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The Alps rarely spring to mind as a destination of choice
for a travelling golfer but it should be seriously considered by those
looking for new pastures.
Rhone Alps is the second most important region in France for golf. With a backdrop of snowy Alpine peaks and ancient forests reflected in the clear blue lakes on the sunny lower slopes, the scenery could not be more dramatic. Here are some of my favourite courses in the Eastern part of the region: Evian Masters: The Evian Masters is one of the courses on the women’s professional tour. This superb, technically demanding course has breathtaking views of the French Alps and the Jura mountains on the other side of Lake Geneva. Aix-Les-Bains: This is one of the oldest courses in France, first created in 1895. A 30 minute drive West of Annecy on the banks of Lake Bourget, the course is gently undulating and will test your golfing skills. There are numerous water hazards and a small stream meanders through the fairways. The course is also regularly watered and because of the microclimate around Aix-les-Bains golf can be played all year round in excellent conditions. Golf de Giez – “Lac d’Annecy”: Halfway between Albertville and Annecy, Giez has both 9 and 18 hole courses. With magnificent views of Mont Blanc and Lake Annecy the courses offers a variety of parkland with water hazards and trees. There are also 5 holes specially laid out on the upper slopes, linked by bus from the 3rd green, offering some entertaining technical challenges.
Golf d’Esery: This course just South of Geneva, has many outstanding features. Magnificently set out on the Esery hillside, the course has exceptional views. It offers what every golfer wants – nature, silence and greens that can test even the finest. The course has even hosted the Swiss Professional Championship. Chamonix-Mont Blanc: The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is set at the foot of the famous peaks of the Drus. It is a challenging 6000 metre course with a glacier at the foot of the valley. Its many water hazards and bunkers will be a memory that lasts. Le Grand Bornand: An ideal home from home for all golf enthusiasts. It offers the peace of a traditional Alpine village away from the mental stresses of golf. Within an hour of most of the courses and 2 hours from Lyon, Le Grand Bornand offers its own challenge with a 10 hole Alpine course with a superb 19th hole. The omelettes are not to be missed and have been regarded as the finest in France. Alternatively you can eat the local and traditional Reblochon cheese-and-potato Tartiflette. Where to stay: We recommend Chalet Largo in Le Grand Bornand. We suggest that you visit their web site at http://www.chaletlargo.co.uk |