Categories
Travel

Year-Round Access and Unique Features at Älmhults GK in Småland, Sweden

Älmhults Golfklubb (GK) is located in Älmhult, Sweden, within the Småland region. The course offers a robust golfing experience and is available for play year-round, closing only under snow conditions.

Golfing in the Heart of Småland

Access to the course is inclusive, allowing entry to everyone, and even dogs are permitted. Players are encouraged to read the course map before starting their round to familiarize themselves with the layout. One of the notable features is the green of hole 11, which presents a significant challenge regardless of the flag’s position.

Special green fee arrangements are available for married couples, adding to the course’s accessibility. Additionally, Älmhults GK collaborates with the IKEA Hotell to provide accommodation packages. This partnership aims to offer a comprehensive and convenient experience for visiting golfers.

The course also accommodates visitors traveling in motorhomes, with designated space for up to eight vehicles. This service enhances the course’s appeal, catering to a broad spectrum of golfing tourists.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: These 10 Golfers Earned the Most Prize Money in 2024

The 2024 PGA Tour season was not only a sporting highlight, but also a record year financially. Never before has so much prize money been paid out on the PGA Tour as this year. Every victory, whether at the prestigious majors or the regular tournaments, not only meant glory for the players, but also considerable sums in their accounts. Five players even broke the ten million dollar mark in official prize money.

Although there will be plenty more money handed out this week at the Tour Championship, including the 18 million dollars awarded to the winner, this is considered bonus money and not official earnings for the 2024 season. We are therefore already looking at the top earners for the 2024 season.

The Top Earners of the 2024 PGA Tour Season

1. Scottie Scheffler – $29,228,357

Scottie Scheffler dominated the 2024 season, securing the top spot on the money list with over $29 million. A significant portion of this amount came from his triumph at the prestigious Masters Tournament, which not only earned him the green jacket but also provided a substantial boost to his bank account.

2. Xander Schauffele – $18,355,910

With his victory at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he lifted the legendary Claret Jug, Xander Schauffele secured second place on the money list. His consistent play throughout the season paid off, allowing him to earn nearly $18.4 million on the Tour.

3. Hideki Matsuyama – $11,237,611

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama impressed with his win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. This success significantly contributed to his earnings of over $11 million, securing his place in the top 5 of the money list just before the season’s end.

4. Wyndham Clark – $10,901,416

Wyndham Clark delivered an outstanding performance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he claimed victory despite challenging weather conditions. His total earnings of nearly $10.9 million earned him the fourth spot on the list.

5. Rory McIlroy – $10,893,790

Northern Irish superstar Rory McIlroy secured his place in the top 5 of the money list with his win at the Wells Fargo Championship and other consistent performances. He landed just behind Clark with earnings of around $10.89 million.

6. Ludvig Aberg – $9,728,857

Swedish rising star Ludvig Aberg impressed with his performance on the Tour, consistently contending for victories in nearly all major tournaments. With almost $9.73 million in prize money, he highlighted his immense potential.

7. Collin Morikawa – $8,365,977

Collin Morikawa earned over $8.3 million. Although he didn’t secure a win this season, the world No. 6 delivered seven top-10 finishes in 20 tournaments, securing his place in the top 10 of the money list.

8. Sahith Theegala – $8,281,285

Sahith Theegala continued his impressive development, earning over $8.28 million in the 2024 season. Like Morikawa, the 26-year-old didn’t claim a title but displayed consistently strong performances. Nineteen cuts in 23 tournaments, including seven top-10 finishes, significantly boosted the Californian’s bank account.

9. Keegan Bradley – $6,879,455

Keegan Bradley earned nearly $6.88 million. In addition to his win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, he added another highlight to his season by triumphing at the BMW Championship. This rounded off a very successful season for the newly appointed Ryder Cup captain.

10. Patrick Cantlay – $6,279,965

Rounding out the top 10 is Patrick Cantlay, who also had a solid season, securing a spot among the top earners with over $6.27 million in earnings. Cantlay remained largely in the top 10 of the world rankings throughout the season, thanks to 17 out of 18 successful cuts and four top-10 finishes, ensuring his substantial earnings.

Categories
Ladies Tours

AIG Women’s Open 2025 to Be Largest Ever Women’s Sporting Event Staged in Wales

Following a historic week in St Andrews the AIG Women’s Open heads to Royal Porthcawl in 2025 where it will be the largest women’s sporting event to be played in Wales. The Championship which delivers an exceptional off-course experience to match the dramatic on-course action will be played from 30 July- 3 August 2025.

