avais beaucoup d’a priori mais j’ai été pris dedans et j’y suis encore. Même si mes activités professionnelles de l’heure ne me donnent pas d’opportunité d’exceller au golf, je reste confiant que c’est parti pour longtemps. Je suis membre de Tamarina et j’essaye d’y aller en fonction de mon temps libre. »
Antoine a récemment organisé le premier open international de beach tennis à l’île Maurice dont il nous relate le parcours : « J’ai fait partie des prémices du beach tennis à la Réunion, où est organisé chaque année un open international. La première année, l’opportunité s’est présentée de faire connaître le beach tennis à la Réunion. Ce qui a donné la chance à plusieurs personnes d’essayer cette discipline. C’est un sport de plage très sympa. Quand je suis arrivé à Maurice, il y avait un tout petit groupe qui pratiquait le beach tennis. Je m’y suis intégré et j’ai proposé d’organiser un open, comme à la Réunion pour faire connaître ce sport, inventé en Italie et qui est un mélange de volley, de badminton et de tennis. La raquette est plus légère et la balle est intermédiaire et
molle, donc elle va moins vite et on évite ainsi d’avoir mal au bras. »
Pour ce premier open, Antoine a réussi le pari de réunir une centaine de participants à travers des délégations des cinq continents, dont les champions d’Europe et les champions du monde. « Pour une première année, c’était très réussi, même si cela n’a pas été facile de trouver des sponsors au début. L’impact après a été relativement fort et nous avons pris le pari de recommencer l’année prochaine pour faire connaître et développer ce sport qui prend de l’essor par le biais de B2T (Beach Tennis Tamarin) ». Pour l’instant, il est pratiqué sur la plage de Villas Caroline et celle du Barachois et bientôt au Riverland.
Le prochain open sera réparti sur Maurice et la Réunion, ce qui le rendra encore plus intéressant. Les prix seront de $10,000 et ce sera une des plus grosses dotations sur le circuit mondial de beach tennis. Le but de créer ce circuit est de miser sur le long terme car c’est un sport accessible avec le côté fun et plage.Avide de sensations fortes, Antoine a longuement pratiqué l’escalade dans sa jeunesse à la Réunion, l’endroit propice pour une telle activité. Il est aussi très friand de tennis et de sports de ballon comme le football et le volleyball.
Le sport est pour Antoine « une leçon de vie tout simplement. Là où il n’y a pas de clivage de race ou d’âge dans un bel esprit qui permet à beaucoup de personnes de se rapprocher et de rester en bonne santé. » Il conseille et encourage la pratique d’un sport.
C’est un grand passionné par ‘plein de choses’. « Trop peut-être, avouera-t-il, avec pour résultat que je me dilue des fois. Je suis friand de cinéma, et à la fois collectionneur de tant de trucs différents. Pour vous dire toute la vérité, je déteste la routine ! »
WINNERRs 5,000 voucher“The brand MIKADO in Mauritius is derived from which origin’’? The answer is:(b) The name of a Shell
The winner is Mrs Corinne Chong
Your Tropical Oasis Is Waiting...
Bahama Bay Resort & Spa
i n f o@go l f e r sp r i va t ep rope r t y. com - www.go l f e r sp r i va t ep rope r t y. com
Bahama BayBahama BayRESORT & SPAORLANDO, FLORIDA
Bahama Bay Resort & Spa is ideally located just 10 minutes from all of Disney’s world class theme parks and attractions on 70 lush tropical acres on Lake Davenport. Bahama Bay Resort & Spa is within easy reach of numerous shopping centers, dining and entertainment venues, and championship golf courses.
Known for service excellence, Bahama Bay Resort & Spa offers the area’s best value on 3 bedroom family villas. Each villa is beautifully appointed and fully equipped with all the comforts of a
contemporary Florida home in addition to all the amenities of a full service resort!
There are many hotels near Disney World, but Bahama Bay Resort & Spa stands out amongst the crowd.
Your perfect Orlando family vacation begins today!
Your Tropical Oasis Is Waiting...at
Bahama Bay Resort & Spa
• Four Heated Swimming Pools & In-Ground Spas • Children’s Pool and Play Area• Tradewinds Restaurant & Bar • Mambo’s Poolside Bar & Grill • Room Service • Eleuthera Spa & Salon
• Fitness Centre • Marketplace Gift Shop & Grocery • Beach, Fishing Dock, Nature Trails • And Much More!
As from $ 99 per person per night (min. 4 p - Max. 6 p)As from $ 99 per person per night (min. 4 p - Max. 6 p)
Meet Gabriela Frey In a league of her own
Business Profile Gabriela Frey28
29Business Profile Gabriela Frey
Gabriela Frey exudes warmth, distinction and elegance every woman dreams of. She is, without a shadow of a doubt, a woman of
substance.
Gabbie has been working as a fashion designer in her Bern hometown for well over three decades now. Her love affair with the garment industry began early and until the year 2000 when she opened her own exclusive showroom, her designs were the hottest finds in Zurich and Gstaad fashion stores.
Earlier this year, she unveiled her landmark 20th collection as she launched her 2011 spring and summer range. Her signature designs include exclusive lines of casual, business and eveningwear.
Gabbie’s designs can be anywhere between subtly elegant and classy to shout-out-loud blushes that attract every eye in town. She is very choosy about the fabrics she uses and can spend up to four weeks on designing a single evening gown. Her attention to detail is second to none.
The best way to dress like royalty is to take the time out and visit this wonderfully warm woman so she can read your body and its language in order to weave the perfect outfit to suit your personality and set the tone for your evening.
Her exquisite outfits are manufactured in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Her fabrics are carefully selected from these destinations in addition to England and Italy. She selects her fabrics from the likes of Cerruti, Barberis, Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Holland & Sherry and Dormeuil.
Production partners and clientele are always handpicked from the highest
ranks in their respective industries. Gabriela supervises every step of the production process personally in Switzerland while ensuring that quality and service standards are met day in and day out- no exceptions to the rule!
Inside her Bern showroom, you are welcome to spend as long as it takes to try on the samples and select the right blend of fabric, design and colour. While the experience is one to remember for a lifetime, the personalised service reflects the commitment to professionalism that only Gabriela Frey offers.
One can spend hours studying the trendy dresses and sporty elegance in sections of her website entitled Women, Men & Corporate Fashion. Gabbie will soon be designing a few outfits for Swingtime so watch out for the hottest corporate team on the planet!
For a glimpse of some of her jaw-dropping designs, feel free to explore her website: www.gabriela-frey.ch
Swingtime 201130 Business Profile Swadeck Taher
Swingtime 2011
Meet Swadeck Taher OSK, President and Chief Executive Officer Bramer Corporation (Mauritius) as he shares his views about the economics of Africa and the rest of the world with Swingtime readers.
Mr Taher is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and holds a corporate finance qualification from the ICAEW.
He is a former member of the Board of the Financial Reporting Council and was awarded ACCA Achievement Award 2007 for his contribution to the accounting profession in Mauritius. He was formerly in practice before joining BAI in 1998. He was the Chairman of the Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA) in 2007.
Business opportunities
abound in Africa
31Business Profile Swadeck Taher
Business Profile Swadeck Taher32
33Business Profile Swadeck Taher
Mauritius is increasingly being described as a regional financial and business hub. What are the opportunities that international investors should look at? Mauritius is poised to play a strategic role in the Asia – Africa – Middle East triangle. Africa is the last frontier of growth in world economy. Strategically located, Mauritius can have a meaningful contribution in the Africa growth story.
Many Mauritian groups are investing in a wide range of sectors in Africa (agriculture, farming, fishing, hotels, transportation, distributive trade, financial and business services, manufacturing, etc). Mauritian banks are accompanying them in many of these markets.
Mauritian financial services institutions are also serving non-Mauritian groups in their African ventures through syndication finance and other types of arrangements.
There are opportunities for other financial services like asset finance, private equity, corporate finance and investment banking, private banking and wealth management, asset management, insurance and pensions as well as microfinance.
Investors may route investments through Mauritius to invest in Africa in sectors like mining, energy, public utilities, telecom, physical infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, trade & commerce and education.
What advantages does the Mauritius platform offer?Mauritius has an expanding network of DTAs (Double Tax Agreements) with a number of European, African and Asian countries including China, Malaysia, India and Singapore.
This network provides for interesting tax planning opportunities, but the jurisdiction is increasingly used for a whole range of more substantive operations as well. International companies and investors may conduct a large portion of their African operations in Mauritius and safeguard assets and business contracts.
Financial services have a bright future in Mauritius, which is fast evolving into a thriving regional business hub. As a leading player in finance intermediation, Bramer Corporation has a key role in this transformation and is set to scale up to a new level of growth in the process.
Please elaborate the scope of activities of Bramer Corporation.We bring financial services and products to the marketplace in forms and varieties that make them relevant to the common people as much as to the sophisticated customer with complex financing, savings and investment needs.
We have investments in BAI Co. (Mtius) Ltd (the market’s most trusted insurance company for the past 40 years), the fast growing Bramer Banking Corporation, and Mauritius Leasing (the No.1 provider of leasing solutions in Mauritius).
Other equity holdings include companies engaged in stock broking, insurance broking and wealth management offering a wide range of bespoke solutions.
In Mauritius BA Exchange is the exclusive representative of Western Union, the world’s renowned international money transfer company. The latest addition to the Financial Services Group is Century Banking Corporation, the country’s first Islamic bank.We are also present in Uganda and Kenya where it is the market leader by premium income of life insurance. BAI (Kenya) holds significant investment in the A+ credit-rated ‘Equity Bank’, acclaimed as the superbrand of banking in Africa.
Speaking about Africa, are business conditions improving on the continent?From what we hear, yes. Many African countries are experiencing remarkable economic growth, especially on the back of boom in resources. Forecasts are very bullish for a number of economies. Ethiopia is registering a 10 percent GDP growth. Other countries like Angola, Uganda, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia and Malawi are growing in the region of 7 to 8 percent.
Africa’s economies are recovering from the global recession, mainly driven by higher commodity prices and export volumes. The global financial and economic crisis of 2008/2009 had interrupted the period of high growth, with Africa´s GDP growth halving from an average annual rate of around 6% in the years prior to the crisis to 3.1% in 2009.
Since then Africa´s economic climate has, in general, improved significantly, and expectations have overall been favourable. In 2010 Africa’s average rate of growth amounted to 4.9%, but due to the political events in North Africa the continent’s growth will be depressed to 3.7% in 2011.
Exports are likely to remain an important engine of growth, but domestic demand is also strengthening in many countries. Several resource-rich countries, such as Botswana, Algeria, Chad, Gabon and Nigeria, use the additional government revenues from natural resources to finance government spending on infrastructure investment and public consumption.
Countries also sometimes use the additional revenues to support private households, thus boosting domestic demand. In several countries, such as Cameroon,
34 Business Profile Swadeck Taher
Kenya, South Africa, Senegal and Tanzania, domestic demand is expected to drive growth to a large extent. However, the high food and fuel prices are constraining real private consumption in many countries.
The service sector is also an important contributor to African growth. In several countries, such as in South Africa (related to the soccer world cup), Botswana, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, Tanzania, Egypt and Tunisia, tourism regained momentum in 2010.
What are your upcoming projects in Africa?A team comprising senior executives of the group has just returned to Mauritius after a visit to sub-Saharan Africa where they established contacts with potential investors and regulators in South Africa and Botswana.This initiative comes at a time when our holding company, British American Investment, is also exploring the possibility of investing in food production and renewable energy in Mozambique together with British firm Sun Biofuels.
Many businessmen said they were keen to create mutually beneficial partnerships with the group’s subsidiaries. Business opportunities in Africa and their interest to partner with us in the financial services sector are very interesting. We will examine some proposals that seem to offer promising prospects in the very near future. We have also started procedures to appoint a specialised firm to conduct several feasibility studies.
We also plan to use the network and the growth potential of BA Kenya, a sister company, to pursue our expansion strategy in Africa. Besides being the holding company of the leading life insurance company and a fund management company in the country, BA Kenya has just opened a new insurance company in Uganda. In addition, comforted in the dynamism of our African interests, particularly in Equity Bank (A + rating), BA Kenya is in the process of being listed on Kenya’s Stock Exchange.
Would you encourage North American and Europeans to invest in Africa?Yes, absolutely. And Mauritius would be the perfect channel for investors from both continents.
35Business Profile Swadeck Taher
Reichlich Geschäftsmöglichkeiten in Afrika
Wir trafen Swadeck Taher OSK, Präsident und Haupgeschäftsführer der Bramer Corporation (Mauritius). Lesen Sie, liebe
Swingtime-Leser, im Interview seine Ansichten über die Volkswirtschaften Afrikas und dem Rest der Welt.
Swadeck Taher ist Mitglied des “Institute of Chartered Accountants” in Englang und Wales, der Organisation „Association of Chartered Certified Accountants“ und des Instituts “Chartered Institute of Marketing” und hat eine Qualifikation in Finanzwirtschaft. Er ist ehemaliges Mitglied des „Board of the Financial Reporting Council“ und wurde 2007 mit dem ACCA Achievement Award für seinen Beitrag zur Berufssparte der Buchhalter in Mauritius ausgezeichnet. 1998 trat er der BAI bei und im Jahre 2007 war er der Vorsitzende des „Mauritius Institute of Professional Accountants (MIPA)“.
Mauritius wird immer häufiger als regionale Finanz- und Geschäftsdrehscheibe bezeichnet. Auf welche Möglichkeiten sollten sich internationale Investoren konzentrieren?Mauritius spielt strategisch gesehen eine wichtige Rolle im Dreieck Asien – Afrika – Mittlerer Osten. Afrika ist der letzte Kandidat für weltweites Wirtschaftswachstum. Und durch seine gute strategische Lage kann Mauritius einen bedeutenden Beitrag zur Geschichte des afrikanischen Wirtschaftswachstums beitragen.
Viele mauritische Unternehmensgruppen investieren in die vielseitigsten Sektoren in Afrika (Agrarindustrie, Landwirtschaft, Fischerei, Hotelerie, Transportwesen, Handel, Finanz- und Geschäftsdienstleistungen, Produktion usw). Mauritische Banken begleiten die Investoren in viele dieser Märkte.
36
Mauritische Finanzdienstleister unterstützen auch nicht-mauritische Unternehmen im Abenteuer Afrika und zwar durch Konsortialbilung und andere Arrangements.
Es gibt Möglichkeiten für andere Finanzdienstleistungen wie Finanzanlagen, private Beteiligungen, Privatanlagen, Vermögensbetreuung, Anlageberatung, Pensions- und Rentenversicherungen und Mikrofinanzierung.
Investoren können ihre Einlagen über Mauritius leiten und in afrikanische Branchen wie Bergbau, Energien, öffentliche Einrichtungen, Telekommunikation, physische Infrastruktur, Gesundheitswesen, Tourismus, Handel und Kommerz sowie Bildungswesen investieren.
Welche Vorteile bietet die Plattform Mauritius?Mauritius hat ein ausgedehntes Netz an DTAs (Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen) mit einer Anzahl europäischer, afrikanischer und asiatischer Länder, einschliesslich China, Malaysia, Indien und Singapore.
Das Netzwerk bietet interessante Möglichkeiten zur Steuerplanung aber die Gerichtsbarkeit wird zunehmend für ein Reihe von substanzielleren Operationen angewandt. Internationale Unternehmen und Investoren könnten einen Grossteil ihrer „afrikanischen“ Operationen in Mauritius abwickeln und so ihre Anlagen und Geschäftsverträge sichern.
Finanzdienstleistungen habe eine strahlende Zukunft in Mauritius, das sich sehr schnell zu einer gutgehenden regionalen Geschäftsdrehscheibe entwickelt. Als einer der Führer im Bereich Finanzvermittlung spielt die Bramer Corporation eine wichtige Rolle bei diesem Wandel und wird sich auf ein neues Level in diesem Prozess hochskalieren.
Bitte erläutern Sie das Betätigungsfeld der Bramer Corporation näher.Wir plazieren verschiedenste Finanzdienstleistungen und Produkte auf den Märkten. Diese sind sowohl für den normalen Anleger wie auch den anspruchsvollen Kunden mit komplexen Finanzierungen, Rücklagen und Anlagebedürfnissen, interessant.
Wir halten Anteile an BAI Co. (Mtius) Ltd (eine der erfolgreichsten Versicherungen und seit 40 Jahren auf dem Markt), der schnell wachsenden Bramer Banking Corporation und an der Mauritius Leasing (die Nummer 1 für Leasinglösungen in Mauritius).
Andere Beteiligungen schliessen Firmen ein, die sich mit Wertpapierhandel, Versicherungsvermittlungen und Anlageberatung beschäftigen und dadurch eine breite Palette an massgeschneiderten Lösungen anbieten können.
Hier in Mauritius ist BA Exchange der exklusive Repräsentant der Western Union, die weltweit führende
Firma für Geldtransfers. Als neueste Errungenschaft zählen wir die Century Banking Corporation als erste islamische Bank in Mauritius zu unseren Partnern.
In Uganda und Kenya sind wir Marktführer bei Prämieneinnahmen der Lebensversicherung. BAI (Kenya) hält beträchtliche Anlagen an der mit A+ eingestuften „Equity Bank“, die als eine der interessantesten Banken in Afrika gehandelt wird.
Da wir gerade über Afrika reden, werden dort die Geschäftsbedingung besser?Soweit wir wissen, ja. Viele afrikanische Staaten legen ein beachtliches wirtschaftliches Wachstum vor, in erster Linie durch den Aufschwung bei den Rohstoffen. Die Marktprognosen sind sehr optimistisch für viele Volkswirtschaften. Äthiopien legt ein BIP-Wachstum von 10 % vor. Andere Länder wie Angola, Uganda, Ghana, der Kongo, Liberia und Malawi wachsen ebenso mit 7 bis 8 %.
