In love with golf

The managing director of the golf course at l?Île-aux-cerfs first held a club at the age of eleven.

Ever since that day he has never put it away. His involvement in professional golf has been like a love story since the age of 16.

It is 3pm on the golf court of Le Touresrok hotel at l?Ile-aux-cerfs. The sand is baking and the sea boiling under the mighty sun. On the island, deep inside a little complex, a man is sitting down and dealing with his administrative chores. He is not just anybody. He is David Marsh, someone who has known adventure and success throughout his life.

Despite the heat and the fatigue on his face, David manages to come out of his office with a smile. And it shows how much he enjoys the work he is doing. When a client or a tourist comes and asks him something, he does not mind walking even a few miles to assist the person. His approach is friendly especially as he looks relaxed most of the time.

David?s affiliation with golf is a family affair. In fact, his grandfather played golf. Thereafter, David?s father and David followed suit. Now David?s son, young Nicholas, is already following in the footsteps of his father apparently. But no one has gone as far as David. He has been the only one (so far) to practise golf as a professional.

As such, he has even played with members of the Royal family. Then he has played with some great personalities like Glen Hoodle, ex-coach of the English national football team.

?To play against this kind of people shows the level I have achieved. So it does give me a feeling of pride. But to play golf certainly brings me an even greater sense of satisfaction. Golf is a great sport. What is good is when you experience different courses. This is when you experience different levels of difficulty. This is why it is so enjoyable. It is like a new challenge each time. And it helps you escape from day-to-day life.?

Despite being mostly on the golf course, David has other ways of spending his time. Indeed fishing, water-skiing, playing tennis and going to the gym are his favourite hobbies. But, when he is at home, he just enjoys spending time with his family. However, if Manchester United is playing on television, no one should disturb him, as he is a number one supporter of the team.

David was born on 18th May 1964 in Blackpool, on the Northwest coast of England. After a five-year training course as ?assistant golf professional?, he started moving to several parts of the world to gain experience. He started at 21 in Spain. Afterwards he moved to Austria, Portugal and Qatar. Last, but not least, he went to the Caribbean. In all those countries he occupied several positions in the field of golf at a very high professional standard. During his stays in those countries, he got the opportunity to learn some German and some Portuguese. Asked about his French, he prefers to make a joke of it and say ?very, very, very basic French?.

David got married to Joanne in 1990 and they have two children - Rebecca and Nicholas. So far, according to David, the whole family is having a marvellous time in Mauritius. And his aim for the long-term is to give all he can to his work.

?Mauritius is a great place. Life is wonderful. I do have not any complaint to make. The Mauritian people are very welcoming. But what is extraordinary is the tourist life in Mauritius, which is of a high standard. The hotels and services are great. Golf is also contributing to the tourist sector. But, as far as my work is concerned, I just look forward to sharing my experience and expertise to make of this golf course an even better one in the future.?