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A French A-Fairway
December 25, 2009 by Fractional & Shared Ownership Property News & Reviews · Leave a Comment
The golfer’s love affair with France is growing faster than you can swing your 9-iron – and in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, the sport is playing an increasingly active role in tourism, attracting more and more visitors from
abroad. With all types of courses in a variety of natural settings on offer, Angela West discovers a picturesque golfing Mecca.
Golf de Sainte Maxime in the foothills of the Maures
Bursting at the bunkers with historic and championship courses, France is a golfer’s paradise. The country’s golf infrastructure’s been developing rapidly for over 20 years, and with beautifully landscaped, 21st-century courses in stunning locations, it’s internationally recognized as a world-class golf location. Luxury clubhouses and immaculately-manicured courses entice even the most discerning golfer to their greens and along with pro-shops, bars and restaurants, on-site facilities range from driving ranges and golfing academies to luxury hotels and spas.
Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, the south beckons with its favorable golfing climate and diverse landscapes, from inland rolling hills capped with vineyards, farmlands and forests to stunning coastal areas dotted with quaint, traditional French villages.
Along with the outstanding natural beauty, the colorful culture, renowned hospitality of the south, wealth of accommodation, superb facilities and delectable gastronomy are all part of the appeal.
With many courses open year ’round, fans of the sport are spoiled for choice, meaning you can tee off with the enticing Mediterranean sparkling through fragrant olive and pine trees in any season. Accessibility’s another attraction, and with top-class courses near stunning beaches to boot, it’s no wonder British golfers flock to the Côte.
GOLF DE CANNES-MANDELIEU RIVIERA
9 holes, par 33, 2118 meters/; 18 holes, par 71, 5676 meters/
Architect: H.S. Colt
Greens fee: from €50
Tel: 04.92.97.32.00
www.golfoldcourse.com
Often referred to as the Old Course, Golf de Cannes-Mandelieu Riviera holds the title as the oldest on the French Riviera. Created in 1891 by the Grand Duke Michel de Russie, this relatively flat course offers an average level of difficulty and is suitable for all levels. With three lakes and numerous sand bunkers, players still enjoy crossing the river Siagne on a barge, and it’s famed for its 100-year-old pine trees. Hosting countless competitions including the President’s Cup, there’s a putting green, driving range and pro shop, along with a charming, traditional Norman-style
clubhouse, restaurant and terrace for relaxing after a round.
PONT ROYAL
18 holes, par 72, 6303 meters/
Architect: Severiano Ballesteros
Greens fee: from €39
Tel: 04.90.57.40.79
www.golf-pontroyal.com
With imposing hills and forests, Mallemort was mentioned in Julius Caesar’s memoirs and traces of the Romans have recently been discovered here. The harmonious, rhythmic course at Pont Royal was completed in 1992 and offers wide fairways and broad, sloping greens. With fir plantations, an impressive ravine and winding stream, the course is both tactical and amusing, requiring good golfing sense. There’s an upward climb to the 6th-hole tee, which kicks off a
series of holes offering 360-degree panoramic views over the village perché of Mallemort, Durance Valley, the Lubéron and Chaine de la Trevaresse.
Amateurs will feel at ease here, while professionals will have already pounded these fairways during men’s and women’s professional tours. The owner of the internationally famous Moulin de Vernegues hotel/ restaurant located between holes 2 and 3, instigated the idea for this course. The project was then submitted to Seve Ballesteros. There’s a pro-shop, pitch-and-putt, hotels and bar/restaurant/clubhouse.
ROYAL MOUGINS GOLF CLUB
18 holes, par 71, 6004 meters/
Architect: Robert Von Hagge
Greens fee: from €100
Tel. 04.92.92.49.69
www.royalmougins.fr
Dotted with lakes and rivers, often surrounded by characteristic sand bunkers, this challenging course has numerous small Robert Von Hagge-style hillocks that penalize any misplaced drives. With a very fast green, a good choice of club is required. This tight and reasonably hilly course was established in 1993 and the exclusive, private club was created for the sole privilege of its members and their guests.