Die Volkswirtschaften Afrikas erholen sich durch die höheren Rohstoffpreise und gestiegenen Exportvolumen von der globalen Rezession. Die weltweite Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise 2008/2009 hat natürlich das Wachstum gebremst. Afrikas BIP Wachstum halbierte sich von einer durchschnittlichen jährlichen Rate von 6 % der Krisenvorjahre auf 3,1 % im Jahr 2009.
Seither hat sich Afrikas Wirtschaftsklima im allgemeinen wesentlich verbessert und die Erwartungen sind hoch. Schon 2010 ging die Wachstumsrate wieder auf 4,9% aber bedingt durch die politschen Unruhen in Nordafrika wird das Gesamtwachstum des Kontinents heuer auf 3,7% zurückfallen.
Der Export wird nach wie vor einen Hauptfaktor für das Wachstum sein aber auch die Inlandsnachfrage nimmt in vielen Ländern zu. Mehrere der rohstoffreichen Staaten wie Botswana, Algerien, der Tchad, Gabun und Nigeria nutzen die zusätzlichen Staatseinnahmen um staatliche Ausgaben beim Ausbau der Infrastruktur und des Staatsverbrauchs zu finanzieren.
Die Länder unterstützen mit den zusätzliche Einnahmen auch die Privathaushalte um dadurch die Inlandsnachfrage anzukurbeln. In verschiedenen Staaten wie Kameroun, Kenya, Südafrika, Senegal und Tanzania wird erwartet, das die Inlandsnachfrage das Wachstum erheblich beschleunigt. Wie auch immer, die hohen Lebensmittel- und Treibstoffpreise dürften die realen privaten Konsumausgaben einschränken.
Der Dienstleistungssektor trägt ebenso wesentlich zum afrikanischen Wachstum bei. In etlichen Staaten wie Südafrika (bedingt durch die Fussballweltmeisterschaft), Botswana, Mauritius, Marocco, den Seychellen, Tanzania, Ägypten und Tunesien erreichte der Tourismus 2010 einen Aufschwung.
Business Profile Swadeck Taher
Swingtime 2011
Welche Projekte führen Sie in nächster Zeit in Afrika durch?Ein Führungskräfteteam unserer Gruppe ist gerade nach einem Besuch der Sub-Sahara zurückgekommen nach Mauritius. Dort wurden Kontakte zu potentiellen Investoren und Aufsichtsbehörden in Südafrika und Botswana geknüpft.
Dies lief zeitgleich mit der Initiative unser Holdingfirma, British American Investment, die, in Zusammenarbeit mit der englischen Firma Sun Biofuels, den Markt in Mozambique in Hinsicht auf Investitionsmöglichkeiten bei der Lebensmittelproduktion und den erneuerbaren Energien sondierte.
Viele Geschäftsleute waren daran interessiert, beiderseitig interessante Partnerschaften mit den Tochtergesellschaften der Gruppe zu gründen. Die Geschäftsmöglichkeiten in Afrika und das Interesse,
Partnerschaften im Finanzdienstleistungsbereich einzugehen, sind ebenfalls sehr vielversprechend. Wir werden verschiedene, vielversprechende Vorschläge überprüfen. Wir haben damit begonnen, eine Fachfirma damit zu beauftragen, verschiedene Machbarkeitsstudien durchzuführen. BA Kenya ist nicht nur die Holding des führenden Lebensversicherers und Vermögensverwalters im Land, sondern hat gerade eine neue Versicherungsfirma in Uganda gegründet. Angespornt durch die Dynamik unserer afrikanischen Interessen, speziell auch durch die Performance der Equity Bank (A+ Rating), hat die BA Kenya den Aufnahmeprozess an die Börse Kenyas in die Wege geleitet.
Würden Sie Nordamerikaner und Europäer dazu ermutigen, in Afrika zu investieren?Ja, absolut. Und Mauritius wäre der perfekte Kanal für Investoren beider Kontinente.
37Business Profile Swadeck Taher
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande LakesA business destination like none other
After only a ten-minute drive from the airport you arrive at your destination. Situated in the scenic Grande Lakes, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel greets you with opulent style and elegance the Ritz-Carlton name has become so famous for. The resort is ideal for the traveling executive, with an 18 hole Greg Norman
designed golf course and a 40,000 square foot spa there is plenty to do in between business meetings.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a spa resort situated in the area of Sea World Convention Center. The picturesque setting and grand array of facilities will keep you entertained, whether you’re traveling as family or transiting on a business trip.
39Ritz Carlton Orlando
Traveling with kids? No problem.
The Ritz Kidz club will keep the little ones entertained while you enjoy your stress-free stay. Ritz Kidz club offers activities like swimming, tennis, golf, video games and movies as well as arts and crafts. Nighttime care is also available and includes dinner for the kids and activities to keep them busy.
The rooms all feature private balconies overlooking either a view of the lakes, the golf course or the gardens. Bathrooms are fitted with marble sinks, separate bathtub and shower. Bathroom amenities include Turkish cotton robes and slippers, separate bath and shower, Bulgari toiletries and 100% cotton towels.
The rooms are sumptuous and elegant with beautiful wooden furniture and down duvets. They include Wi-Fi access, iPod docking stations, 37-inch HD television, in-room safe and a house keeping department which services rooms with chocolates and mineral water twice a day. “Club-Level” rooms and suites offer access to the club lounge, which has a library with books, magazines, CDs as well as a private concierge service.
The Ritz-Carlton is a great event facility, with flexible meeting space, outdoor event or foyer options. It is truly suited to your needs as a client. If you are organizing a convention or business meeting, there are professional planners there to help you. They will make sure every detail is taken care of, from seating arrangements to catering. Meeting with foreign clients is also easy with
translators that can be appointed through the hotel. Besides the meeting rooms there are three ballrooms and eleven breakout rooms. These are ideal for product launches and corporate evenings.
The Golf club is an on-site course designed by golf champion Greg Norman. Amongst the orange groves the course is strewn with challenging water hazards and bunkers. This course is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary; which means it has been endorsed by the United States Golf Association and the Audubon Cooperative for adhering to the preservation standards and protecting wildlife and natural resources. This may be a minor detail but it adds so much grandeur to the grounds of this beautiful course.
The resort provides you with Caddie concierges that assist you with accurate yardage information, tips, club cleaning and will even rake your bunkers. This kind of service will really impress your clients. Callaway and TaylorMade clubs are available to rent along with Footjoy shoes. To sharpen your game before getting on the course there are also practice putting greens, full size bunkers and short game areas to use.
Be sure to take a time-out in the spa during your stay. The Day pass includes a full range of treatment programs and use of its own indoor pool. Specialty treatments include Tuscan Citrus Cure and the Ionithermie Cellulite and Toning program.
Other than a spectacular golf course and spa there is a bright and spacious fitness center. Guests can enjoy the
Ritz Carlton Orlando40
41Ritz Carlton Orlando
use of free weights, cardio equipment as well as access to fitness trainers. The hotel also offers several wellness programs including yoga and Pilates. If that’s too tame for your taste, try out kayaking and the hiking trails.
A 24-hour business center is available for faxing, photocopying, Internet and computer access.
There are nine world-class restaurants at the Hotel, all featuring different cuisines to please a variety of tastes. You can choose from the Lobby Lounge, Vineyard Grill, Bleu, The Fairways Pub, Citron, Vitale- the Spa Cafe, Primo, the Sushi Bar and Norman’s.
The Vineyard Grill is not only pleasing to the taste buds but also to the pocketbook. It has a contemporary menu with emphasis on regional ingredients and a great All American wine list.
Norman’s is an award-winning restaurant featuring Chef Norman Van Aken’s latest culinary sensations and his New World Cuisine. Be sure to impress your clients with the elegant fusion dishes at Norman’s.
The Sushi bar offers a wide variety of sushi made to order. Not only do they serve the more popular sushi
dishes but more eclectic dishes as well. Sushi is served in a beautiful dining room overlooking the grounds of the Hotel.
The Lobby Lounge offers afternoon tea and cocktails while watching the sunset. The popular Fairway Pub situated on the golf course provides golfers with a sophisticated snack to keep them refreshed. Be sure to try the “Fairway signature sandwich” - smoked strip loin and Munster cheese sandwich on sourdough. Mmmmm, yummy!
The Ritz Carlton Orlando is located near all of the city’s well-known attractions including SeaWorld Orlando, Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Florida, Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Ritz-Carltons all over the world are renowned for their excellent service and the Grande Lakes is no exception. Attention to detail stands out with each doting staff member exceeding your expectations.
All in all the Ritz-Carlton delivers what it promises and more!
