Englishman John Parry has confirmed that he will defend his AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title when the Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour co-sanctioned tournament is played at the spectacular La Réserve Golf Links, Heritage Resorts, from 18-21 December.
Parry claimed an emotional two-stroke victory over South Africa’s Dylan Naidoo and Christo Lamprecht at Mont Choisy Le Golf in 2024 which also helped him secure an overall victory of the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing that season. The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open will once again be the final tournament on the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing.
Parry returns to Mauritius looking to become the first player in the history of the tournament to successfully defend his title.
“I’m excited to return to the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open to try and defend my title. I have such good memories of Mauritius. The win was a major confidence boost for me in my career, and then to win the Opening Swing as well was a welcome bonus.
"And on top of this, the victory came on the day of my wedding anniversary. So Mauritius really holds fonds memories for me and I’m looking forward to going back there,” said Parry.
The Englishman’s victory in Mauritius was indeed life-changing for him, and could continue to be so. His win set him up to chase a potential PGA TOUR card. Parry is currently ranked eighth on the DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings, and if he retains his place in the top 10 by the end of the current season, he will earn PGA TOUR membership for next season.
Germany’s Marcel Siem is also confirmed for this year’s tournament and will relish a return to La Réserve Golf Links where he is an ambassador for Heritage Golf Club.
Siem has a proud history with the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open having played in this event five times with top finishes of tied 16th and 19th, and he particularly enjoys the challenge of La Réserve Golf Links.
“They’ve done a fantastic job with this golf course. It’s a tough test. You have to hit some good shots there, especially when the wind blows. The fairways and greens are really good, and there are some really tough holes out there,” he said.
The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open continues to make a powerful impact throughout world golf.
In less than a decade, the tournament has already established itself as a success story, and last year it delivered a record US$4.2 million in net economic impact for the Mauritian economy.
It was also the first DP World Tour victory for Rasmus Højgaard, who last week made his Ryder Cup debut as a member of the European team. Over the years it has hosted former Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup stars, and Major winners.
It has also been the starting point for many an international career, with both Dylan Naidoo and Christo Lamprecht, who finished runner-up last year, going on to claim breakthrough victories on the DP World Tour and Korn Ferry Tour shortly thereafter.