The 2018 Ryder Cup and Tournament Courses

In two years’ time, France plays host to one of the biggest sporting team events in the world when it welcomes The Ryder Cup to Le Golf National in Paris. This Match, contested between Europe and the USA, will not only put the global golf spotlight on France and its rich array of courses, but it will also underline the number of French golf courses that have previously hosted important events, and are still tournament quality venues to this day…

Le Golf National, Paris – Head for the home of The 2018 Ryder Cup

Le Golf National (External link) is part of the exclusive European Tour Properties network of world-class golf venues. Situated on the outskirts of Versailles, near Paris, venue of The 2018 Ryder Cup and well-established home to the Alstom Open de France, theChampionship L’Albatros course (External link) is a globally recognised and impressive stadium design with slick greens and vast undulating fairways dotted with water hazards and innumerable links‐style bunkers. L’Albatros (External link) is complemented by the challenging 18‐hole L’Aigle (Eagle) and the nine‐hole L’Oiselet (Sparrow) courses.

Where to stay:

Onsite at the Novotel Saint-Quentin Golf National (External link) or there are a number of options nearby, including Hotel Pullman Château de Versailles (External link) or L’Hôtel du Lac. (External link)

Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, Paris – A near neighbour to the Palace of Versailles

Located on gently rolling countryside at La Tuilerie about 15 miles to the west of Paris, Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche (External link) is an exclusive golf club that was previously host to the Trophée Lancôme, played on a composite layout of the Red and Blue courses, both designed by acclaimed architect, Fred Hawtree. Laid out on undulating, slightly wooded countryside, the venue has hosted The French Open on two occasions and the Canada Cup (now known as The World Cup of Golf) won by the USA team of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in 1963. The Red Course is regarded as the bigger challenge, a horseshoe-shaped lake separating the 9th and 18th greens being one of the many obstacles to conquer.

Where to stay:

Located within walking distance of the Palace of Versailles and a short drive to the course, is the Trianon Palace Versaille (External link)

Golf Club Saint-Cloud, Paris – Capital city classic, loved by Royals

Two 18-hole layouts (The Vert and Jaune Courses) make up Golf Club Saint-Cloud (External link) , conveniently located just six miles from the heart of Paris. Established in 1911, the club has attracted political and royal visitors over the years and it has played host to 14 French Opens since 1926, the last in 1987, when Jose Rivero took the title. The Vert course, designed by English architect Harry Colt, is regarded as a timeless classic, routed over rolling parkland with old-fashioned crossing fairways and short par fours.

Where to stay:

The Villa Henri IV (External link) is an old bourgeois house in the heart of Saint Cloud.

Golf de La Boulie, Versailles, Paris – One for the golfing historian

Founded in 1901 Golf de La Boulie (External link) , near Versailles in the suburbs of Paris, is part of the Racing Club de France (RCF), one of the biggest sporting clubs in France. It enjoys all the facilities of a top-class golf venue steeped in history, and features two 18-hole layouts, The Valley and Forest, and another 9-hole course, the Coteau. Both 18-holes courses are tree-lined and routed over undulating terrain and regularly host important domestic tournaments.

Where to stay:

The Hotel Novotel Chateau de Versailles (External link) is located very close to the golf course .

Golf de Saint Germain, Paris – Follow in the footsteps of Seve

Located west of Paris in the forest of St Germain, the club (External link) , which oozes old-world charm, has hosted The French Open nine times – the last in 1985, when one of the game’s legends, the late Severiano Ballesteros, shot a course record 62 in the final round. The parkland layout – a classic Harry Colt design – flows through avenues of large trees and features strategically placed bunkers on every hole. At the beginning of the 90s, the course (External link) was restored to its original Colt design, with many of the putting surfaces re-shaped and redesigned, and over 50 greenside bunkers renovated. The course (External link) is also famed for its outstanding par 3 holes.

Where to stay:

A classic old course such as this, deserves a stay at a classic hotel, like the Pavillon Henri VI Hotel. (External link)

Golf & Country Club de Fourqueux, Paris – A classic cut through historic forest

The Golf & Country Club de Fourqueux (External link) is located west of Paris at the heart of the Marly-le-Roi forest. It was founded in 1923 and hosted a series of international tournaments before being closed due to the onset of WWII. It was not until 1959 that the site was revived and now consists of three nine-hole courses, Blue, White and Red, all offering very different challenges. Each is laid out over an undulating terrain that is strategically dotted with bunkers. Although this is a private golf club, it is open to visitors during the week (except on Tuesdays).

Where to stay:

Both the Campanile Saint-Germian-En-Laye (External link) and the Ermitage des Loges (External link) are within 15 minutes’ drive from the golf course.

SAIL & PLAY WITH BRITTANY FERRIES (External link)

The Brittany Ferries Golf Desk staffed by experienced golfers who can provide advice and assistance in putting together your perfect golf break in France. All breaks include return sailings to France with your car meaning you'll be free from the hassles of flying and be able to pack all the gear in the car with no extras to pay.

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