Ritz Carlton Orlando42
Luxury Orlando Golf Resort
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers the ideal destination for your next Orlando golf vacation. The resort features two championship 18-hole golf courses designed by accomplished architect and golfer, Greg Norman, a lighted 9-hole, par 3 golf course, and is the World Headquarters for the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Golfers also enjoy the convenience of walk-out golf with a continuous golf cart shuttle to and from the golf course and academy.
1500 Masters BlvdChampionsGate, Florida 33896, U.S.APhone: (407) 390-6664, Fax: (407) 390-6600www.omnihotels.com
54
45
Twenty-nine of the thirty-eight juniors currently training at the Tamarina Golf Academy participated in the 1st Tamarina Golf Academy Championships at Tamarina Golf, Spa and Beach
Club on 19th June. Tamarina Golf Pro and Instructor Silvia Knauber hosted Swingtime while keeping an eye on her keen teens.
The first group, which played 18 holes and comprised nine boys and a daring young girl, all around 13 years of age, started to tee off in their groups as from 0830 local time, braving the pouring rain and cold, winter winds along with the tricky course, their umbrellas out.
Some of the youth were very lucky to have their caddy-daddies with them, giving them tips and helping them out whenever possible. I must admit that the young guns were impressive. A vast majority of shots made it on to the fairways. The big boys contesting the US Open on the same day would have envied what we witnessed.
Fortunately, the weather was more merciful after the first hour and by the time the little ones teed off, the sun was generously glowing down, illuminating the course with some welcome sunshine and warmth.
Talking to Swingtime after the prize distribution ceremony, Laurie Ann Laflamme said she’d been playing golf since she was three. Although she’s improving rapidly, she thinks she might not take up golf as a professional.
Gregoire Hubau, who has a handicap of 23 and came in fourth overall with a 23 net score, has been golfing for the better part of nine years. “I play golf at Tamarina on weekends. Today, I played an average round missing a few shots,” he sighed as he summed up his day.
Adrian Amar, who won the Championship with a net score of 33, says he’s been golfing since he learned to walk, thanks to his mother, Silvia Knauber. He dreams of turning pro some day along with most of the boys in his league.
“I didn’t play too well today,” confessed Ross Mc Laughlin. “But, if I want to improve, I have to listen to this guy,” he says, pointing respectfully towards his father, who takes a keen interest in his son’s development.
First Taste of Big Game for the Juniors
Local News
56
Swingtime reads 47Local News
Final ResultsTamarina Youth Golf Academy Championship 2011
Category: 18 holesName Handicap GrossAdrian Amar 18 15Shivani Bhujun 28 10Kevin Ah-Chuen 32 8Gregoire Hubau 23 7Theeran Sithanen 26 5Maxime Belkessa 36 2Hishaam Salehmohamed 32 2Alexander Nielsen 36 2Louise Habau 36 0Roshan Jeetah 36 0
Category: 9 holesName Handicap NetYohann Coindreau 54 3Hadrien Maingard 54 2Loic Corvalan 54 1Nelia Ng 54 0Bru Lucas 54 0Charyl Shaw 54 0Robbie Ramen 54 0Elyas Jhuboo 54 0Brice Coindreau 54 0Matis Amar 54 22Sacha DeClerk 54 21Ross McLaughlin 54 21Louis Gaspard Clement 54 18Luke Pearson Taylor 54 10Alexandre De Robillard 54 8
Category: 5 holesName Handicap NetJeanne DeClerk 54 2Laurie Ann Laflamme 54 2Arthur Laflamme 54 2Tea Venhiah 54 0
Flamingos Golf Club: One of the most select golf clubs in Costa Del Sol Spain.
Set in beautiful natural surroundings, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where playing golf becomes a unique experience, Flamingos Golf Club offers an exquisite atmosphere, the most advanced facilities and a personalized service that allows you to enjoy and appreciate every little detail.
In its short history, Flamingos Golf Club has already attained well-deserved international renown for the high level of quality it offers and for having been, for three consecutive years, the venue for the ‘European Seniors’ Final’, ‘The Daily Telegraph European Seniors´and ‘Match Play Championship’.
Carretera de Cádiz,km 166, 29679 Marbella, Málaga, Costa del Sol, Spain
www.flamingos-golf.com
Flamingos Golf Club
49Local Golf News
ext missing
Golf Initiation @ Golf du Château
Early in July, Jayesh Choonee from Golf du Château conducted free golf initiation for over 125 people in batches varying from seven to twenty enthusiasts. This sporting intro started at 10.10 am and lasted till 3.10 pm. It was part of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) initiative, “A la découverte du grand sud”. The two-day event attracted hundreds of locals and foreigners keen to discover the southern part of the island which has retained its natural beauty in spite of the race for commercialisation.
The event spanned the southern coast of the island between Baie du Cap to St Aubin, kicking off with a mega concert at St Martin football ground, Bel Ombre, on Saturday 2nd July. The following day, Baie du Cap hosted a regatta, while the Chefs from the South showcased
their culinary talents by the Old Mill, Bel Ombre. The same rustic Old Mill venue witnessed young talents from the “Atelier du Savoir” of Bel Ombre and hosted a kids’ corner with bouncing castle and face painting.
It was an opportunity to visit the “Domaine de Bel Ombre”, which had its open day. Promotional entrance fees were offered for safaris along La Frédérica Nature Reserve and taking a crack at the zip line on St Félix “Domaine Chazal”.
All those who had embarked upon these events could end the southern trail with tea tasting at “la Maison Saint Aubin” or enjoy discounted packages offered for the occasion by Shanti Maurice for a massage at Nira Spa; all very meaningful experiences!
Celebrating the Scenic South
Text & photos by A
nnie Woo
Local Golf News54 Local Golf News50
51Local Golf News
Mauritius Union Group Golf Open 2011
Jocelyn & Gillian stand tall at Tamarina
The Mauritius Union Group Golf Open 2011 played at Tamarina Golf, Spa & Beach Club was organised by the Mauritius Union Group
in collaboration with the Mauritius Golf Federation (MGF). The ProAm tournament included a strong Mauritian line up and one African participant. The three rounds were scheduled on 25th, 26th June and 3rd July.
The participants were divided into different categories according to their handicap. The men’s categories had handicaps of 0 to 9, 10 to 18, and 19 to 24. The ladies were grouped into categories of 0 to 12 and handicaps 13 to 28.
Amateur winners were awarded trophies and gifts, while professionals received cash prizes of MUR10,000 for the winner and MUR5,000 for the runners up.
