As the Staysure Tour prepares for the inaugural MCB Tour Championship Indian Ocean Swing, MCB Deputy Chief Executive Raoul Gufflet has spoken of his excitement as one of Africa’s leading financial organisations takes its next step in supporting golf on a global stage.
The MCB Tour Championship, held at Constance Belle Mare Plage in Mauritius, has been a staple on the Tour’s International Schedule since 2011. This has now expanded into a new season-ending two-event series, with the second stage taking place at Constance Lemuria on the island of Praslin in the Seychelles the following week. Staysure Tour members will play for a combined prize fund of more than $800,000, with the winner of each tournament receiving a first prize of approximately $70,000.
With former champions such as eight-time European Tour Number One Colin Montgomerie, 1996 Open Champion Tom Lehman, six-time Staysure Tour winner Barry Lane and Senior Major Champion David Frost, the MCB Tour Championship is now one of the most coveted titles on the European over-50s circuit.
“The growth of the MCB Tour Championship over the last seven years is a result of hard work from everyone associated with the tournament,” said Gufflet. “Committing to the creation of a second event and the development of an Indian Ocean Swing seemed the next obvious step for us to take on our journey with our involvement in golf.
“We take great pride in welcoming the best players from the Staysure Tour to our country, and we are also proud to have seen this event grow from strength to strength over nearly a decade.
“These events not only provide a platform for these golfers to showcase their incredible talents, but also give us the opportunity for MCB, Constance Hotels and the Staysure Tour to host clients at these incredible golf courses and resorts in the Indian Ocean.
“One of our key aims with the creation of the Indian Ocean Swing is to benefit the local economies and tourism industries of both Mauritius and Seychelles. Tourism is a key market for both these nations, and we are committed to putting the Indian Ocean on the map as a true golfing destination.
“We believe the first Indian Ocean Swing is the start of something very special for the sport in this region and for MCB and the Staysure Tour.”
The first stage of the MCB Tour Championship, in Mauritius, takes place from December 7-9, with the second stage in Seychelles taking place the following week from December 14-16.
