22nd July 2017

Le Golf National - alarmingly difficult, great fun

The course was carved out of farmland twenty-seven years ago. The only hint to its previous life on the fringes of Louis XIV's vast estates at Versailles is a gate lodge near the 13th tee. It's a magnificent, links-like course with rolling dunes, lakes, fast-drying greens and fairways - one of three courses built by the French Golf Federation to create champions (there are first-class teaching and practice facilities) and a permanent home for the French Open. The Ryder Cup/French Open course is L'Albatross (the Albatross). There are two other courses, L'Aigle (The Eagle) less testing, but in equally good condition, and Oiselet (Birdie).