French Holidays - Family Holidays in France - Villa-Boating

History of the Game in France

Golf in France started with the construction of Pau in 1856 - a group of British officers based there wanted their own course so they built one! Over the next 40 years, several prestigious courses were developed in exclusive residential districts and seaside resorts. Architects like Tom Simpson, Willie Park, Harry Colt and Willie Dunn were brought in and no expense was spared in creating wonderful courses. These were played by British holidaymakers, well-to-do business people and aristocrats alike.

A few courses were built after World War II to satisfy local demand, although it wasn't until the early 1980's that the government encouraged the construction of many courses all over France - golf attracts tourists, is good for local employment and is an environmentally friendly sport. Architects like Pete Dye, Trent Jones Snr & Jnr, Ronald Frearr, von Hagge, John Jacobs and Jack Nicklaus all played a major part and created some modern masterpieces. Several of the lesser courses fell by the wayside or were not financially viable and new owners were found to rescue these - French hoteliers, American and Japanese investors and local councils. The strong have survived and France now offers some fantastic century-old clubs and some luxurious relatively modern layouts.

Whatever their age, golf clubs in France have many common features - a high standard of green keeping (copied mainly from the Americans), low green fees and a warm welcome. This presents an opportunity to the golfer looking for a golfing holiday with a difference plus better golf and quicker rounds.