THE BEST GOLF COURSES FOR HOLIDAYS IN NORMANDY
Normandy golfbreak guide - independent course & hotel reviews.
Deauville Architects: T. Simpson & H. Cotton (1931). 18 holes: 5,934m: par 71.
On the hillsides around the Hotel du Golf Barriere, high above Deauville, this classic parkland layout has a quite British feel to it: hardly surprising given the architects! Nearly all the holes have some degree of elevation or descent with the back-nine being generally trickier as the sloping Fairways need a little interpretation from the Tee. There are some delightful Deauville views on the way around too. The nine "Bleu" holes are ideal for an after lunch round or there are always the sun-loungers by the pool...
St. Julien Architect: A. Prat. 18 holes: 6,291m: par 73.
Recently remodelled the course is now amongst the best golf courses that Normandy has to offer, albeit with many dog-legs to the narrow Fairways. A reasonably hilly course, but sensible tweaks to the layout have made the most of the natural relief to create a pretty, yet challenging course through the agricultural Pays d’Auge countryside. A peaceful corner of Normandy in which to enjoy a day's golf - and the charms of the small château Clubhouse!
Amiraute Architect: B. Baker. 18 holes: 6,017m: par 73.
A real US style course on the river flood plain at the foot of Mount Canisy. Probably the best test of golfing skills in the Deauville area with huge bunkers, extensive water hazards and reliably true greens. Rather uniquely, the owner has punctuated the course with some sizeable, singular sculptures: easy enough to ignore though as they are not in the (intended) line of play. A very good golf course with an enormous Clubhouse that is generally deserted as Amirauté is rather under-played - we've no idea why!
St. Gatien Architect: O. Brizon. 3 x 9 holes: 6,200m: par 72.
Big Norman Clubhouse surrounded by forest and farmland with three sets of nine-holes. Two of these three are on level land, which you will see from the approach road to the Clubhouse; the third nine is a very hilly affair (unecessarily so with a few tweaks to the layout) that most visitors avoid; although some love the challenge both golfing and physical! We would suggest playing the flat 18 amongst the tall rough and fringed by forest, as they provide enough fun for the average golfer!
Omaha Beach Architect: Y. Bureau. 18 holes: 6,200m: par 72.
A little bit of a drive if you are staying around Deauville; Omaha Beach is out to the West of Caen overlooking the D-Day landing beaches. In most respects a woodland course across the rolling hills that start from the inland Clubhouse (and hotel) out to the historic clifftops of Omaha Beach. A good test of golf, a good walk and a breath of sea air too!
Houlgate Architect: P. Alliss. 18 holes: 5,558m: par 72.
A complicated little course that is great fun for the light-hearted golfer. Houlgate starts and finishes with a series of intricate holes over level terrain and across a couple of water hazards to keep you on your toes; the middle section is very different: broader holes through thick woodland that climb steeply for a hole or two onto a high plateau offering views of quintessential Normandy countryside. The return path features a hair-raising descent down the 14th Fairway (400yd drives a distinct possibility!) and a return to the diminutive wooden Clubhouse.
Le Havre Architect: The Members. 18 holes: 5,878m: par 71.
A course that maybe lacks a little in length - but lacks nothing in entertainment! Testing holes lined by fully grown trees where you will need to be accurate with your irons to hit the very small Greens. Flat terrain and a charming Normandy Clubhouse embedded in an apple orchard make Le Havre a perfect spot to start your week or enjoy a 36-hole day. A little tricky to find Tee-times but we'll do our best!
Other courses to consider
Cabourg-Le-Home Architect: H.S. Colt (1907). 18 holes: 5,256m: par 69.Along the coast to the West of Deauville, a small Club squeezed into the town of Varaville (near Cabourg) who's short course, designed by no less than Harry Colt, appeals mainly to the infrequent/holiday golfer or those looking for a gentle introduction to links golf
Caen Architect: F. Hawtree (1990). 18 + 9 holes: 5,986m: par 71.A solid parkland course just on the outskirts of Caen - very handy for a stop en-route to/from the ferry at Ouistreham
Champ
de Bataille Architect: R. Nelson. 18 holes: 5,983m: par 72.
Once played never forgotten. Just over an hour from Deauville but more than worthy of the drive. Lying in the grounds of the impressive Château (that once formed the Clubhouse), Champ de Bataille is a heavily wooded, demanding, yet thoroughly enjoyable golf course: just as golf should be. Holes are separated from each other by dense forest, so the only thing you're likely to hear during your round is birdsong. Many of our golfers make their pilgrimage here year after year. Spectacular in May and early June with the floribundant Rhododendrons.
Vaudreuil Architect: F. Hawtree. 18 holes: 6,412m: Par 73.
Level terrain so easy walking, this honest course has all its hazards in view. Mind you with its Pinehurst style raised greens you can't afford to relax until the putter is in your hands... Huge Normandy farmhouse Clubhouse - which was moved piece by piece to it's current site!
Lery-Poses Architect: H-J. Baker. 18 holes: 6,242m: Par 72.
A modern course to the South of Rouen very close to Vaudreuil. Although a public course, it has a healthy membership who keep the course in great condition and lend the Clubhouse a real 'locals" feel' - fun and friendly. Fairly level terrain with a few man-made elevated tees and greens.
St. Saens Architect: D. Robinson. 18 holes: 6,004m: Par 71.
Just to the North of Rouen, St. Saens is somewhat of a 'Curate's egg'. Starting beside the classic château, the opening Tee-shot plunges away to the five holes below on the flat riverside; the course then climbs significantly up and away through the forest above and behind the château where the majority of holes are to be found on top of the hill, before the closing holes descend back down to the Clubhouse: buggy recommended.
For a long time the delightful course at Dieppe-Pourville has stood in glorious isolation outside Dieppe: overlooked by the passing tourist. Now a new course 'Côte Albâtre' that lies halfway between Dieppe and Etretat links these three Golf Clubs into another very appealing Normandy golf holiday destination.
Dieppe-Pourville Architect: W. Park. 18 holes: 5,763m: Par 70.
From the small Clubhouse on the cliffs above Dieppe, the Dieppe course turns inland and is much more of a parkland course than a clifftop links (which you might have expected?). Generally a flat course with a few "big dippers" here and there - particularly the gully at the far end of the course. An ideal venue to play if you are sailing via Le Havre or of course Dieppe! A members Club where visitors are made most welcome.
Etretat Architects: Chantepie & Fruchet. 18 holes: 6,072m: par 72.
Atop the chalky cliffs, Etretat has some quite stunning scenery. The Channel is in view from every hole and the sheer drop of the towering chalky-white cliffs will literally take your breath away. Very handy on the way to/from the ferries at Le Havre.
Cote Albatre Architects: A. Prat. 18 holes: 6,072m: par 72.
As a legacy of the 2018 Ryder Cup in France, an open expanse of land close to the Normandy coast has been transformed into a very appealing golf course. Earth has been moved and an inordinate number of trees planted (10-20,000 we reckon!) to create a very good test of golf. The majority of the holes are on the higher, flatter land but there are half-a-dozen tucked away in a secretive wooded valley that are a little tighter and a little more physically demanding. There is a bit of a stroll between these two sections but other than that the holes link well together. Although young at the moment, Cote Albatre will only get better as the years roll by. Modern Clubhouse with a laid-back Normandy welcome completes the picture.