Welshman Mark Mouland has some unfinished business to attend to next month when he makes a nostalgic return visit to Mauritius.
In this, his first season on the European Senior Tour, Mouland has made quite an impression, registering a maiden victory in Portugal and securing a top 20 order-of-merit ranking with winnings of over €100,000.
Mouland’s appearances in Europe were, however, restricted by his visits to the US Champions Tour, where he gained a limited number of entries through the 2010 Qualifying School.
When he revisited the US Tour School earlier this month, Mouland claimed ninth place, after a play-off, to secure a conditional exemption in 2012.
Now his attention is focused on Mauritius, where he will be a man on a mission – his intention: to become the first man to win three professional tournaments on the island.
It was in 2003 that the Welshman became the first pro to register back-to-back triumphs in the Mauritius Open, the forerunner of the MCB Open.
The following year he finished fifth behind Englishman Miles Tunnicliff, after which he was unable to return – until now.
“I’m really looking forward to going back to Mauritius,” he said.
“I love the place, the ambience, the atmosphere, the golf course and the whole set-up.”
Mouland added:
“It has been great to be back on tour. I was so looking forward to joining the Senior Tour that I couldn’t wait to turn 50."
“It’s been an absolute ball. It is far more relaxed than the main Tour, with an easygoing atmosphere and a lot of camaraderie.”
Mouland’s experience and success over the Constance Belle Mare Plage Legend layout is certain to stand him in good stead for the tournament. He knows what it takes to be successful over the tricky Hugh Baiocchi-designed layout.
“It would be wonderful if I managed to win the MCB Tour Championship, not only for the title but to complete a three-timer on Mauritius, something no-one else has done."
“That would please me immensely. But there are some exceptional players in the field so we will just have to see what happens.”
