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Golf is booming in Bordeaux!

Tee-off golf

Golf is booming in Bordeaux!

Our resident golfer Lucius, is loving the golfing scene here in Bordeaux. Originally from Northern Ireland, Lucius has been playing for many years and is thoroughly enjoying golfing French style which, he says, is more informal.

But despite this slightly more laid back attitude, this region has a rich golfing heritage and top class pedigree.   Did you know that Pau Golf Club, founded in 1856 was the first course built in Europe outside of the British Isles?  And we can also boast our own home grown pro; Greg Bourdy was born here in Bordeaux.

Our glorious scenery and climate certainly does provide a top European golfing destination, and the beautifully revamped city of Bordeaux is an Epicurean’s heaven.  With over fifty golf courses, to suit all players, from the keen golfer to the addicted golf-a-holic, there really is something for everyone. Where else in the world could you play a round at a five-star golf course, taste some of the world’s greatest wines, and dine at Gordon Ramsey’s newest restaurant – all in one day?

And here at Greens & Grapes, we are dedicated to enhancing your experience.  We can show you our favourite eateries, introduce you to owners of our hand-picked chateaux, where you can spend an afternoon tasting some of the finest wines in the world, and even provide a door to door chauffeur service so that you can relax and indulge to your heart’s content.

Using the excuse of needing to ‘research the market’ Lucius has played at many of the clubs around this region (“it’s a hard job but someone has to do it!”) He reports that they are easy to reach and less crowded than the courses in the South of Spain or Portugal and is more than impressed by the character and individuality of the clubs – there’s more to them compared with some of the many standard, modern golf courses he’s played elsewhere. Here are his six best picks, to give you a taste of the treat that awaits you here in Aquitaine.

 

 Golf du Medoc

Golf du Medoc

In 2010 the Golf du Medoc was rated the third best golf course in France by the Rolex Guide and was placed among the top five French golf courses by a panel of 50 French professionals. This club offers two well-designed courses which challenge you to play your most inventive strokes.

Golf Château des Vigiers

Château des Vigiers forms the centre-piece of a spectacular 27-hole golf course. Designed by Donald Steel, who is considered one of the very best “natural” golf course architects, it was rated in the top ten courses in South West France.  It is arranged in three 9-hole loops, giving three 18-hole combinations, and is perfect for beginning or improving your game.

Grand Saint-Emilionnais Golf Club

A five-star golf course located near Saint-Emilion, this course was designed by one of the best architects in the world, Tom Doak. This exceptional course unfolds in a valley fringed by centenary oak trees, framed by vineyards and located just 6 miles from the village of Saint-Emilion, offering stunning panoramic views from the Club House. No artificial earth movement was created and holes free flow into each other naturally.

Golf de Moliets

Golf de Moliets was designed by American architect, Robert Trent Jones.  For the last few years, this course has been included in Golf Digest Magazine’s Top 100 golf courses in the world.  It also ranks amongst the top ten in France and is listed as one of the 25 most beautiful courses in Europe.

Golf de Hossegor

Designed by Arnaud Massy and John Morrison in 1927, this course was created amid a forest of pines and cork oaks, protected from the winds. With a typical British track, tuned by Cabell Robinson, Hossegor is listed as one of the thousand best courses in the world by Rolex Book and is host to major tournaments, welcoming visitors all year round.

Golf de Chiberta

Designed by Tom Simpson in 1924 and located in the heart of the Basque Country, Golf de Chiberta ranks amongst the best of the South West coast of France. This 18 hole course offers a magnificent game along the coast.  Despite fairways close to the shore, the links are well protected from the fiercest storms, allowing you to play all year.

Lucius would love (another) excuse to show you the best that Bordeaux has to offer golfers – do us a favour and indulge him, you won’t be disappointed!

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