A complete success: the Women’s Open in St. Andrews

A bumper crowd of 52,887 fans watched Lydia Ko carve her name into the history books by winning the AIG Women’s Open by two shots at the Old Course in St Andrews. Reflecting on her win in St Andrews which followed an Olympic Gold Medal in Paris, Ko said, “It’s been a crazy past few weeks. Something that was too good to be true happened. I honestly didn’t think it could be any better and here I am as the AIG Women’s Open Champion this week. Obviously, being here at the Old Course at St Andrews makes it so much more special.”

While the world’s best women’s golfers put on an incredible display of golf at the home of golf, entertainment off the course also delighted fans in the Festival Village as BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Tom Grennan headlined a spectacular concert.

Spectators attending the Championship also watched a screening of fans favourite, ‘Happy Gilmore’, in an open air cinema on Friday night, as well as enjoying a variety of attractions such as  golf lessons, lawn games, mini golf, shopping, bars, food trucks and live Q&A features with some of the biggest names in golf on the Sessions Stage.

Royal Porthcawl to host AIG Women’s Open 2025

Royal Porthcawl, a links which borders the Bristol Channel, will be a fitting test with the changeable wind directions a constant challenge. It has previously hosted The Amateur Championship on six occasions, the Walker Cup, featuring a young Tiger Woods, the Curtis Cup and on three occasions the Senior Open presented by Rolex.

Ko added, “I’ve never been to Wales. So it’s exciting to go to these new venues. It’s pretty crazy to say that I’m going to be the defending champion there in Wales.” 

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, commented, “The AIG Women’s Open is a world class championship which attracts the best players in the world. We have enjoyed an incredibly successful week in St Andrews and we now turn our focus to Wales where we will play the Championship at Royal Porthcawl for the first time.

“The famous Welsh links has  a cherished  history of hosting prestigious championships and the players will enjoy the challenge of competing for the AIG Women’s Open at another outstanding venue.

“It will be the largest women’s sporting event to be played in Wales and we hope to attract many Welsh sports fans, and those from further afield, to come and enjoy a true celebration of golf.”

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Ken Skates, said: “We’ll look forward to providing an unforgettable welcome to players, fans and spectators when the AIG Women’s Open comes to Wales in 2025. Porthcawl is sure to provide a warm Welsh Croeso to this prestigious golfing major and offers a course that will provide a true test to the very best players in the world.”

Categories
Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup: Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson Complete US Team

U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Stacy Lewis has selected Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson as her captain’s picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup, to be held Sept. 13-15 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.

Kupcho, Schmelzel and Thompson join the nine automatic qualifiers for the U.S. Team who were named following the completion of play at the AIG Women’s Open. Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang and Andrea Lee qualified via the U.S. Solheim Cup Team Standings, while Rose Zhang and Alison Lee qualified via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Lots of Experience for the US Team

hompson will represent the U.S. for the seventh consecutive time, joining 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. She moves into a tie for third for the most times competing for the U.S., joining Paula Creamer, Rosie Jones and Morgan Pressel, trailing only Cristie Kerr and Juli Inkster with nine appearances and Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon with eight.

“Lexi was probably the easiest pick to make of these three, with her experience. I know what Lexi can do at a Solheim Cup and that definitely helped her get a pick,” said Lewis. “She’s somebody who is going to help the team out a lot, on the golf course and also off. With her experience, everybody on the team’s going to be watching what she does to try to learn from her. I am very happy to have Lexi back.”

“It means the world to me. To be able to represent my country, it’s the highest honor that you can possibly have,” said Thompson of being selected to the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. “To be there again this year, especially stateside, it’s a dream come true. To be able to play alongside my teammates and under my captains and assistant captains, it’s everything I could ask for.”

Kupcho will wear the Red, White and Blue for the third time, while Schmelzel will join Lauren Coughlin as a U.S. Solheim Cup Team rookie.

“I think Jennifer probably more so than anyone is a great fit for this golf course. I love how high and how straight she hits a golf ball. You can see it in how many strokes she gains off the tee and her ball striking is always what carries her,” said Lewis. “Sarah’s just super solid and doesn’t beat herself up. She’s a player who can play both formats with a lot of different people. She’s somebody that we’ve been watching for a long time and so we’re excited for her to be playing her first Solheim Cup and teeing it up in Virginia.”

“I am so happy to be part of the U.S. Team again, back in the team atmosphere,” said Kupcho. I’m most excited to be back on U.S. soil and just representing the U.S. in my country is so special to me. I’m so, so excited to do this for my third time and to play under Stacy, who is a great captain.”

“It’s obviously something that I’ve thought about ever since I started getting invited to the Solheim meetings last year,” said Schmelzel. “It’s something that just kind of sits in the back of your mind, and it’s always there in the back of your mind. It’s always something that you’re working toward, so to finally get to that moment and realize that it had come to fruition, it was honestly really surreal.”

The Solheim Cup 2024

Players started accruing points toward the U.S. Solheim Cup points standings at the 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Points were awarded to the top 40 participants at each ranking event, with double points awarded at the five major championships. In the Solheim Cup year, all points values increased by 50%. The full points breakdown is available at www.solheimcupusa.com/usa-points-standings/how-to-qualify.

The biennial Solheim Cup is the most prestigious international team event in women’s professional golf. In 2022, the European Team retained the Cup following a 14-14 tie with the U.S. Team at Finca Cortesin in Spain. The U.S. Team leads the European Team, 10-7-1, all-time in Solheim Cup competition.

Solheim Cup 2024: Team USA

Player Qualification
Nelly Korda U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Lilia Vu U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Lauren Coughlin U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Ally Ewing U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Allisen Corpuz U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Megan Khang U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Andrea Lee U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Rose Zhang World Rankings
Alison Lee World Rankings
Lexi Thompson Captain’s Pick
Jennifer Kupcho Captain’s Pick
Sarah Schmelzel Captain’s Pick
Categories
Travel

Baviera Golf in Andalusia with Mountain and Sea Views

Baviera Golf is located in Caleta de Vélez, a region in the province of Málaga, in Andalucia, Spain. The course offers a variety of features that cater to both casual and seasoned golf enthusiasts. The location provides a combination of mountain views and glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Great Golf Experience Between Sea and Mountain Views

The course is known for its good quality and service, which accommodates all players. This implies a focus on maintaining the grounds and providing a pleasant environment for golfers. The course is described as very walkable, making it accessible for a wide range of players. Throughout the course, golfers can enjoy views towards the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, creating a visually appealing setting as they play.

When playing at Baviera Golf, it is suggested that golfers think strategically at the tee box. Sometimes, using a driver is not the optimal choice. This indicates that the course layout and hole designs may require more precise shot placement and club selection. Additionally, some greens are well protected by water hazards, adding a level of challenge and requiring careful planning from golfers.

Baviera Golf also offers twilight sessions, providing an opportunity for golfers to enjoy the course later in the day. This can be particularly enjoyable as the natural lighting changes, likely enhancing the visual appeal of the course. The course’s varied features and strategic challenges contribute to a comprehensive golfing experience suitable for a broad range of players.

In summary, Baviera Golf, situated in Caleta de Vélez in Málaga, Andalucia, offers quality service and a walkable course with mountain and Mediterranean Sea views. Golfers are advised to make strategic decisions at the tee box, particularly considering water hazards near some greens. The availability of twilight sessions provides additional flexibility for players. The combination of these features makes Baviera Golf a noteworthy option for golfing in the region.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Other American Players

The TOUR Championship at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, is set to begin with much anticipation. As part of the PGA Tour, this tournament boasts a Par 71 course and a winners prize pool of $25 million. Viktor Hovland, the defending champion, will also be in action. The groups are determined by the current FedExCup standings. Round 2 tee times will be announced after Round 1.

PGA Tour Tee Times for American Players

Scottie Scheffler will tee off at 2:00 pm local time, alongside Xander Schauffele from the USA.

Justin Thomas will start his first round at 11:16 am local time, playing alongside Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa.

Tom Hoge is paired with Aaron Rai from England. They will start round 1 at 11:27 am local time.

Billy Horschel’s first round begins at 12:00 pm local time, playing with Tommy Fleetwood from England.

Round Time Player Player Nationalities
1 11:16 AM Justin Thomas Christiaan Bezuidenhout USA, RSA
1 11:27 AM Tom Hoge Aaron Rai USA, ENG
1 11:38 AM Chris Kirk Taylor Pendrith USA, CAN
1 12:00 PM Billy Horschel Tommy Fleetwood USA, ENG
1 2:00 PM Scottie Scheffler Xander Schauffele USA, USA

Text written with the help of AI

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre

The TOUR Championship, part of the PGA Tour, is set to take place at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The par-71 course will host top golfers competing for the $25 million winners prize. Last year’s champion, Viktor Hovland, will return to defend his title. The groups are determined by the current FedExCup standings. Round 2 tee times will be announced after round 1.

Rory McIlroy starts his first round at 1:38 pm local time. He will be playing alongside Ludvig Aberg from Sweden.

Tommy Fleetwood begins his round at 12:00 pm local time, paired with Billy Horschel from the USA.

Robert MacIntyre tees off at 12:16 pm local time with Akshay Bhatia from the USA.

Aaron Rai is set to start at 11:27 am local time, joined by Tom Hoge from the USA.

Round Time Player Nationality Playing With Nationality
1 11:27 AM Aaron Rai ENG Tom Hoge USA    
1 12:00 PM Tommy Fleetwood ENG Billy Horschel USA    
1 12:16 PM Robert MacIntyre SCO Akshay Bhatia USA    
1 1:38 PM Rory McIlroy NIR Ludvig Aberg SWE    

Text written with the help of AI

Categories
Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup Captain’s Picks: Team Europe Is Now Complete

Suzann Pettersen named her four captain’s picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup on Sky Sports on Monday. Albane Valenzuela, Anna Nordqvist, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Georgia Hall will complete the 12-strong team. After the picks, it is also clear that the European team has only two changes compared to the 2023 Solheim Cup. Albane Valenzuela and Esther Henseleit are the two rookies in the team for the competition at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Prior to the picks, eight players – including Charley Hull– had already qualified with their performances. Team Europe:

Player Nation Qualification
Albane Valenzuela Switzerland Captain’s Pick
Anna Nordqvist Sweden Captain’s Pick
Carlota Ciganda Spain World Ranking
Celine Boutier France World Ranking
Charley Hull England LET-Ranking
Emily Kristine Pedersen Denmark Captain’s Pick
Esther Henseleit Germany LET-Ranking
Georgia Hall England Captain’s Pick
Leona Maguire Ireland World Ranking
Linn Grant Sweden World Ranking
Madelene Sagström Sweden World Ranking
Maja Stark Sweden World Ranking

Playing vice-captain Anna Nordqvist and fifth consecutive appearance for Georgia Hall

Anna Nordqvist will take on the role of playing vice-captain, as she did in 2023. It will be Nordqvist’s ninth appearance – the most ever by a Swede. Emily Kristine Pedersen from Denmark will be playing a Solheim Cup for the fourth time overall, while it will be Georgia Hall’s fifth in a row.”I love being part of Team Europe, this will be my fifth Solheim Cup and it’s always great to be able to represent Europe,” said Hall.

Solheim Cup 2024

The Solheim Cup 2024 will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, USA. The Europeans are aiming to claim the trophy for the fourth time in a row when they visit the States. The Europeans have won two of the last three editions and retained the Cup with a draw as defending champions in 2023.

Categories
Travel

Flexible Golfing at Capdepera Golf: Packages, Times, and Scenic Highlights

Capdepera Golf is located on the island of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The golf course is nestled in a scenic area that combines both mountainous terrain and beautiful landscapes, making it an exceptional place for golf enthusiasts.

Capdepera Golf offers a comprehensive experience that includes not just golf, but also food and wellness options. The venue is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of skill level. The slogan “Enjoy every shot!” highlights the course’s inclusive nature. A notable feature of the course is Hole 15, which is situated alone in the mountains, providing a serene and tranquil golf experience.

Great Grenfee Deals all Year Long

To cater to different types of golfers, Capdepera Golf provides various green fee packages. During the mid and high seasons, Early Bird green fees are available before 9:00 a.m., allowing golfers to start their day early on the course. Throughout the year, a package consisting of three individual green fees can be purchased and used within a span of 14 days.

Specifically for the summer months, Capdepera Golf offers a package that includes two green fees and a buggy for certain parts of the day. Additionally, players with handicaps ranging from 37 to 54 are welcomed in the afternoons after 14:30 during the high season. This approach ensures that even higher handicap players have the opportunity to enjoy the course during the less busy parts of the day.

The offerings at Capdepera Golf are tailored to provide a well-rounded golf experience with flexible options to suit varying preferences and schedules. The emphasis on inclusivity and flexibility seeks to make golfing at Capdepera Golf a pleasurable activity for everyone.

Categories
Travel

Traditional Golfing Pleasure on France’s Côte d’Opale

Travel insider Juergen Linnenbuerger visits the Le Touquet Golf Resort in the elegant seaside resort of Le Touquet-Paris-Plage and enjoys its 45 holes as well as the delicacies that the sea has to offer on the French coastline.

Homage to the Changing Play of Colours

The Côte d’Opale stretches from Dunkerque in the north to the mouth of the river Somme in the south. It was given its name by the French painter Édouard Lévêque in 1911 as a tribute to its special light and changing play of colours. He was born in Le Touquet.

At the beginning of the 20th century, this city was already a popular destination for well-heeled guests from both sides of the English Channel. The attractive town has retained the charm of its beginnings to this day.
Impressive villas line the streets surrounded by tall, old trees within a huge wooded area.

The Seaside Resort was extremely popular and developed splendidly. At the time, less than four hours from London and only three from Paris, the elegant seaside resort attracted well-heeled guests from both France and England. Nothing has changed to this day. However, journey times have become shorter. Its most famous residents include French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. Their house Monéjan in Avenue Saint-Jean is constantly guarded by heavily armed police officers.

Thanks to Pierre de Coubertin

In 1903, the ‘Directeur des activités sportives’ of the seaside resort, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, had the idea of developing it into a sports paradise. He succeeded par excellence. His name is still present in many places in the seaside resort today. For example, the huge tennis court in the centre of the resort, which continues to host major international tournaments, is named after him.

Since 2020, the four-metre bronze statue Big Birdie has been enthroned on a hill in the middle of the ‘Rond Point des Sports’ roundabout in front of its entrance. It was created by the artist Alain Godon. It is a reinterpretation of the town’s landmark, which has been a small red golf caddy since 1925. The original carries a flag in its left hand and a golf bag on its back. The logo is omnipresent in the seaside resort. (see photo at the beginning of the article)

Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger: Big Birdie – an eye-catcher that cannot be overlooked

120-year history

In 1904, the British Prime Minister Lord Balfour opened La Fôret Course as the first of the three courses. The British played a major role in the seaside resort and the club from the very beginning. The course was
designed by the recognised golf course architect Horace Hutchinson.

The Parkland Course was followed by the nine holes of the Le Manoir Course in 1910. The Open de France was held at La Fôret in 1914 and 1921. Its first winner was John-Douglas Edgar.

In 1928, construction began on the La Mer Course, which was built in the middle of the dunes behind the other two courses towards the sea. Just three years later, it was opened by the Prince of Wales. Harry S. Colt and Charles ‘Hugh’ Alison, two of the most renowned golf course architects of their time, took on its design. The Daily Mail honoured their work with ‘The new course has the most magnificent 18 holes a scratch golfer could ever find. Each of them is a masterpiece.’ At that time, Le Touquet, with its 45 holes, was one of the largest golf courses in the world. It hosted the French Open Championships in 1935 and 1939.

The courses and clubhouse, which were destroyed during the Second World War, were rebuilt and remodelled over the following decades. The La Mer Course was given its finishing touches by Frenchman Patrice Boissonnas and Dutchman Frank Pont, who meticulously restored the original Colt/Alison design as far as possible in 2017.

The last Open de France was held here in 1977. The winner was none other than the legendary Seve Ballesteros.

La Mer – the best links course in France

Although the 18-hole, par 71 La Mer course has no direct access to the sea, it is considered a links course. Its layout has everything that makes a typical links course. The varied holes are designed to be challenging. Experienced golfers will enjoy this course, whose hard fairways allow the balls to roll quickly over the sandy soil. This makes it ideal for playing all year round. Water and heat have little effect on it.

(Photo Le Touquet Golf Resort: A links course of its best)

It is less than ten minutes’ walk from the clubhouse across the Le Manoir Course. Those who prefer to drive there by car will find their own car park below a small, modest starter’s hut.

Initially, the course runs through the sandy terrain. This changes later, as there are several metres of elevation to overcome on the courses through the dunes. The caddies were not to be envied back then. Today, there are plenty of buggies available for those who prefer more comfort.

The course is also characterised by the strategically placed fairway and green bunkers, which are not filled with brightly shining quartz sand but with the natural sand of the dunes. Like the greens, they require a well- considered game. These are usually generously sized, undulating and fast. They often rise towards the back. If you leave your shots too short or don’t hit the undulating greens in the right place, the balls from their false fronts tend to run back again. The numerous bushes along the fairways and the rough add to the difficulty of the course.