Local Golf News52
Cumulative Gross ResultsRanking 1st Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play -26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total
1 SAVRIMOUTOU Jocelyn 0.0 MRI Saint Geran 75 79 81 235 2 SEENEEVASSEN Vishnoo 0.0 MRI Links 86 75 77 238 3 PALAYANDI Andy 0.0 MRI MGF 82 80 79 241 4 PALAYANDI Siva 0.0 MRI MGF 83 83 80 246 5 ISRAM Nanda 0.0 MRI Paradis 79 85 84 248
Cumulative Gross ResultsRanking 1st Female Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total
1 SERRET Nathalie 0.5 MRI Tamarina 80 87 88 255 2 DELLOYE Francine 2.5 MRI Tamarina 84 87 86 257 3 SMITH Gillian 10.5 MRI Tamarina 88 89 89 266 4 LIM FAT Odile 6.5 MRI Legend 90 97 92 279 5 SADDUL Prabha 8.0 MRI Tamarina 98 100 84 282
Cumulative Gross ResultsRanking 2nd Female Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford -26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stableford
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total
1 KANWAH Marguerite 14.0 MRI Legend 12 14 18 44 2 PARKER Brigitte 22.0 MRI MGF 14 9 10 33 3 LI YUEN FONG Priscille 16.0 MRI Legend 12 5 14 31 4 CHUI WAN CHEONG Doreen 19.0 MRI Tamarina 14 9 6 29 5 SANSON Gritta 15.5 MRI Legend 7 10 10 27
Cumulative Gross ResultsRanking 1st Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total
1 SUSSENS Brent 1.0 MRI Tamarina 79 79 77 235 2 CHANNOO Rakesh Kumar 0.0 MRI Links 79 81 77 237 3 MINKLEY Phil 4.0 MRI Gymkhana 77 80 83 240 4 NEED Tim 2.0 MRI MGF 76 83 86 245 5 RAMSARRAN Sarran 2.0 MRI Legend 85 85 80 250
Cumulative Gross ResultsRanking 2nd Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stableford
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total
1 PIAT Jean Marc 10.0 MRI Dodo 19 26 22 67 2 NOORAH Anwar 9.0 MRI MGF 18 22 23 63 3 JOOLFOO Samad 9.0 MRI Dodo 21 19 22 62 4 SULLIVAN Christian 13.0 MRI MGF 13 20 28 61 5 LECLEZIO Jean Francois 14.0 MRI MGF 29 13 19 61
Swingtime reads
Cumulative Gross ResultsRanking 3rd Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stableford
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total
1 FON SING Clifford 18.0 MRI Tamarina 19 17 18 54 2 ANDRIANASOLO Didier 20.0 MRI Tamarina 19 13 21 53 3 CHAROUX Jean Pierre 19.0 MRI Dodo 10 18 18 46 4 GALEA Antoine 22.0 MRI MGF 14 15 14 43 5 NG Patrick 18.0 MRI Gymkhana 19 12 12 43
Cumulative Net ResultsRanking 1st Female Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play -26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total 1 SMITH Gillian 10.5 MRI Tamarina 73 74 74 221 2 D’ARIFAT Beatrice 10.5 MRI Tamarina 82 87 73 242 3 DELLOYE Francine 2.5 MRI Tamarina 79 82 81 242 4 SADDUL Prabha 8.0 MRI Tamarina 86 88 72 246 5 SERRET Nathalie 0.5 MRI Tamarina 77 84 85 246
Cumulative Net ResultsRanking 2nd Female Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford -26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stableford
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total 1 PARKER Brigitte 22.0 MRI MGF 35 29 30 94 2 CHUI WAN CHEONG Doreen 19.0 MRI Tamarina 38 28 27 93 3 KANWAH Marguerite 14.0 MRI Legend 26 29 35 90 4 LI YUEN FONG Priscille 16.0 MRI Legend 30 20 33 83 5 DE SPEVILLE Marie Therese 21.0 MRI Tamarina 25 21 28 74
Cumulative Net ResultsRanking 1st Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stroke play
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total 1 MAHADOO Rishi 8.0 MRI Touessrok 73 78 74 225 2 MINKLEY Phil 4.0 MRI Gymkhana 72 7 5 78 225 3 SUSSENS Brent 1.0 MRI Tamarina 77 77 75 229 4 PURDASSY Ridwan 6.0 MRI Gymkhana 79 72 78 229 5 LIM FAT Paul 5.0 MRI Legend 76 82 75 233
Cumulative Net ResultsRanking 2nd Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stableford
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total 1 CHAROUX Ivan 17.0 MRI Dodo 36 32 39 107 2 LECLEZIO Jean Francois 14.0 MRI MGF 44 27 32 103 3 LEGALL Jerome 15.0 MRI Legend 33 32 36 101 4 MUSBALLY Ashraf 17.0 MRI Gymkhana 39 33 29 101 5 SULLIVAN Christian 13.0 MRI MGF 26 32 41 99
Cumulative Net ResultsRanking 3rd Male Heat - 25/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 26/06/11, TAMARINA, Stableford - 03/07/11, TAMARINA, Stableford
Rank Name Idx Nat. Licencing Club T1 T2 T3 Total 1 FON SING Clifford 18.0 MRI Tamarina 38 35 35 108 2 GALEA Antoine 22.0 MRI MGF 35 33 34 102 3 ANDRIANASOLO Didier 20.0 MRI Tamarina 36 27 38 101 4 CHAROUX Jean Pierre 19.0 MRI Dodo 28 35 33 96 5 PRITHIVIRAJ Peerthy 19.0 MRI Gymkhana 28 28 36 92
53Local Golf News
Local News Swingtime Golf League54
In full swing...
55Local News Swingtime Golf League
The two rounds of the Swingtime Golf League, played at the picture-perfect Le Touessrok Golf Course on Ile aux Cerfs, turned out to be fun-filled days with a handful of positives.
The challenging course kept the players guessing. For some, the memories of the days will last a lifetime!
Watch out for news from the two final rounds at Golf du Chateau & Tamarina in our next issue!
Swingtime readsLocal News Swingtime Golf League56
cationCLUB
When you’re looking to get away, retire to your own comfortable home away from home at the Sun City Vacation Club. Private Property offers luxury amenities to golfers at affordable prices.
The Vacation Club is part of the world-renowned Sun City Resort, positioned in the heart of the scenic Pilansberg mountains. The iconic “Palace of the Lost City” hosts one of the largest casinos and entertainment areas in South Africa. With two championship golf courses, a world class water park and regular excursions to the nearby Pilansberg Nature Reserve, the resort is the ideal holiday destination for the whole family.
The best of both worlds...
www.golfersprivateproperty.com
Luxury villas: $110 per person per night• Min. 4 - max. 6 persons • Min. stay: 3 days - max. stay: 7 days • Flights & transfers excluded*
Platinum package: $180 per person per night• Includes airport transfers, 2 rounds of golf
*Terms & conditions apply
(Pilansberg Nature Reserve)
Book now for the Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge $150 per person per nightMinimum 7 days stay. Flights & transfers excluded*
Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge
The Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge will be played at its home-course, Sun City Gary Player Country Club Course this December and Swingtime plans to shine at the event of the year providing five-star residence to players and visitors.
The tournament has evolved over the year since it was first played in 1981 as the Million Dollar Challenge with the winner bagging $300,000. Six years later, the winner walked away with the entire purse. From 1987 to date, additional prizes have been added for other participants.
Following more experiments with the booty, the winner walked away with $1.25 million last year from the total prize money of 5million US dollars.
The tournament has been growing in stature for the last 3 decades and is now considered one of the top year-end highlights attracting some of the biggest names on the circuit.
This year’s event is set to be broadcast live across 200 countries to an estimated audience of over 1.4 billion.
Past winners:
2010 Lee Westwood ENG
2009 Robert Allenby AUS
2008 Henrik Stenson SWE
2007 Trevor Immelman RSA
2006 Jim Furyk USA
2005 Jim Furyk USA
2004 Retief Goosen RSA
2003 Sergio García ESP
2002 Ernie Els RSA
2001 Sergio García ESP
2000 Ernie Els RSA
1999 Ernie Els RSA
1998 Nick Price ZIM
1997 Nick Price ZIM
1996 Colin Montgomerie SCO
1995 Corey Pavin USA
1994 Nick Faldo ENG
1993 Nick Price ZIM
1992 David Frost RSA
1991 Bernhard Langer GER
1990 David Frost RSA
1989 David Frost RSA
1988 Fulton Allem RSA
1987 Ian Woosnam WAL
1986 Mark McNulty ZIM
1985 Bernhard Langer GER
1984 Seve Ballesteros ESP
1983 Seve Ballesteros ESP
1982 Raymond Floyd USA
1981 Johnny Miller USA
Swingtime sets eyes on African Majors
59
Tech & Trends60
Tech & Trends 61
Golf Fashion
Titleist Balls
ProV1X – Longer distance, more consistent flight and exceptional spin control.
ProV1 – Increased spin control, more consistent flight and exceptional distance.
Visi Balls (Golf balls which glow in the dark). Flashing golf ball, bright upon impact, remains active for 5 minutes.
Light Stick, duration 12 hours.
62
Golf Fashion
TrionZ Active & Dual Loop Magnetic bracelet/Ionic bracelet Combines the natural power of magnets and minus irons.
FootJoy Men’s socks Comfort Sof (socks designed for golf). Comfortable fit, stays put, stays up.
FootJoy Ladies’ socks Comfort Sof (socks designed for golf). Comfortable fit, stays put, stays up.
63
Courtesy of
22T
Casa 22 Where life is
his gorgeous Spanish villa is located in the enviable position overlooking the “Humboldt
View” Valley to Pto. De la Cruz with its exquisite beach and charming harbour. Striking views of the “Teide”, Spain’s largest mountain and the expansive Atlantic Ocean set the stage for dramatic panoramas. The village of St. Ursula, a kaleidoscope of shops, boutiques and restaurants is fi ve minutes away.
This home superbly sets the tone for a lifestyle of leisure and entertainment in the form of two spacious bedrooms with views, two bathrooms with toilets, a large gourmet kitchen fi nished in the highest quality, two lounges with one incorporating a dining area that leads off to two terraces.
While away hours in the pool overlooking the Atlantic, enjoy a meal in the tropical landscaped garden on different plateaus fi lled with old palms and tropical plants, or simply take in the most dramatic sunset you will ever see.
Your beautiful life begins here.
T
For enquiries, kindly contact us [email protected]
www.golfersprivateproperty.com
Asian Tour 65
COUNTRY South Africa
DATE OF BIRTH 10/06/1981
RESIDENCE Simonstown, South Africa
FAMILY Married
TURNED PRO 2004
Peter Karmis
Asian Tour66
Q&A WITH PETER KARMIS
Africans are pretty athletic. For typical golfers in South Africa, they have been playing a lot of sports such as rugby, cricket or other sports. Apart from these, we have good courses, coaches, tournaments and junior programmes around South Africa. We get to play on the Sunshine Tour as well. Who were your golfing heroes when you were growing up?I don’t really have any golfing heroes in mind but golfers like Greg Norman, Nick Price and Ernie Els are the golfers whom I really look up to.
