GOLF DU CLOU

Definintely "a return to" course...

I played this course many times whilst on holiday in this part of France, it is always a pleasure to return: I enjoy the challenge, the beauty, the friendly French welcome, the food on offer in the very popular Clubhouse 's restaurant. Even if not a golfer, well worth visiting and sampling the food, even more pleasurable in the Summer when dining on the large sunny terrace overlooking the 1st & last tees.

I managed to get away from my housesitting job including the 5 horses/2 dogs/2 cats for a lovely day on the course (21.11.2014). The weather was superb, sunny & warm, well just a glorious Autumn day.

I was on my own but soon paired up with 3 members as the course was pretty busy on the day due to morning's competitions. We managed to finish just before darkness but we skipped the 18th, short Par 3 over water, as we could not see the flight of the ball, anyway I had lost enough balls in the previous water hazards encountered on nearly every hole. This part of France is well known for its marshes. Irrigation was originally done the some Monks who used to live in the area centuries ago. There are relics of drains/canals/different levels of terrain etc. also a stone sculpture of a monk. Adjacent to the golf course there is a huge wildlife/bird sanctuary visited by many, a very pleasant place for a picnic.

In France, Men start either from Yellow or White Tees depending on their current handicaps, Ladies from Red or Blue and the Professionals from another colour.

Back to golf course: a pleasant parkland/marshland, the Autumn colours were at their best (will post some photos). The 1st hole is probably the only one without water hazards but large sand bunkers make up for it. Then there is water on every hole with some very tight approach to the greens, between tall trees and water. Very interesting, not excessively long, sometimes the layout is questionable but pleasant just the same with right mix of Pars & dog legs.

The fairways, greens, the bunkers were in very good condition. The rough a decent length where one could still recover from a stray shot.

The Proshop is friendly, has a very smart stock of clothing (Ladies/Gents), golf equipment and sundries.

Some very good deals to be had with Lunch included (a must as the food is excellent).

Good practice facilities set in the course itself. Starter hut & 1/2 way hut too.

Parking areas either inside the golf club or on the small "B" road leading to the Club.

This is not "Wolf Creek" but well worth a visit and I shall certainly return when in the area either housesitting or just holidaying as the welcome is always warm and you are always guaranteed a game even on competition day....



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