Men tee off from the black (slope 138), white (134) or yellow (127) tees, ladies from the blue (128) or red tees (121). From the back tees, the course has a length of 6,368 metres.

It was voted France’s best links course in 2023 by top100golfcourses.com. It was ranked 12th in France and 59th in continental Europe.

The start is a moderate start par 5 laid out as a dogleg left.

Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger: Tee off at hole #1

One of my highlights follows on the second hole: It’s a par 3, which green is protected by a narrow ravine with dunes on both sides. (See photo above at the beginning of the article).

The other par 3s also have their charm. The signature hole #10, is an uphill hole over a ditch, 139 metres long, whose green is only partially visible. A bridge connects the tee to the green. The wind often blows head-on from the sea, making it difficult to choose the right club.

Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger: Path over the bridge to the green of #10

The 360-degree view from the Panorama View Point above the tee of the last fairway is impressive. A small sign points to it. From here, you have a magnificent view of the entire course as far as the sea visible in the distance.

Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger: Fantastic view of hole #17 and #18

Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky with the weather and were caught out by the odd rain shower. But this in no way detracted from our positive impression of this great course.

Le Forêt Course

The resort’s first course is a par 72 and lives up to its name. Its 18 holes run flat through 100 hectares of beautiful, dense pine, oak and willow forest around the clubhouse.

At 5,915 metres, it is shorter than its big brother. The fairways offer plenty of space, especially on the front nine. It lies in complete tranquillity and allows for a relaxed round. Men tee off from two different tees (slope 131/126), ladies from three tees (slope 125/125/122).

Photos Le Touquet Golf Resort (left) and Juergen Linnenbuerger: Impressive trees all round

Le Manoir Course

The 9-hole course is located between holes one, two, three and 18 of the Le Forêts Course. It has one par 5, five par 4 and three par 3 holes that lead through the mostly flat terrain. Men have 2,413 metres to overcome, ladies 2,130 metres. It rounds off the resort’s offering perfectly for golf beginners.

Practise facilities in abundance

The shipping and putting green is located directly in front of the clubhouse. The driving range can be reached via a short walk through the forest. Each of its covered boxes is equipped with a Trackman.

Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger: Perfectly equipped tee boxes

Pavilion-style clubhouse

The stylish clubhouse, built in 2017, is worth a visit in its own right. It impresses with its open, light-flooded design. On the spacious terrace of the ‘Le Spoon’ brasserie, we not only enjoy the delicious lunch menu, but also the views over the extensive, open grounds.

Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger: Modern designed clubhouse

The pro shop, the bar, its lounge area and the locker rooms are also extremely inviting. Numerous posters and photos are a reminder of the club’s long history.

Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger: Pro shop and bar

Le Manoir Hôtel

The 4-star boutique hotel is part of the Resonance Golf Collection and is located directly opposite the clubhouse, separated only by the Avenue du Golf. Its origins date back to 1911, when it was built as a family residence for one of the founders of Golf du Touquet.

Since 1950, the Anglo-Norman style building has served as a golf clubhouse. It was extensively renovated in 2017 without losing any of its original charm.

Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger: Cosy from the outside and inside

The 41 cosy, spacious rooms offer a choice of different categories. These range from the 24 square metre Classic Room to the 57 square metre Grande Suite. It has a spacious bar with lounge and a swimming pool.
In the restaurant ‘La Table de Manoir’ we are spoilt with excellent French cuisine. Guests receive a 30% discount on green fees.

Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger: Harmony in turquoise and grey

British golfing groups come to the resort in large numbers, especially after the opening of the Eurotunnel. It is less than an hour from Calais to the first tee. German golfers are still in the minority, even though it only takes four hours e.g. from Cologne by car to get here.

Everything the sea has to offer

Le Touquet also offers the finest dining options. Oyster and shellfish lovers are spoilt for choice with a variety of restaurants offering these delicacies from the sea. These range from simple street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger: Fresh from the sea

In the popular restaurant PERARD, we meet a nice British couple who have made the short journey here through the Eurotunnel on their wedding day. There in the morning and back in the evening. The crustacean platter Le Plateau Prestige leaves nothing to be desired and is well worth the day trip. We chat about golf and enjoy the excellent seafood together: Á votre santé et bon appétit.

Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger: The eye eats with you

Jürgen Linnenbürger
August 2024