Jean Baptiste Ramarozatovo made history two weeks ago when he became the first player from Madagascar to tee it up in a Staysure Tour event. This week he returns to senior action when he takes to the tee at the MCB Tour Championship – Mauritius.
Ramarozatovo has been given one of the four Category Oc sponsors invites to play the Staysure Tour season finale following his impressive senior debut at the MCB Tour Championship – Madagascar. The local favourite, who attracted hordes of local support on home soil, carded rounds of 69-75-69 to finish in a share of seventh place.
The 52-year-old delighted the crowd at International Golf Club Du Rova and is determined to play well at the last tournament of the three event final series MCB Tour Championship. Buoyed by his performance on home soil, Ramarozatovo has set himself a target for the week, which he believes is achievable.
“I would really like to finish inside the top ten this week,” he said. “I’m confident with my long game but around the greens is a little more difficult, especially on the greens. I would like to thank MCB for giving me an invite for this tournament and I’m looking forward to a good week and a top ten finish would be great.
“The experience I had in Madagascar was fantastic. It was the first time I played in such a big tournament. The crowds were amazing, and I was very grateful for the support.”
Those crowds. That home support.
— Staysure Tour (@StaysureTour) November 30, 2019
Soak it in, Jean Baptiste 🙌 #MCBTourChamp 🇲🇬 pic.twitter.com/4N1oXZfaek
Ramarozatovo, who has played in Mauritius previously, as well as France and Ivory Coast, turned professional in 1993 and won the Open de Madagascar in 1997, 1998 and 1999. He has seen Madagascan golf change dramatically during his time as a professional and is delighted the impact the MCB Tour Championship – Madagascar has had on the sport in the country.
“There has been a massive change in golf in Madagascar when you compare it to ten years ago,” he said. “There are a lot more locals who play golf, more than people from other countries, which is really good.”
“Since the tournament two weeks ago, there are a lot more locals interested in golf and finding out how to play. Thanks to the Staysure Tour and the importance of the tournament, people have taken an interest more than they ever had before.”
