MCB and the Mauritius Golf Federation (MGF) gathered the press on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, to present their strategic partnership for the development and promotion of junior golf in Mauritius and the region. Among the speakers were Daniel d’Arifat, President of the Junior Committee at MGF, Nicolas Sobrido, Assistant Secretary of MGF, and Matthieu Benoit, Head of Customer Experience & Marketing at MCB.
The Mauritius Golf Federation (MGF) has entered into a strategic partnership with MCB to develop and promote junior golf in Mauritius and the region. This is a strategic ambition for the federation: to enable young Mauritian golfers to participate and excel in prestigious international competitions. In his address, Yannick Merven, President of MGF, stated: “This is a valuable partnership for MGF. MCB has been one of our key partners in recent years. Today, we unite around a common goal: to develop junior golf. MCB’s presence alongside us will further motivate young players to aim for elite tournaments. Through this partnership, we can also express real ambitions for our Golf for All program, a pathway to identify players capable of joining the Junior team. This is a proud moment for MGF.”
A New Momentum
This partnership with MCB marks a crucial step in realizing this vision. Moving forward, young talents will play under the banner of the MCB Junior Golf Team, a new Elite team established as part of this collaboration. “This partnership between MGF and MCB is excellent news for Mauritian golf. It will create an environment conducive to the emergence of high-level young talents and elevate Mauritian golf on the international stage,” emphasized Daniel d’Arifat, President of the Junior Committee at MGF. MGF regularly conducts talent detection exercises through its Golf for All program, led by Balah Chinnayya.
Nicolas Sobrido, Assistant Secretary of MGF, added, “Youth is the future of golf. We must encourage young players to engage seriously and conscientiously. MCB’s support sends a strong message to young golfers: they are supported! This sponsorship will inject tremendous dynamism into our sport. With such support, young golfers can push themselves and seize numerous opportunities. We are particularly thinking about our preparations for the All Africa Junior Team Championships, which we can approach differently thanks to this partnership.”
Solid Foundations for the Future of Golf
This collaboration will enable MGF to establish a set of high-performance structures to support Mauritian golfers. This will include funding for internationally renowned coaches, organizing high-level training camps, and covering competition expenses. “Today, MGF and MCB are laying solid foundations together for the future of Mauritian golf. We will support young players to excel not only in Mauritius but also on the regional stage. The creation of an elite team will undoubtedly inspire young golfers,” stated Daniel d’Arifat.
MGF aims to see young Mauritian golfers shine internationally and regionally, facilitating their access to the Sunshine Tour. Concurrently, MGF also aims to encourage the participation of young boys and girls to ensure a promising pool of golfers for the future. “MCB is proud to partner with MGF to create the MCB Junior Golf Team. This initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to promote and support young golf talents in Mauritius. We have been partners in prestigious tournaments such as the MCB Tour Championship, MCB National Order of Merit, Interten Cup, MCB Indian Ocean Open, and Heritage Mauritius Ladies Open, both in Mauritius and internationally. MCB once again demonstrates its commitment to golf development at all levels, and the creation of this team is a significant step in that direction. It will provide young Mauritian golfers with quality coaching and support to flourish in their discipline and reach their full potential. This is a promising initiative for the future of golf in Mauritius,” said Matthieu Benoit, Head of Customer Experience & Marketing at MCB.
Matthieu Benoit further explained how MCB has been a partner of MGF through various competitions and initiatives, emphasizing MCB’s longstanding dedication to consolidating and promoting golf in Mauritius. The establishment of the MCB Junior Golf Team is a natural extension of this commitment.
Dominic Provençal, Head of Overseas and Para Banking Subsidiaries and responsible for golf affairs at MCB, elaborated: “The birth of the MCB Junior Golf Team is a direct result of our actions over the past three years, in close collaboration with the Mauritius Golf Association, aimed at developing the golf ecosystem in Mauritius and making this sport even more accessible. Through the MCB Junior Team, we aim to foster the emergence of talents among the youth and provide them with the conducive environment to gradually approach the continental and global elite level. And who knows, we may discover a Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy among them one day?”
In conclusion, Daniel d’Arifat, President of the Junior Committee at MGF, emphasized: “MGF is delighted to leverage MCB’s expertise in developing junior golf in Mauritius. The bank has deep knowledge of the Mauritian sports environment, and its support will be invaluable in achieving MGF’s ambitions for elite junior golf.”
Testimonials from Young Golfers
Three young golf talents, Gabriel Lecourt de Billot, Olivia d’Arifat, and Tanishq Nobeen, are among the hopes of Mauritian golf.
Gabriel Le Court de Billot, a promising young golfer, shared: “I have been playing golf since I was 8 years old. My dream is to become a professional golfer. I am currently preparing for three tournaments: the MCB Indian Ocean Open, the Junior British Open in Scotland, and a grand prix in France. I am fortunate to belong to the Elite Africa group and regularly travel to South Africa for training camps. Over the past few years, MGF has been committed to promoting junior golf. That’s why I’ve been traveling so much for the past three years. I thank the Federation and hope to do them proud in Scotland. To young golfers starting out, I say this: don’t limit your dreams. With hard work, you can go far.”
Olivia d’Arifat is a talented young golfer. She recounts: “Competing in golf since the age of seven has been an incredible journey. My participation in the Junior Open in Scotland in 2022 and the All Africa Junior Team Championship in Uganda in 2023 are among my most memorable experiences. In Uganda, the competition was tough, but the camaraderie with players from across the continent was truly special. The pressure on the tee can be intense, but the feeling of hitting a good shot is pure relief. It’s a demanding sport but incredibly rewarding. Although Mauritius may not have the same resources as other countries, MGF has been a tremendous support for young golfers. They organize regular competitions and offer opportunities to compete internationally. To young golfers, I would like to say this: golf is challenging, there will be setbacks, but with perseverance, you can turn every experience into a positive one. Keep training, stay focused, and who knows, you may represent your country next time!”
Tanishq Nobeen is also part of this young generation of promising golfers: “At 16, golf is more than just a sport; it’s my passion. Since I first picked up a club at the age of eight, I have participated in national, junior, and men’s tournaments. Representing Mauritius in junior international competitions, such as the African Championships and world amateur ranking tournaments, has been a real honor, made possible by MGF’s incredible support. Throughout this journey, I have had the opportunity to learn from exceptional international coaches in Mauritius, India, and South Africa. Their guidance has shaped me into the golfer I am today. My ultimate goal is to turn professional and build a career in the golf world. In the years to come, I will focus on honing my skills through local and international tournaments. Representing Mauritius on the biggest courses remains my dream. For this incredible opportunity, I express my sincere gratitude to MGF. The Federation has not only opened doors to international competitions but also allowed me to interact with professional players. It’s a platform that has accelerated my development. My message to young Mauritians: discover the magic of golf! Whether you’re looking for a hobby or fierce competition, this sport offers invaluable life lessons. Through golf, I have learned to socialize, manage pressure, and cultivate discipline. It’s a sport that is both challenging and enriching.”
