18 Holes with a View of Mont Blanc
Golf with the Alps as your backdrop – that’s what the Chamonix Golf Club offers, boasting a verdant, challenging course sure to delight any golfer longing for a change of scenery.
Sometimes, while scouring France in search of a promising property, you can come across some delightful discoveries. As golfers know, keeping your clubs in the boot of your car when you’re out and about is the best way to avoid returning home frustrated at having missed the chance to experience an exceptional golf course.
The Chamonix Mont-Blanc Golf Club, nestled at the foot of the majestic Mont-Blanc, was created in the 1930s to cater to the primarily British and American clientele staying in the nearby Chamonix resort. Initially opened in 1934 as a four-hole course, by the following year it had already been expanded to nine holes, having immediately a throng of aficio-nados with its breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. By the time it reached 18 holes in 1972, the Golf Club had established itself as a perennial favourite with golfers, and become a tourist draw of considerable caché for Chamonix. Indeed, anyone exploring the region in search of a chalet or simply a breath of fresh air will never want to leave after discovering this course – the creation of none other than the late American architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the celebrated designer of more than 500 courses around the world, including Spyglass Hill in Pebble Beach, Vidauban Golf Club in Provence and Green Lakes State Park in New York.
By playing intelligently with the contours of the terrain, Jones created a course that has never ceased to appeal to golfers of all levels, thanks to the beauty of the Alpine landscape and the diversity of technical challenges it poses. Yet the minimal gradients and gentle slopes do not make for a formidable physical challenge. Situated at an altitude of 1000 metres, the 18-hole PAR 72 course is spread across an area of 6077 metres, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and breathtaking panoramas. Each hole was designed to offer Aa unique array of difficulties while maintaining harmony with the natural landscape. Golfers will enjoy the contrasts between the lush green fairways and the streams winding through the mountains, providing a technical yet pleasurable playing experience. Jones’s approach to course design was based on a balance between strategy, aesthetics and difficulty. He sought to create courses that were both tactically demanding and visually appealing, with a use of bunkers, water features and natural terrain that was avant-garde for his time. This approach can be seen at Chamonix, where the course features well-defended greens, often on plateaus, streams and a layout at once flat and strategic.
And what would a golf course be without the Club House? The place where you can reminisce about your finest shots, share your experiences, your thrills and sometimes your doubts, all with a drink in hand? Here, it’s known as “Le Chalet” and the atmosphere – given this captivating setting with views of the surrounding mountains – is one of absolute warmth and relaxation. It’s just what a golfer needs after a long round, regardless of their level. And yes – the cuisine on offer is also quite refined.
To treat yourself to a new putter or keep up to date with the latest trends, Chamonix Golf Club also has a pro shop which offers a wide range of equipment as well as fun practice areas, numerous events and competitions, and demonstrations throughout the season by the most emblematic brands in golf. And what about getting in a lesson or two? In addition to a driving range equipped with Kolibri interactive terminals, the Chamonix golf pros are committed to helping golfers improve their strokes while offering personalised advice tailored to each player’s game. The golf school also welcomes young amateurs, beginners and talented youngsters, so that everyone, young and old, can progress at their own pace.
Discovering golf is wonderful. Discovering it in a setting such as this, immersed in the natural beauty of the Alps, is even better. The experience will appeal to the seasoned golfer looking to practise in an extraordinary location, as well as the beginner whose only concern will be not to be distracted by the jaw-dropping views that await you around every green.
Jeff Doisy
