Ava Romero
Golf is a popular sport in France, with around 400,000 registered golfers and 804 golf courses across the country, according to recent estimates. The French Golf Federation organises golf at all levels, from juniors to seniors, and there are numerous team competitions at local, regional, and national levels. France boasts a variety of golf courses, from seaside links in Normandy and Brittany to mountain courses in the Pyrenees. Paris and the Ile de France region are also home to some of the country's finest golf clubs, offering a range of competitions and events for golfers of all ages and skill levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses | 804 |
| Number of registered golfers in 2021 | 402,991 |
| Number of card-carrying, dues-paying members of the French Golf Federation | 410,000 |
| Number of golfers in the country | 780,000 |
| Region with the most golf courses | Ile de France |
| Popular golf courses | Golf de Fontainebleau, Golf National, Golf de Chantilly, Granville, La Grande Motte, Falgos |
| Competitions | Local, regional, and national team competitions; Inter-club competitions; Grand Prix; Junior events; Senior events; Pro-ams |
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What You'll Learn
- Golf in France experienced rapid growth in the 1990s and early 2000s
- The French Golf Federation has about 410,000 members
- There are many golf courses in France, including seaside courses and mountain courses
- Competitions are run by the President of the Sporting Committee
- There are team competitions at local, regional, and national levels
Golf in France experienced rapid growth in the 1990s and early 2000s
During the 1990s and early 2000s, France experienced economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment rates, fluctuating oil prices, and inconsistent export growth. However, golf managed to thrive during this period due to the dedication of golf enthusiasts and the support of organisations like the French Golf Federation.
The French Golf Federation has played a significant role in promoting golf in France. They organise an annual event around Easter called "Tous au Golf," which aims to introduce new players to the sport. This event is open to everyone and provides an opportunity to try golf under the guidance of teaching professionals and with all equipment provided. Many golf clubs in France participate in this initiative, and some clubs also offer series of lessons for beginners and children's golf schools.
In addition to the French Golf Federation's efforts, the country boasts many fine golf courses that welcome visiting golfers and new members. Normandy and Brittany offer seaside courses, such as the historic links at Granville, designed by Harry Colt before World War I. Paris and the Ile de France are home to some of the country's finer courses, including the Golf National, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2018 and will be the venue for Olympic golf in 2024. The south-west coast, particularly the Biarritz area, and the Mediterranean coast also feature several notable courses, such as La Grande Motte. For those seeking a unique golfing experience, there are even mountain courses open year-round, like Falgos, close to the Spanish border in the eastern Pyrenees.
The growth of golf in France during the 1990s and early 2000s can also be attributed to the various competitions and events held in the country. In addition to the annual Easter event, there are numerous team competitions at local, regional, and national levels, catering to all ages and categories. Inter-club competitions provide friendly matches, while Grand Prix events cater to skilled players and form the basis for regional and national player classifications. The Ryder Cup being hosted in France in 2018 was also expected to raise the sport's profile and participation levels in the country.
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The French Golf Federation has about 410,000 members
Golf is a popular sport in France, with the country ranking third in Europe for the number of golf courses. There are 804 golf courses spread across the country, including seaside courses in Normandy and Brittany, mountain courses in the Pyrenees, and courses in popular tourist destinations like Paris and Biarritz. France's golf courses are known for their scenic beauty, with some located near chateaux and vineyards, while others offer views of the seaside or mountains.
The French Golf Federation (FGF) is the governing body for golf in France, and as of 2018, it had approximately 410,000 members. This number represents a slight decline from a peak of 425,000 members in 2012. The FGF is responsible for organizing golf events and competitions at various levels, from local to national, and for all age groups. They also host an annual event, Tous au Golf, to introduce newcomers to the sport. This event is advertised locally and is open to anyone interested in trying golf under the guidance of teaching professionals.
The FGF also maintains a website with contact details and information about golf clubs in France. Golf clubs in France often host competitions that are open to both members and non-members, including inter-club matches and Grand Prix events for skilled players. These competitions are usually sponsored and offer prizes, with a ceremony at the end that is often a family occasion.
Golf in France experienced rapid growth in the 1990s and early 2000s, but like many other golf federations worldwide, it has faced challenges in maintaining that momentum. Despite this, golf remains a popular sport in the country, with an estimated 780,000 golfers, including both federation members and non-members.
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There are many golf courses in France, including seaside courses and mountain courses
France is a beautiful destination for a golf holiday, with over 800 golf courses across the country, making it the third most of any country in Europe. Northern France, in particular, offers spectacular golf courses, including seaside courses and mountain courses, that are very accessible from the UK via the Eurotunnel.
