While most players are happy enough just to have received an invitation to this event, there are enough former European Tour winners in the field to ensure that the 2008 version of the Mauritian Open will be a hotly-contested affair. Once again the beautiful Legend and Links courses of Constance Belle Mare Plage will host some famous and up-and-coming professionals from 11 – 14 December, and the players are sure to be put to the test by the sweltering heat and challenging course setups.

This year’s entry list includes two former Ryder Cup players in Barry Lane and Philip Price, as well as other European Tour winners in Jean Francois Lucquin, Rolf Muntz, Mile Tunnicliff, Phil Golding and Roger Chapman.

On current form Lucquin seems to be the man to beat, although the 2008 Omega European Masters winner will have to watch over his shoulder for a couple of wily old competitors. As usual, the beauty of the event is that players head over to the Indian Ocean island for a week of sun and relaxation, soaking up the traditional Mauritian charm with their entire families before getting on with the job of winning the most prestigious event on the island.

For the mole, it’s time to pack my sunscreen and practise my French because one of the perks of being a rodent with a love for golf is that I get to join the pros in lapping up the 5-star luxury – without actually playing in the event. Watch this space for more news from the mole on assignment … in Mauritius…