Golf National Ryder Cup 2018 & Olympics 2024 TARGET

Course overview

A modern and slick clubhouse, a decent hotel on site, great practice facilities, the Aigle course and the Golf National Albatros course all go together to present an impressive 21st-century golfing set-up in what is not the prettiest of areas but attracts the biggest golf competitions to its fairways.

The course itself is pretty relentless with lots of water and well-placed bunkers. It’s difficult to score on and expensive to play but it’s also fun to see what the Pro’s have to deal with every year during the French Open although I know the greens are speeded up and pin placements made far harsher for them. Not my favourite course in the region but rated highly in France for its tournament reputation and very slick service. Now nearly 30+ years old, the Albatros was designed by the great Robert von Hagge but was officially” attributed to Hubert Chesneau. The course was tweaked for the Ryder Cup and boasts half a dozen excellent holes. This is a “tick-list” golf course and well worth playing but avoid Medal play at all costs – Matchplay is by far the best way to play the National. The adjacent Aigle course is fine for a loosener and the on-site hotel is a comfortable base for when all you want to do is “golf, golf, golf”.

It’s a clever and very difficult course with the challenge starting right from the off. I find that aiming to land near the 150 yard (135 metre) markers tends to be the best bet and keeps you away from most of the trouble. Don’t throw caution to the wind as only the longest hitters can cut enough of the challenge to reap any benefit. It must be said that some of the holes on the front nine are a litle ordinary but the back nine is more exciting and fun. Play Matchplay as there will be plenty of ups and downs throughout your round – particularly if the Greenkeeper has decided to put a bit of pace on the greens.

The Aigle course is a less expensive and less difficult and and plays and looks a little like an inland links.