Can you describe your life since winning the Handa Singapore Classic last September? Has it changed a lot?Absolutely. It has given me a lot of confidence to play well in other tournaments and it also gave me the opportunity to play in bigger events in Asia. I’m playing pretty much the full schedule on the Asian Tour as well as in South Africa. I think it’s really wonderful that I can do that. Can you take us back to how your golf career was like before the Handa Singapore Classic? How was your schedule back then?It was pretty tough for the Q-school guys because you won’t get to play in any of the big events. But it motivated me to play well when I had the chance. You have to press on to play in the bigger events and winning in Asia is definitely a great deal. It is a great confidence booster because there’s strong competition here. Therefore when you win, you feel like you’ve achieved something big. I feel like I’m doing the right stuff such as my preparation for tournaments. I just
Peter Karmis of South Africa might be small in physique but his passion for the Royal and Ancient Game far exceeds his diminutive build.
In a country where legends such as Gary Player, Ernie Els and recently crowned Masters Champion Charl Schwartzel roam the fairways, Karmis strives to build a reputable career and carry the South African flag on the Asian Tour.
He will be defending his Handa Singapore Classic at the Orchid Country Club from September 8-11. In this Q&A segment, he talks about the development of golf in South Africa, his hopes and dreams in golf and his life-changing victory at the Handa Singapore Classic last year.
What are your thoughts on Charl Schwartzel’s victory at the Masters Tournament?It’s exciting. He’s a really good player. He finished very strongly to win and I believe Louis Oosthuizen did a good job last year at the British Open as well. He was leading by a few shots and managed to hold it together and rocked the 18th hole in the last round. Any comment on Schwartzel’s’ game in general? Did you think he had the potential to win a Major?I think it was only a matter of time before he won a Major. He has been playing particularly well in the last couple of months and managed to finish second in a few tournaments. He is good in putting and drives it straight and long. He looks fit too! What is it about South Africa that you guys are making such an impact in the world of golf?I think a lot of it has to do with the players’ playing a lot of sports growing up. A lot of schools in South Africa make it compulsory for students to play sports throughout their years of education. Students get to choose which sport they want to do. Eventually, all of us chose to play golf. That is why a lot of South
Asian Tour 67
need to preserve it. There are times when I would doubt myself but my win at the Handa Singapore Classic proved that I’m on the right track. I just need to keep working hard and doing what I’ve been doing.
I understand that your wife has always been your pillar of support. Does she travel with you as well?Absolutely. I love having her for company. I always enjoy it when she tags along but she doesn’t come for all the tournaments I play in. Many people feel that life on Tour can be quite lonely at times. Does having a partner with you make travelling a lot more fun?Some people tend to handle it better than others. As for me, I don’t handle being alone very well. When she is with me, it doesn’t matter where I’m, I don’t feel lonely at all and I feel that I can keep playing and stay away from home.
Where’s home for you?Capetown. What will you do when you’re back home and not playing golf? Where would one likely find you?I love doing outdoor activities and being close to nature. I enjoy seeing animals. In Capetown, I do a lot of hiking. There are a lot of sport activities to do there, especially water sports because it’s near the sea. I love going to the beaches and having a picnic as well. The World Cup was in South Africa last year. Are you a big fan of football? Did you catch any of the matches?I was unable to go to any of the games but I watched the matches on television. It was good seeing all the great athletes and beautiful stadiums. It was really exciting but I was pretty sad because South Africa didn’t do as well as we expected them to. I guess they were unlucky. I assume soccer is a more popular sport than golf in South Africa. What is needed to further elevate the sport of golf in South Africa?Every time a South African wins in a particular sport event, that sport will grow for a little bit. But golf in South Africa is a grand sport and people love to play in our climate. The most important aspect for golf in South Africa is the junior programme they have to offer. There are a lot of junior programmes for beginners to learn the game. Once you have learned the game, you can still enjoy it at a later stage. It is harder to pick up the game at a late age but when you are young, you can pick it up easily and enjoy it. Since winning the Handa Singapore Classic last year, I believe you have a bigger role in creating a bigger impact in golf and raising its profile. Do you think you’ve received that kind of publicity back home?A little bit I guess but I try to avoid that kind of stuff
though.Having played in Asia for quite some time, which is your favourite city?I don’t really have a favourite city but there are a lot of places which I love to go to. I have not been to Kuala Lumpur that much but I’m quite impressed with the place. We had a tournament there last year. Basically, I think every city is unique in its own way. I travel to Singapore quite often and I think it’s a beautiful, clean and a neat place. I love going to India too because I get to eat like a king there! I love the food in India and the climate in Malaysia. Do you have any superstitions when you go out to the course?No. How do you take the pressure of the game when you are leading? How do you think you will handle this sort of intense pressure situation? I’m sure you felt that way on the Sunday of the Handa Singapore Classic last year?It’s a tough one because you need to be in that sort of situation several times to figure out how to deal with it. You can’t stimulate that kind of situation when you practice before the tournament. I think the good thing about me is that I have a good routine with all my shots. That will keep me focused on my game and I won’t be worried about the circumstances. I try not to think too much on the course as well. I guess that’s how top players keep themselves on the top of the game. I must admit golf is all about the mental aspect.Yes it is. We all train pretty hard and we should not be affected by that kind of things. I think it’s good to exercise the day before as it will help to relieve your pressure. I can sleep better as well. Do you have a sports psychologist that you worked with?No. Do you feel daunted playing with some of the world’s best players in the co-sanction events?The co-sanctioned events are generally won by Asian players. I think Asian Tour players generally have plenty of wins under their belt. Do you think it’s because of the weather here as compared to the western countries?I think golf is golf. You still have to hit the ball. Perhaps the putting is a little trickier and different. I don’t have any problem with the climate. I do pretty well here in Asia. I think the standard of golf is just high, wherever you go. So when the boys come here, it’s not going to be easy.
(Images and interview courtesy: Asian Tour.)
Golf Fitn
essFit round68
M y 20 years of phys-ical fitness teach-ing have shown me
that the best way to train for golf is to do “light” and simple daily routines. They take no
more than 12-15 minutes a day, rather than heavy sessions every other day that stress the muscles and
cause muscle “stiffness”.
What effect will light muscle-conditioning have on your game?
Let’s start with the impact of stretching, which will show immediate impact to swing energy...
If you are only able to rotate your trunk through 45° on your backswing – which describes the backswing rotation angle of many golfers, especially
senior golfers, you will increase the energy of your swing by over 10% for every 5° of extra flexibility you can achieve through daily stretching. Just that feat alone
will add more than 10 yards to your drive if you are hitting in the 180 yard range.
I am going to show you one stretching exercise that will achieve this in less than four weeks of daily stretching.
Lie flat on your back with two dumbbells placed on either side of you, as shown below. Grab the dumbbell to your right with your hand to act as resistance for the stretch. Raise your right
leg to 90° and pull it as far across your body with your left hand as you feel comfortable. Hold that position for at least 60 seconds. Repeat the exercise for the other side.
You will begin to feel more fl exible in your trunk-turn within days of performing this simple routine.
To gain maximum benefi t from any stretch, you should hold the stretch for more than 60 seconds. Do not rush this routine.
Swingtime will be featuring another golf tip from Les Ross in our next issue !
www.highlanderschoolofgolf.comwww.breakingthedistancebarrier.com
69Fit round
I n meiner 20-jährigen Laufbahn als Fitnesstrainer
habe ich erfahren, das es viel besser ist, sich auf das Golfspiel mit leichten, täglichen Übungen, die nicht mehr als 12 bis 15 Minuten Ihrer Zeit in Anspruch nehmen, vorzubereiten als jeden zweiten Tag hartes körperliches Training zu absolvieren, das Ihre Muskeln viel zu sehr stresst und eine gewisse „Versteifung“ zur Folge hat.
Welchen Effekt hat ein leichtes Muskeltraining auf Ihr Spiel?
Beginnen wir mit den Dehnübungen, die einen sofortigen positiven Einfluss auf Ihre Schwungkraft haben…
Der durchschnittliche Drehwinkel des Rumpfes beim Rückschwung liegt bei den meisten Golfern, insbesondere den älteren Herrschaften, bei 45 Grad. Mit nur je 5 % mehr Beweglichkeit können Sie Ihre Schwungkraft bis zu mehr als 10 % steigern. Diese Flexibilität erreichen Sie durch tägliche Dehnübungen. So können Sie Ihren Abschlag um mehr als 10 Yards verlängern, wenn Sie im 180-Yard Bereich schlagen.
Ich werde Ihnen hier eine sehr effektive Dehnübung vorstellen. Bei regelmässiger täglicher Übung können Sie obengenanntes in weniger als 4 Wochen erreichen.
Legen Sie sich flach auf den Rücken mit je einer Hantel rechts und links neben dem Körper (siehe Bild unten). Halten Sie jetzt die rechte Hantel fest um einen gewissen Widerstand während der Dehnübung zu erzeugen. Jetzt heben Sie Ihr rechtes Bein um ca. 90 Grad an und ziehen es mit der linken Hand soweit wie möglich nach links über Ihren Körper. Halten Sie diese Position mindestens für 60 Sekunden. Wiederholen Sie die Übung nun zur anderen Seite hin.
