The Course

This week I had the pleasure of visiting the host of next years (2018) Ryder Cup – Le Golf National. The Albatross Course here will be the home of the action for the 3 days and I can’t help but see why. With holes echoing the feel of that at Sawgrass, perfectly edged first and second cuts of rough, its a rare find this side of the pond. The opening 2 holes serve as a great appetiser for the round ahead. A vast lake boldly guards the entire left side of the 1st and then gives you a challenging carry on the 2nd par 3. After these two things calm down slightly and whilst there aren’t lakes like this on every hole, they are a recurring theme throughout the course but its not all water. The middle part of the course welcomes some great parkland style holes with pretty streams and trees overhanging the fairways.

The finishing flurry of holes is where the magic is, the 15th and 18th both hone adjoining island greens and provide a welcome challenge for the confident (or cocky) golfer. Playing into a strong wind on these holes will certainly turn them from a par long 4 into a reasonable par 5. The 16th mimics the early challenge of the 2nd hole with its large lake and sleepers bordering the front edge of the green.

The rough is deep and perfect white bunkers come into play on almost every shot. I’m not sure what the greens where reading but they did leave you feeling punished if you rolled one past or didn’t quite catch that wedge as clean as you’d have liked. With all the hazards, its definitely a course you have to plot your way around smartly, so no gimme’s here!

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse is well set up and offers everything you would need. A large pro shop which is laced with Ryder Cup merchandise and multiple big name Golf Clubs and equipment. The bar is slightly understated but offers some decent grub and an outdoor seating area, I would recommend taking a short walk down to the bar at the adjoining Novotel Hotel, theres a better atmosphere here and it also looks out over to the 15th and 18th holes. Unfortunately the changing facilities were closed off when I was there but this was for refurbishment. Driving range and practice putting greens are pretty standard here with a ball dispenser machine rather than nicely stacked balls at the range but they do come included with your green fee.

The Location

Just on the south west outskirts of Paris makes Le Golf National very accessible. Paris Orly and Charles De Gaulle are the two main international airports so flights to either of these are easy. You may find the actual location fairly quiet around the golf club but only a 20 minute drive is the beautiful city of Versailles, most famous for the outstanding Palace of Versailles. Shops, restaurants, bars and hotels are plentiful so its worth staying here and taking a short drive to the course. It’s Paris but a bit quieter and has a much more local feel about the place. Obviously you could go the whole hog and stay in Paris whilst it is so close but getting in and out may take a bit of time.

Final Thoughts

Le Golf National is overall a fantastic golf course. The Albatross Course being a true championship layout and a solid test of golf. Being here in April was still fairly cold and a mighty wind made the round that extra bit harder but still expect tournament quality fairways and greens. Make sure you plan to spend a couple of days here and play the two 18 hole courses, book up in Versailles and enjoy the city. The great thing about golfing in France is that it’s the quickest destination of all Europe with flight times from London being no more than an hour and with a golf course with this prestige, it’s a no brainer.

Fairway Finder

Golf Course Reviews and Ratings

Le Golf National – 2018 Ryder Cup

Le Golf National – 2018 Ryder Cup

Share this:

Share this:

Log Into Fairway Finder

Don't Have an Account? Register Here!