The Mauritius Open tees off on Thursday and, once again, the event has attracted a stellar field of professionals from the Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour and Asian Tour.

Schaper has enjoyed a sensational few weeks, finishing runner-up at the Nedbank Golf Challenge at Sun City before clinching the Alfred Dunhill Championship for his maiden DP World Tour title.

The rising star will now look to emulate 2010 Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen by becoming the first player since 2023 to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the Mauritius Open in back-to-back weeks.

Schaper says his focus is simply on building momentum, while he also relishes the layout of the Peter Matkovich-designed course.

“The last two weeks have been incredible, and being here after that is pretty cool,” said Schaper after arriving in Mauritius.

Jayden Schaper. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“I just love Mauritius. I love the resorts, the ocean and the golf courses. What I like about this design is that it’s familiar. My home course is also a Peter Matkovich design, and his courses are all about being smart rather than just bombing it.

“They’re fun to play. There are always a couple of drivable par fours in his designs, which adds to the excitement.”

Given his previous record on the island, Schaper will be confident. He has never finished lower than 13th in the tournament across the three previous occasions he has competed.

That consistency stands out even more considering his strong showing the last time the event was played at La Réserve Golf Links in 2023, where he finished an impressive sixth.

Meanwhile, England’s John Parry will be aiming to make history by becoming the first player to successfully defend the Mauritius Open title, as he embraces a challenge he has never faced before.

“I’m really excited. Defending a title is not something I’ve had the opportunity to do before, so it’s a new experience which I’m really looking forward to,” said Parry.

John Parry. Photo: Sunshine Tour

“I absolutely love it in Mauritius. I have my wife with me as well, and the golf course looks fantastic. I can see the rough is heavy and I’m guessing the wind will play a role. It looks like a real second-shot golf course, where it’s all about hitting the right areas and finding the correct levels on the greens.

“There’s a feeling that if you’re playing well and it’s a windy course like this, it might play into your hands a bit. Being from England, I’m fairly used to a bit of wind, so I’m excited.”

The 2025 Mauritius Open at La Réserve Golf Links will be played from 18 to 21 December.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek