First mauritian professional to compete on the PGA European Tour.

Govinden Palanyandi will create golfing history on Friday when he becomes the first Mauritian professional to compete on the PGA European Tour. The 52-year-old from Phoenix, a town in the centre of the island, will have the honour of teeing off first in the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open on the Legend course at Constance Belle Mare Plage.

"This will be the biggest moment in my career," said Palanyandi, who is teaching professional at the Gymkhana Golf Club at Vocoas. "I am not nervous but I am excited and proud to be the first Mauritian to play in a European Tour event." Palanyandi has been practising regularly over the Legend course in preparation for his Senior Tour debut. "I played the course about four times a week during November,” he said. “It is the best course in Mauritius and the best course I have ever played. "You do not have to drive long but you do need to be straight. To make a good score you must stay on the fairway."

Palanyandi, who started his golfing career as a caddy and has been a professional for 20 years, warmed up for the tournament with a three-over-par 75 in the first round of the Constance Hotels Pro-Am on Tuesday. He has set himself a target of a top 20 finish, which will be a tough task when one considers the strength and experience of his rivals. But wherever he finishes, Govinden Panayandi will have earned himself a place in the history books.

Neil webber