GOLF ESCAPES

Short Haul: France
Biarritz in Anglet, a fishing port with an
upmarket marina.
Hossegor is routed among mature trees
with large but low-lipped bunkers dotted
around its lush parkland fairways. The soft,
receptive greens are lovely to putt on.
Moliets is a Trent Jones design that really
comes into its own with a fabulous fourhole
stretch by the ocean. The parkland
holes are good, but these seaside tests are
out of this world.
There are more very attractive courses in
the area and through the Golf Pass Biarritz
(golfpassbiarritz.com), you can make real
savings on playing Seignosse, Le Phare,
d’Arcangues and Makila – they’re available
from not much more than £150.
Further north, but still within an hour,
is Golf du Medoc. There are two courses
here, with Le Chateaux the No.1.
Laid out by Bill Coore in 1989 – when
he was not the big draw in golf course
Golf du Medoc.
The clubhouse at
Hardelot Dunes.
design he is today – it is one of the classiest
venues on the Continent.
A heathland very much in the ilk of
Walton Heath, it is complemented by the
equally attractive Vignes.
To the east is Chateau des Vigiers, where
three lovely loops of nine are routed around
the breathtaking castle – all of it set in
classic vineyard country. A truly special
place for a golf break.
The South East
On the opposite end of the south coast,
Terre Blanche is arguably France’s premier
resort, with a European Top 100 course –
one that is closing in on the top 10 – as
well as a second course that is a very, very
solid complement.
Equally as impressive is the attached
hotel, which is not just one of the best golf
hotels in France, it is one of the best hotels
in France full stop. It boasts every amenity
Golf’s leading
premium chain
The Open Golf Club phenomenon...
Open Golf Club originates from a
strong family tradition in tourism and
high-end leisure sports over more than
50 years. With a presence in five
countries – France, Benelux, Spain,
Portugal and Morocco – the Open Golf
Club group ofers a choice of 40 topquality
golf courses including several
which are recognised internationally.
Many are classed among the Top
100 in Europe such as Le Touquet,
Hardelot, Biarritz le Phare, Opion
Valbonne, Pont Royal, Les Yvelines and
Ormesson in France as well as Golf
National, venue for the 2018 Ryder
Cup. Open Golf Club’s portfolio is a bit
like a group in Britain being able to say
they had Alwoodley, West Sussex and
Prestwick under their umbrella.
Further well-renowned courses
include Bercuit and Cleydael (a
Challenge Tour 2014 venue) in Belgium
and San Roque in Spain.
Close to all the courses, a selection
of hotels can provide golfers with a
range of accommodation for their stay.
These three and four-star hotels are
very experienced in welcoming golfers
and provide an attentive service that
also reflects the local culture and
lifestyle, especially in terms of the
splendid food and wine. Open Golf can
take care of packages, green fees, golf
passes, gift certificate, leaving you free
to enjoy your golf break.
Examples of packages:
• Two nights midweek in a double
room with breakfast at Le Manoir in Le
Touquet including a welcome dinner
(excluding drinks) and three green fees
in Le Touquet from €245 to €310 per
person (valid until October 17, 2015).
• Seven nights at Le Roque suites on
the Costa del Sol in a double room with
four green fees at San Roque New club
and two green fees at San Roque Old
club from €777 per person depending
on the time of year.
For more information, get in touch
with Open Golf Club’s UK contact Nigel
Jibson by calling 07956 863358,
emailing nigel@opengolfclub.com.
For general information on Open Golf
Club visit www.opengolfclub.com.
38 GOLF ESCAPES 2015