Durch diese einfache Übung werden Sie sich schon nach wenigen Tagen viel beweglicher im Rumpfbereich fühlen.
Um den grösstmöglichen Nutzen aus jeder Dehnübung zu ziehen, sollten Sie die Spannung mindestens 60 Sekunden halten. Führen Sie die Übungen langsam und konzentriert durch.
In unserer nächsten Ausgabe von Swingtime stellen wir Ihnen einen weiteren Golf-Fitnesstipp von Les Ross vor.
Golf Tips
Discover the limits of your “natural swing flexibility” and stabilize your swing for improved consistency
You may be wondering where all these “golf physics” and “golf mechanics” are coming from, since you do not often see those terms discussed in many instruction courses.
Before I created the online golf instructional company, “Highlander LLC School of Golf”, I was a qualified mechanical engineer for more than 25 years. During which time I studied and analyzed the technical aspects of the swing, just as I would any mechanical system.
I found that adopting a “laws of motion approach” to teaching golf and showing my students the simple “physics” behind the swing give them a deeper understanding of how to extract the optimum power and distance from their swings.
Many of the “secrets” behind the golf swing can be explained simply by knowing the physics behind the technique.
It also explains the impact of mechanical breakdowns on accuracy and consistency performance, which encourages students to look more closely at their swings to aggressively eliminate “unwanted motion”, more so than they ever did before.
Reduce the number of moving parts and eliminate “lateral” movement I often come across students who get themselves caught up in focusing too much on the “minute” details and analysis of their swings, when other larger and more inherent problems exist, that they totally overlook.
I have analyzed the golf swing for reliability and stability over the years, much the same way that I would any mechanical system.
Keep your thought processes about the swing simple. Think of the golf swing as a “rotating” system of organic joints and levers whose reliability and consistency depend on:
• reducingthenumberofswingbreakdowns that cause unnecessary “moving parts” in the swing;
• avoiding“lateral”movement.
Focusing on these two fundamental issues has to be done to achieve swing stability, before addressing any of the other smaller swing details, or before working on any techniques to improve distance performance. That is because:
• themoremovingpartsintheswing,themore difficult is it to “time” and control the swing– less reliable and less consistent the swing;
• themoremovingparts,themoretorqueand distance loss;
• themore“lateral”motionthatispresentin the swing, the less swing balance which creates a reduction in swing accuracy.
What are the types of break downs that impact swing consistency?
You need to be looking for “unnecessary” motion in two key areas of your swing.
71
Les Ross
The physics of golf
Golf Tips72
Enjoy a Summer holiday at Fair Acres Hotel, in Knysna.We have designed an affordable family package for you.
beautiful beaches, restaurants, walks & hikes etc
With the views of Knysna, the Heads and the sunset, what could be better than a well deserved holiday in the heart of the Garden
Route in sunny South Africa?
Suites available at €70.00 / R980.00 per room per night.Suites available at €70.00 / R980.00 per room per night.Book for 3 nights and stay the 4th night absolutely free.
Rates quoted include a Full English breakfast.
1) Left arm elbow break
Do not allow your left elbow (right elbow for lefties) to bend at any time during the swing. A bend in the elbow reduces swing torque and complicates the timing of the swing.
2) Head motion that affects your swing balance
Swing balance is impacted when the “axis of your trunk”, around which the swing “rotates”, is moved in any way during the swing. This can be caused by any of the following:
• liftingoftheleftheelduringthebackswing;
• lateralhipmotionforwardsorbackwards during the swing;
• lateraltrunkmovementbackwardsand forwards during the swing along the target line;
• forwardandbackwardtrunkmovementalong a line facing the ball;
• fallingoffone’sfeetatanytimeduringthe swing. If any of these breakdowns are occurring during your swing, they have to be reduced or eliminated since none of these movements contribute to the success of the swing and only serve to reduce the torque and power of the swing, as well as complicating the “timing” of the down swing.
Virtually all of these events show up as head movement during the swing.
Mirror Routine to reduce Muscle Tension and improve Rotational Motion
You can learn a lot about your swing by simply watching your swing in a full-size mirror.
If you are experiencing excessive motion and poor swing balance when you are in full flight with your
backswing, there are lots of mechanical breakdowns taking place that have to be eliminated if you are to achieve swing consistency.
Head movement correlates to “lateral motion” and movement of your axis of rotation which impairs your swing balance.
Head movement also correlates to excessive muscle tension during the swing.
Use the mirror and focus more on “rotational” adjustments to your swing, such as turning your shoulders or rotating your hips more on the backswing, until you minimize your head movement during both the backswing and downswing.
Do not rotate beyond a point where you feel muscle tension in your backswing.
By minimizing head motion, you are moving closer to working within your “natural” flexibility range and achieving improved stability of your swing.
If you would like a “lesson in perfection” in minimizing head movement, check out this YouTube video entitled ‘TigerSwingPortrait’.
This lesson gives you a small taste of my approach to swing consistency which can be summarized as eliminating muscle tension and avoiding lateral motion. Focusing on these simple areas alone will take care of the vast majority of your swing inconsistency problems.
As you begin to make these adjustments to your swing,youalsoneedto‘reset’the“tempo”and“timing”ofyourswing,andthat’swhatwewilltacklein the next lesson.
Good luck.
Les Ross
www.highlanderschoolofgolf.com & www.breakingthedistancebarrier.com
BellaTraeAT CHAMPIONSGATE
Life’s a holiday at BellaTraeLiving virtually in the backyard of Disney World and Universal Studios with Del Webb amenities outside your back door, fun seekers and value lovers couldn’t have a more enviable address. Th e all-ages, resort-style community
of BellaTrae in Orlando, Florida, truly allows you to live like you’re on vacation every day.
BellaTrae is located within the ChampionsGate master plan. At ChampionsGate Village you’ll fi nd grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, shops and restaurants. Th e master plan features two Greg Norman-designed championship golf courses set amid woodlands, wetlands and orange groves where the David Leadbetter Golf
Academy will help you take your game to its highest level.
Club Bellavita is a 12,500-square-foot private state-of-the-art gathering place, off ering a top-of-the-line fi tness center with men’s and women’s locker rooms, billiards room, a pool and spa, tennis and bocce ball courts and
a putting green. Our full-time Lifestyle Director will coordinate activities, excursions and special events.
BellaTrae’s Mediterranean-style two and three bedroom town homes and condominiums, each with a screened lanai, epitomize carefree, low-maintenance living with the security of guard-gated privacy.
[email protected] - www.golfersprivateproperty.com
As from $ 99 per person per night (min. 4 p - Max. 6 p)
New Team Members’ Profiles74
Tj Hussain- Editor
Born in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi and raised in the Arab Emirate of Dubai, Tj brings two decades of experience as writer and English teacher to Swingtime. He has been editor of two magazines in the past- JB Swing & Travelogue International.
Although his prime passion is for 90-minute fast-paced sports (soccer, F1 and Moto GP), he is in the process of forging a long-term love affair with golf. He looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that come with this new position.
He brings a new zest to Swingtime and promises to raise the bar with each issue of our publications. He has a reputation for being the best in what he does and Swingtime will be no exception to that rule!([email protected])
It’s been over a year since we last featured our team members. Since then, a few team members have moved on while others have come on-board.
Given below are the brief biographies of our new mates.
Tj Hussain- Editor
Kiran Ghayaram- Business
Development Executive
Nic Huddy- Media Manager
Nic is pure joy personified. There’s never a dull moment when this entertainer, bush pilot, musician, videographer, theatre producer and writer is around. Nic effortlessly radiates his positive energy and gusto for life, helping everyone along the way.
The Zim from SA has been in Mauritius for the last 3 years but rarely spends an entire month on the island as his work takes him across continents, which also puts him in the enviable position to play golf around the world. Little wonder his game has been making quantum leaps recently.
Nic is most excited about taking the Swingtime media spread into new media such as podcasts, live streaming, e-book integration with some of the biggest names in the industry, etc.([email protected])
Kiran Ghayaram- Business Development Manager
Kiran is one of the new kids on this block. A happy-go-lucky lady, she loves life and enjoys meeting people- an essential element in her present post. She has been instrumental in developing business relations in Mauritius for Swingtime since she joined the team.
She wants to spread her wings and fly and isn’t particularly happy when chained down to desk jobs. She loves eating, reading personal development and non-fiction, long walks and zoos. She took up golf before she joined Swingtime and says it helps her connect with her inner-self as well as nature.
She has travelled widely and lived in the UK where she also studied law. ([email protected])
Welcoming new members to Swingtime!
Nic Huddy- Media Manager
75New Team Members’ Profiles
Luke Clement
Born in Belfast, Maine, Luke’s parents decided to head down to Orlando when he was about 8 months old. He was a bar manager and life insurance salesman before joining Swingtime.