One of the seaside courses in Northern France is located near St-Briac-sur-Mer on the Emerald Coast in northern Brittany. Built on the dunes and cliffs and surrounded by brooms and gorses, the 18-hole course offers splendid panoramic views and is challenging, especially in windy conditions. Another seaside course in Northern France is the Golf de Moliets, located on the south-west coast between Biarritz and Bordeaux. It is laid out in the pine forests of Landes for 13 holes and along the coast for 5 holes.
In addition to seaside courses, France also offers mountain courses that are set in picturesque locations. For example, the Old Course at Les Bordes is situated in the Loire Valley about 90 minutes south of Paris. The tranquil setting amid the forest and lakes provides a relaxing atmosphere while offering challenging play with Dye-esque mounding and intimidating sightlines.
France has been the host of several major international golf competitions, including the 2018 Ryder Cup and the 2024 Olympics, both held at Le Golf National near Paris. The country also boasts some of the world's premier golf architects, such as Tom Doak, Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Robert von Hagge, who have designed top-ranked courses in the country.
With its abundance of golf courses, convenient accessibility, and stunning locations, France is an ideal destination for golfers seeking a variety of challenging and scenic experiences.
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Competitions are run by the President of the Sporting Committee
Golf is a popular sport in France, with around 400,000 registered golfers in the country as of 2021. The French Golf Federation, which organises an annual event to introduce new players to the game, has about 410,000 card-carrying, dues-paying members.
Golf competitions in France are run by the President of the Sporting Committee (Président de la Commission Sportive). The President is responsible for club teams and usually collaborates with team captains and the club pro. The club professional is usually mainly involved in teaching and may not be directly involved with the pro-shop.
There are numerous team competitions in France at local, regional, and national levels, catering to all ages and categories. Inter-club competitions are also common, where anyone can sign up to play in a friendly match against another local club. For skilled players, there are Grand Prix events organised at many clubs, and the results of these are used for regional and national player classification.
France boasts many fine golf courses that welcome visiting golfers and new members. The country ranks third in Europe for the number of golf courses, with 804 in total. These include seaside courses in Normandy and Brittany, such as the historic links at Granville, designed by Harry Colt before World War I. Paris and the Ile de France region are home to some of the country's finest courses, including the Golf National, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2018. There are also many courses on the south-west coast in the Biarritz area and on the Mediterranean coast, as well as mountain courses that open year-round, such as Falgos near the Spanish border.
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There are team competitions at local, regional, and national levels
Golf is a popular sport in France, with around 400,000 registered golfers in the country as of 2021. The sport experienced rapid growth in the 1990s and early 2000s, and while this momentum has slowed, there are still many golf enthusiasts in France.
Team competitions are a regular occurrence in France, with tournaments held at local, regional, and national levels. These competitions are often organised by the President of the Sporting Committee (Président de la Commission Sportive), in collaboration with team captains and club professionals.
At the local level, inter-club competitions are common, where players from different clubs come together for friendly matches. These events are open to anyone who wishes to participate and are a great way to foster a sense of community among golfers in the area.
At the regional level, competitions take the form of Grand Prix events, organised by individual clubs. The results of these Grand Prix are used to establish a regional and national classification of players, with the best performers earning recognition. These tournaments are often aimed at more skilled players, with single-digit handicaps, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.
At the national level, France has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, which took place at Le Golf National outside Paris in 2018. This event, while not featuring any French golfers, included notable names such as Tiger Woods. The French Golf Federation also plays a vital role in promoting the sport, organising annual events like "Tous au Golf" to introduce newcomers to the game.
France boasts an impressive selection of golf courses, with approximately 804 courses across the country as of 2022. The Ile de France region, including Paris, is a notable hub for golfers, offering some of the country's finest courses, such as the Golf National and Golf de Fontainebleau. Normandy and Brittany also attract golfers with their seaside courses, while mountain courses in the Pyrenees and near the Spanish border provide unique experiences.
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Frequently asked questions
France has numerous golf teams at local, regional, and national levels, for all ages and categories. The exact number of teams is unclear, but sources indicate that the sport is popular in the country, with around 410,000 card-carrying, dues-paying members of the French Golf Federation.
While specific team names are not readily available, notable golf clubs in France include the Golf National, home of the French Open, and Granville, a historic links course designed by Harry Colt before World War I.
Yes, France hosts several golf tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and the annual Tous au Golf event organized by the French Golf Federation to introduce new players to the sport.
Popular golf courses in France include Morfontaine, Les Bordes, Golf de Chantilly, Terre Blanche Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, Les Aisses, Cabot Highlands (formerly Golf du Médoc), and Golf National.
France ranks third in Europe with 804 golf courses, after England (2,270) and Germany (1,050). Globally, France is among the top 10 countries with the most golf courses.