There’s a Ladies Day every Tuesday, Men’s every Wednesday and competitions held here include the Cannes Golf Classic and Prix du President. You’ll find a putting green, driving ranges, pro-shop and bar/ restaurant, a new hotel plus a state-of-the-art spa and health club.
MONTE-CARLO GOLF CLUB
18 holes, par 71, 5669 meters/
Architect: Le Comité
Greens fee: from €45
Tel: 04.92.41.50.70
www.sbm.mc
Overlooking the Principality of Monaco at a 900-meter altitude, this highly technical mountain course offers players a variety of technical difficulties with a unique, panoramic view of the Mediterranean. Built in 1911, facilities include a putting green, driving range, bar/restaurant, pro shop and hotel.
Terrace dining at Les Domaines de Saint-Endreol Golf & Spa Resort
LES DOMAINES DE SAINT-ENDREOL GOLF & SPA RESORT
18 holes, par 72, 7200 meters/
Architect: Michel Gayon
Greens fee: from €47
Tel: 04.94.51.89.89
www.st-endreol.com
Voted one of the five most beautiful in France, the internationally-renowned 18-hole course here runs through spectacular scenery, where even pros are put through their paces, highlighted by the 13th hole, teetering on a precipice above the river L’Endre. The rock of Roquebrune, which dominates the site, is set ablaze by the setting sun, while the river L’Endre meanders through century-old parasol pines. This varied and challenging sun-drenched course is accessible to all levels, thanks to multiple departure points. There’s a putting green, driving range, pro shop,
hotel, restaurant and spa.
GOLF DE SAINTE MAXIME
18 holes, par 72, 6130 meters/
Architect: Don Harradine
Greens fee: from €45
Tel: 04.94.55.02.02
www.bluegreen.com/sainte-maxime
Set in the foothills of the Maures, this undulating course, built in 1991, offers spectacular sea views. It’s technical,
but more impressive than difficult. Close to the glitz and glamour of Cannes and the excitement of St. Tropez, onsite there’s a putting and chipping green, driving range, pro shop and bar/restaurant.
FOUR SEASONS GOLF CLUB PROVENCE AT TERRE BLANCHE
Le Château: 18 holes, par 72, 6616 meters/
Le Riou: 18 holes, par 72, 6005 meters/
Architect: Dave Thomas
Greens fee: from €95
Tel: 04.94.39.36.93
www.fourseasons.com/provence/golf.html
A long course with numerous water features, Le Château sets a fine challenge for all levels of playing ability. Winding through pine and oak-clad hills and valleys, golfers are treated to sweeping views of neighboring villages and the Southern Alps. Sophisticated construction and irrigation techniques maintain the quality of the playing surface all year long. Every facet of your game is put to the test on the tighter, more undulating course, Le Riou. With putting and chipping greens, driving range, David Leadbetter Golf academy, pro shop, clubhouse, restaurant/bar, luxury hotel, spa and fitness facilities, players seeking to optimize their game and improve their swing can also benefit from the latest in technology, ‘Biomecaswing’, the unique system which provides a personal diagnostic of your physical capacities and golf performance.
Sunset at Le Château, one of the two courses at Four Seasons Golf Club Provence at Terre Blanche
Fairway Property
The South is the perfect place to purchase a property overlooking the green and means good investment returns for those buying their own slice of a golfing lifestyle. Apart from the obvious convenience and privilege of being part of the golfing community, other benefits of owning golf properties can include complimentary teetimes and free club membership. Many courses also offer special weekend rates and group deal passes.
New golf resorts are springing up everywhere… and the Côte is no exception. Chesterton Humberts’ development of high-spec villas by Kaufman and Broad at Pont Royal, Mallemort will be built around a new 9-hole course. With rental estimates at €2,300/week (high season), villas, which will have a minimum of 4 bedrooms and private pool, are available through
www.chestertonhumberts.com
Bon jeu de golf!
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