His passion is to sell and believes that if the product one’s selling is the best on the market, the rest falls into place. Luke was keen to join Swingtime after seeing the passion that the company has for helping people and developing the sport of golf as well as showing people how to have a good time!
His aim is to help Swingtime set up a base shop in Orlando, then expand into the rest of Florida and after that, start on the rest of the States!Luke finds golfing very therapeutic and a great opportunity to network on the course and get his name out.
His other passions are movies, video editing and music.
Reuben Cruz
Luke Clement
Reuben Cruz
This New Yorker moved from Brooklyn to Orlando at the age of eight. When he experienced the fun in the sun he fell in love with the place. “New York was pretty sheltered and I never really got out much, so coming to Florida and being able to get into the woods, get dirty and get into trouble was a great change!”
He’s loves playing pranks. He fell in love with the Golf Travel Magazine after he met Alan and just knew he had to be a part of it. He doesn’t believe that opportunity comes knocking but this kind of fell from the sky right into his lap!
Reuben believes that the opportunities in Florida are huge and he’s a very ambitious person. There are 52 states in the US, so the opportunity for expansion is incredible. He looks forward to being with Swingtime for many years!
He has done everything from writing music to acting. “I love sports, so I skate, snowboard, play basketball and soccer. I’m a thrill seeker too; so anything that gets
the blood pumping! I’ve always wanted to go diving with a Great White, so let’s see how that goes!”
Jose De Leon
“I moved from New Jersey to Florida in 2002. My parents didn’t feel very comfortable in the north after 9/11, so my parents, brother and sister all came down to Orlando and set up shop here.
“I was working in the residential real estate industry in Orlando handling everything from investments, services, relocations, renovations- the works! I started working straight out of High School. I got my real estate license as soon as I turned 18. My parents showed me the path and I didn’t look back. I always think big but take things one step at a time. Florida has a lot of potential and I’d like to get the most out of being here.
“My Filipino friends introduced me to golf a few years ago so I started taking lessons and playing a few courses. Real estate also comes hand-in-hand with golf. You start a lot of deals on the course, networking and having a bit of fun. I don’t consider myself a good golfer and I’ll take advice from anybody who can help me out!
“I’d love to play with a few CEOs of the top companies, just to be able to talk business with them and try and get inside their heads. I follow Formula 1 very closely! I went to watch the Grand Prix in Montreal, Canada, a couple of years ago and it was the best time of my life!” Jose de Leon
Welcoming new members to Swingtime!
Swingtime 2011
Franco spearheads Swingtime Corporate Challenge in Switzerland
77Swingtime Switzerland
The countdown has begun. Swingtime Corporate Challenge 2011 is a matter of days away and our Agent in
Europe, Franco Cavegn, is leaving nothing to chance.
With 16 years as a top-flight skiing professional, Franco represented his country in three Winter Olympics, seven Alpine World Ski Championships and several downhill World Cups. He made the cover of Swingtime’s 13th issue.
Presently, Franky is working on two prestigious fronts, Franco Cavegn Events and Swingtime Switzerland. The former organizes skiing events around the world while the latter keeps him engaged with the promotion of golf. As always, he is associated with mega brands only.
“This year”, he explains, “I have organized and managed 23 golf events for Birdie Open in Switzerland. Here I learnt a lot more about golf. Top of my priority list for Swingtime Switzerland, and Europe, is the third Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge 2011 on September 15th in Gams-Werdenberg. This will be a huge triumph I’m sure.”
The success of this tournament will serve as a stepping-stone for the flourishing follow-up events for years to come. He is also optimistic of taking Swingtime Corporate Challenge to each European country soon.
Another idea Franco is pursuing keenly is a combo event – Golf and Ski – in Zermatt. He has already firmed his footing in the region and is working industriously to make things happen there.
Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge will be a memorable event. See you all there! Franco Cavegn
Advertising Rates78
1. Business of Golf Magazine Rate Card
Item Rupees Euro U.S. Dollar G.B. Pound Swiss Fr.A4 Size Advert Page Full Page Rs 45,000 € 1,050 $ 1,290 ₤ 835 CHF 1,365
Half Page Rs 27,500 € 640 $ 785 ₤ 510 CHF 835
Quarter Page Rs 13,750 € 320 $ 395 ₤ 395 CHF 420
Front Cover Banner Rs 50,000 € 1,170 $ 1,430 ₤ 930 CHF 1,515
Inside Front Cover Rs 75,000 € 1,750 $ 2,150 ₤ 1,390 CHF 2,145
Advertorial Rs 49,500 € 1,140 $ 1,415 ₤ 920 CHF 1,415
Inside Back Cover Rs 67,000 € 1,560 $ 1,915 ₤ 1,240 CHF 2,030
Double Page Spread Rs 80,000 € 1,860 $ 2,285 ₤ 1,485 CHF 2,285
Double Page Spread Middle Rs 97,000 € 2,260 $ 2,775 ₤ 1,800 CHF 2,940
Back Cover Rs 85,000 € 1,980 $ 2,430 ₤ 1,575 CHF 2,575
DVD Insert (5,000 copies)* Rs 1,000,000 € 23,300 $ 28,600 ₤ 18,550 CHF 30,300
2. Golf Travel Magazine Rate Card Item Rupees Euro U.S. Dollar G.B. Pound Swiss Fr.A4 Size Advert Page Full Page Rs 50,000 € 1,170 $ 1,430 ₤ 930 CHF 1,515
Half Page Rs 29,000 € 675 $ 830 ₤ 540 CHF 880
Quarter Page Rs 15,000 € 350 $ 430 ₤ 280 CHF 455
Front Cover Banner Rs 55,000 € 1,280 $ 1,575 ₤ 925 CHF 1,670
Inside Front Cover Rs 85,000 € 1,980 $ 2,430 ₤ 1,575 CHF 2,575
Advertorial Rs 55,000 € 1,280 $ 1,575 ₤ 1,020 CHF 2,940
Inside Back Cover Rs 72,000 € 1,675 $ 2,100 ₤ 1,340 CHF 2,145
Double Page Spread Rs 85,000 € 1,980 $ 2,430 ₤ 1,575 CHF 2,575
Double Page Spread Middle Rs 105,000 € 2,445 $ 3,000 ₤ 1,950 CHF 3,230
Back Cover Rs 95,000 € 2,210 $ 2,720 ₤ 1,760 CHF 2,285
DVD Insert (5,000 copies)* Rs 1,000,000 € 23,300 $ 28,600 ₤ 18,550 CHF 30,300
Benefi ts:(a) Advertising on any above format for minimum 6 editions for magazines - pre agreed discount of 5% on value of sales(b) To advertise on www.marketinfodirect.com & www.swingtimegolf.co.za Rs 30, 000 for a year booking.
79Directory
Astral Golf MauritiusGround Floor, Fon Sin BuildingEdith Cavell StreetPort-LouisTel: (230) 213 2829The ProShopMauritius Gymkhana ClubVacoasTel: (230) 697 [email protected]
Core Golf Junior Academy16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter GardenFL 34787, U.S.A.Tel: 1 407 654 [email protected]
Flamingos Golf ClubCtra. Cádiz Km. 16629679 Marbella / Benahavis, SpainTel: (34) 952 889 163Fax: (34) 952 889 159info@fl amingosgolf.comwww.fl amingos-golf.com
Market Info Direct (Mtius) LtdLevel 6, Victoria House, Barracks StreetPort Louis, MauritiusTel: (230) 213 3399 - Fax: (230) 213 [email protected]
MikadoP. O. Box 359 Port Louis. MauritiusTel: (230) 211 0007 - Fax: (230) 208 [email protected]
Omni Orlando Resort1500 Masters BlvdChampionsGate, Florida 33896, U.S.A.Tel: 1 407 390 6664Fax: 1 407 390 6600www.omnihotels.com
Private Property LtdLevel 6, Victoria House, Barracks StreetPort Louis, MauritiusTel: (230) 213 3399Fax: (230) 213 3342info@golfersprivateproperty.comwww.golfersprivateproperty.com
Poncini Ltd2, Jules Koenig Street, Port Louis, MauritiusTel: (230) 212 0818 - Fax: (230) 208 8850www.poncini.com
SkypropsLevel 6, Victoria House, Barracks StreetPort Louis, MauritiusTel: (230) 213 3399 - Fax: (230) 213 [email protected]
i n f o @ g o l f e r s p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y. c o m - w w w. g o l f e r s p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y. c o m
Luxury villas just minutes from Disney parks
CARIBE COVERESORT
O R L A N D O
Nestled in a quiet corner of Orlando’s lush tropical landscape of fun and entertainment, just minutes from Disney parks, Caribe Cove Resort Orlando is your treasured home away from home.
Choose one of our luxurious three-bedroom villas and enjoy the spacious accommodation with the entire family or indulge in a private romantic getaway for two.
Your vacation is waiting. Reserve your private villa today at Caribe Cove Resort Orlando and experience the best of Orlando!
As from $ 99 per person per night (min. 4 p - Max. 6 p)
