After making history with a win in his national open, South Africa’s Dylan Naidoo is hoping to end a breakthrough year with a victory in the Mauritius Open at La Reserve Golf Links.
Naidoo has confirmed his place in the year-ending event – co-sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour – which played a key role in him securing a DP World Tour card this past season.
The South African finished tied second in last year’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, and less than three months later he took the confidence from that performance and claimed his maiden DP World Tour title at the Investec South African Open Championship.
He finished last season ranked 56th on the 2025 Race to Dubai to establish his status on the Tour.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back to the Mauritius Open at La Reserve Golf Links,” he said. “Last year I came second in this tournament and I’d really love to go one better. I love coming to Mauritius. It’s one of my favourite places – the beaches, the culture, the food.
“It’s such a great way to end off the year. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Naidoo.
Keep an eye on Christo Lamprecht. The giant South African hits the ball a mile. He has enjoyed some success on the Sunshine Tour but is still looking to make his mark on the DP World Tour – it could happen this week!
Eugenio Chacarra is one of the brightest prospects on tour. Born in Madrid, he was a promising footballer before deciding to focus on golf after a wrist injury. Chacarra attended Wake Forest University, where his sister Carolina also played golf, before transferring to Oklahoma State University, studying Sports Management, Finance and Psychology. He was a member of the Spanish team that finished fourth at the 2021 European Amateur Team Championships, where he recorded the lowest individual score in the qualification round. He was a first-team All American and reached second on the World Amateur Golf Ranking before turning professional in 2022.
Playing on a sponsor’s invitation, he won his maiden DP World Tour title at the 2025 Hero Indian Open, 18 months after his last professional victory at the Asian Tour’s St Andrews Bay Championship.
Twelve months ago, Englishman John Parry claimed the Mauritius Open by two shots in what was his first success in 14 years after regaining his card through the Challenge Tour.
He struggled to keep his emotions in check afterwards, saying: “It’s massive for me. I was back on the EuroPro Tour and was close to giving up golf after winning when I was 23 out here. So it’s been a long battle back but worth every moment for this week.”
Parry had an eagle at the 12th and said that was the turning point.
He said: “It was a bit of a challenging week all week but that chip-in on the 12th really just gave me a bit of momentum for the rest of the round. So that was a real key moment. That eagle just got me a little spark, with a couple of good chances coming up. And I just really didn’t miss a shot coming in so that was really key.”
Parry started the day five shots off the lead but had an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey to sign for a stunning 64 and set the clubhouse target at 14 under par.
Parry faced an anxious wait, but when Naidoo failed to make the eagle he required to force a play-off at the last, Parry was able to celebrate his return to the DP World Tour winner’s circle.
Tournament Winners:
It was won in 2015 by George Coetzee, in 2016 by Jeunghan Wang, in 2018 by Dylan Frittelli, in 2019 by Kurt Kitayama, in 2020 by Rasmus Hojgaard, in 2022 by Antoine Rozner, in 2023 by Louis Oosthuizen and last year by John Parry.
The Course:
La Reserve Golf Links was recently voted the Indian Ocean’s Best Golf Course at the World Golf Awards It is a par 72 measuring 7,357 yards and boasts ocean views on all 18 holes. It is heavily tree lined and features plenty of strategically-placed bunkers.
Form Guide:
John Parry used his victory here as a catalyst for what turned out to be the best year of his career and he will be looking forward to defending his title this week.
How to Watch:
Thursday, December 18, Friday, December 19, Sky Sports Golf, 8.30am; Saturday, December 20, Sky Sports Golf, 9am; Sunday, December 21, Sky Sports Golf, 6am.
Prize Money:
Total prize money is $1.5m, with 3,000 Race to Dubai points up for grabs.
To Win:
John Parry. Has had a fantastic year
Each Way:
Eugenio Chacarra. Terrific young Spaniard
Each Way:
Dan Brown. Steady English golfer
Five to Follow:
John Parry. On the crest of a wave
Eugenio Chacarra. Has a big future ahead of him
Dan Brown. Underrated
Dylan Naidoo. Already a winner in 2025
Dylan Frittelli. Big hitter
Five Outsiders to Watch:
Christo Lamprecht. Fabulous prospect
Alexander Levy. Still searching
George Coetzee. In the wilderness
Hennie Otto. Big hitter
Renato Paratore. Enjoyed a fine year on the HotelPlanner Tour
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
Be part of the action with a selection of unique golf tournament experiences, from playing in a pro-am with the stars to watching the action at golf’s most illustrious events. Whether it’s the Masters or The Open, The Ryder Cup or WM Phoenix Open, build your own bespoke package with the experts at Golfbreaks.com.
