Challenging golf at the côte d'azur!

Whatever your handicap, the golf courses in the Cote d'Azur can be challenging. Terre Blanche is an impressive hotel spa resort with two championship courses – Le Chateau and Le Riou. Both courses are 6,000 metres in length – a distance many golfers find testing. Riviera Golf de Barbossi is another attractive, but technical course, that is not very wide and has challenging approaches to some of the greens which include some water obstacles. Golfers enjoy playing on the Barbaroux course as it has an American design and character but nevertheless, its holes are described as 'tantalising and tortuous' and there is a standing joke in the clubhouse that big golfers don't cry! The Royal Mougins course at Cannes is another course with plenty of history and is set in woodland on the edge of the village of Mougins. The course is home to the Cannes Open and is a true championship course with spectacular holes and rolling greens that are defended by large white bunkers. One of the biggest challenges of all is to be found on this spectacular Cote d'Azur golf course. The second hole at Royal Mougins is named 'Le Sant de Ange' - 'Jump of the Angel' and it is recognised as one of the most spectacular and testing Par 3 holes in the world. There are three challenging courses to be enjoyed near the village of Grasse – best known for its perfumes. The first is Claux Amic which is tucked into a hillside below Grasse. This course is relatively hilly. Its design does make the most of the natural contours, but nevertheless it is a challenging course for golfers – especially as it is easy to be distracted by the stunning views over Cannes!

The second golf course near Grasse seems quite a well-kept secret as it is on a large plateau that is found down a long winding lane above the town. Chateau de Taulane was designed by Gary Player and is a really well laid course with some beautiful water features to add to the fun. Grande Bastide is the third course and is situated in a large shallow basin in the countryside near the village with high hills as a magnificent backdrop. This golf course has an American character and again has some attractive water features. Several of the holes are relatively close together, but this doesn't seem to bother the players. In sharp comparison, Bauvallon overlooks the coast at Saint-Tropez and is a fairly flat course that is moderately difficult (Par 70) as it does have some trees and water hazards to negotiate! It is ideal for those who prefer an easier course to walk and is ideal for players with a handicap of up to 35. There are electro trolleys and electro buggies for hire there too. Golf de Briot in Monte Carlo is another old course and a rather mountainous one that is moderately difficult. The course is a spectacular one to play on as it stands 900 metres above the sea with great views over the Mediterranean region. Opio Valbonne is located conveniently close to the airport at Nice for those seeking a mini break on the golf course and this one is certainly a challenging course as its front nine holes are shorter than the back nine. The holes are situated amongst the hills and there is an elevated tee shot for the final hole – which catches many players out!

Much more than a golf course...

Golf de Roquebrune Resort has been described as the 'jewel in the crown' of the region's golf courses and lies just ten minutes from Saint Raphael and St Maxime. Situated within a nature reserve and offering breath taking views over the bay of Saint Raphael, it is a really challenging 18-hole course as it is hilly in places and some of the holes are not overly long. Playing an enjoyable game of golf in such wonderful natural surroundings really boosts your senses and 'joie de vie' as well as being good for your handicap! In the spring, there is the added bonus of seeing snow-capped mountains too. Perfect for good golf courses, the countryside in the area is also good for hiking, which provides a tempting alternative to the golf course and of course, down at the coast there are boats to hire and coastal walks to enjoy. Golf de Sainte-Maxime is an 18 hole course that is situated near the sea with lovely views that include the fishing port and the bay of Saint-Tropez – not that you should take your eye off the ball! This course has good fairways but some of the holes are short and require some real skill to achieve an on-par score of 71 for your round. The course has nine holes that are relatively flat and then a memorable back nine that are situated on the hill behind the clubhouse. La Turbie in Monte Carlo stands 900 metres above the coastline and boasts amazing panoramic views. The course was first opened in 1911, but the course was remodelled in 1983 and certainly presents some tricky manoeuvres!

And great après golf too at the côte d'azur...

After a really good game of golf, what better way to relax then in the clubhouse? Many of the golf courses have the added bonus of a good restaurant where guests can enjoy Provencal cuisine that is rich in flavour and colour – a good example is the popular Z Restaurant at the Golf de Roquebrune Resort. One of the four restaurants at Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Resort is run by a dynamic chef and has been awarded a prestigious Michelin star. As you relax over a good meal and fine wine, the toast is always - A votre Santé et bonne chance pour la prochaine fois - Your health and good luck for the next game!