Natural and challenging golf in the Loire Valley

Golf de Baugé, located in the Loire Valley, just south of Le Mans, between Angers and Tours in France, is a very natural and challenging golf course. Indeed, it is hard to believe that it has only recently come of age.  It feels so much more mature than its twenty-one years.

 

Nostalgic memories of my early golfing days in Sussex in the South East of England come flooding back. Here in the Loire Valley, a long way from Lewes and the Ouse Valley, there is the same warm, relaxed atmosphere. No fancy, super chic clubhouse with expensive cars in the car park, just a genuine passion for the game.

 

The course looked great during our visit.   Far from being precisely manicured, it is pure and natural.  The greens putted very true with well-cut holes.  Well-watered greens meant “pitch and stop” and hence a well-used pitch-fork.  OK, there were some dry patches around the aprons and on some fairways, but come on, this is France in the middle of August!  And the rabbits had been having a bit too much fun on the tee-box at the 6th hole, but apart from that the course was a joy to play.  There are a few overhead cables to watch out for on a few holes.  Nothing that should hinder any reasonably hit shot though.

 

Compliments to Head Greenkeeper, Alain Brebion and his team, four of whom are keen golfers. As a plus-one handicap golfer himself, he should, of course, know his stuff.  However, greenkeeping is rather like cooking, you can have all the right ingredients, but only if you have a real passion for your work, can you achieve inspirational results.

 

And that is the secret of their success. Director of Golf, Pascal Fournier admits, in his charming French accent, that the club is run on a lean budget with a good team of flexible people for that friendly, family atmosphere.  Nearly everyone is inter-changeable which means that Pascal can also be found serving behind the bar or helping in the kitchen when not taking green fees in the golf shop.  At just 50 euro for a green fee to have the course almost to yourself, Golf de Baugé is enchanting and good value.

 

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

Find out more …

You can read more about our Golf de Baugé experience in the Loire Valley last August by checking out the following:

 

Baugé – The Full Monty (click here)

 

Baugé – Visitor’s Book (click here) 

 

Baugé – Image Gallery (click here for a full photo impression)

 

GREEN FEES:  You are advised to check rates and availability with the club beforehand as prices may vary.

 

 

© Photography by Golfing Inspirations.