Golf du Medoc (Châteaux)

Simply, one of the most impressive golf venues we’ve visited in Continental Europe. We thoroughly enjoyed everything about this small but perfectly formed resort in the Pian Medoc area north of Bordeaux. Yet you have little expectation of something quite so fine as you negotiate the suburbs en route to Golf du Medoc. Then suddenly you follow a side road cut through a pine forest and you begin to believe you are in the right place after all.

Laid out by Bill Coore in 1989 – when he was not the big draw in golf course 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 darts about an expanse of prime terrain in no discernible configuration; thus, there are frequent changes of direction.

The holes are named after Grand Cru wines and the link to the area’s most famous export continues in the large wine bottles that sit on the side of the fairway to signify 165m. A nice touch, but arguably a little out of kilter with the rest of a venue that doesn’t try too hard to impress – but does exactly that.

The 7th is a particular favourite, a tremendous driving hole with two bunkers pushing you up the left toward the pines. Bracken lines the right and there is heather bursting through the sandy scrapes. If you enjoy heathland golf, you will adore this hole.

The 11th is another stunning piece of work, a meandering ditch asking all sorts of strategic problems in a scene that could easily be in Surrey or Berkshire. The next isn’t bad either, a simple but gorgeous par 3 played slightly uphill to a green with pines towering behind. Lots of big names – led by Seve and Jose Maria Olazabal – will have enjoyed it during the European Tour event here in 1999.

Click here to find out where Golf du Médoc ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses Europe

The Châteaux Course at Golf du Médoc has been named the Best French Golf Course, for the beauty and quality of the layout designed by the famous American architect Bill Coore, at the World Golf Awards (November 2014). The first World Golf Awards ceremony was held in the prestigious Palace Conrad Algarve Faro in Portugal. 

Every year The Châteaux Course receives all the best French players at the French Schweppes PGA Championship in April.

• Course has: Bar
• Course does not have: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course does not have: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course does not have: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap