Jackson Reid
France is home to some of Europe's best golf courses, with 665 golf clubs across the country. The sport is growing in popularity, particularly in the north, with the Eurostar making it easier for UK golfers to access top courses. France's hostings of the Ryder Cup in 2018 and the French Open have also raised its profile as a golfing destination. The best golf courses in France include Golf de Morfontaine, Terre Blanche, Les Aisses Golf, Golf De Fontainebleau, Le Château de Taulane and Le Golf National.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses in France | 665-733 |
| Number of golfers in France | 400,000-700,000 |
| Percentage of French people who follow golf | 10% |
| Popularity of golf in France | Varies across sources |
| Notable French golf courses | Morfontaine, Les Bordes, Golf de Chantilly, Golf de Fontainebleau, Le Château de Taulane, Le Golf National, Cabot Bordeaux |
| Famous French golfers | Jean van de Velde, Arnaud Massy |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's history in France
In the early days of golf's spread outside of Scotland, it was mainly played by British expats in coastal areas, especially in the Normandy region, due to the larger English-speaking population there. However, the sport's growth in inland France was hindered by the difficulty of growing and maintaining grass on inland courses. The sport also faced setbacks during World War I, as many golf courses in Belgium and inland France were devastated by bombing and fighting and never recovered.
Despite these challenges, the Biarritz Golf Club was established in 1888, and the Cannes Golf Club was founded by the Russian Grand Duke Michael in 1891. In 1907, Arnaud Massy became the first French golfer to win the British Open, and he was long hailed as France's best player. However, his career was impacted by the wounds he sustained at Verdun during World War I.
In more recent times, golf in France has been considered a private pastime, with a relatively low number of participants compared to the country's population. According to the European Golf Course Owners Association, only about 400,000 out of France's 66 million citizens play golf. However, the country still attracts golfers from around the world with its renowned courses and the opportunity to combine golfing with fine dining, culture, nature, and luxury.
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The popularity of golf in France
Golf is a Scottish import that first came to France in 1856 with the opening of the Pau golf course. It was brought to the country by English golfers and is the first golf course in mainland Europe. Today, France is one of Europe's biggest golfing countries, with over 700 golf courses and 700,000 golfers. The sport is particularly popular in the South of France due to its warm climate, and there are also many impressive golf courses around Paris.
Despite the prevalence of golf courses and golfers in France, some sources suggest that golf is not widely popular among the French population. French pro-golfer Michael Lorenzo-Vera has stated that French people don't really care about golf, and only about 10% of French people follow the sport. Lorenzo-Vera also believes that hosting the Ryder Cup in France will not boost golf's popularity in the country, as only golfers themselves seem to know about the event.
However, other sources indicate that golf is gaining traction in France, especially among tourists and younger generations. France's golf courses are well-maintained and offer stunning scenery, attracting golfers from around the world. The Fédération Française de Golf operates promotions and taster sessions to encourage youth participation in the sport. Additionally, golf in France is more affordable than in some other countries, and it can be a gentle and social activity enjoyed by people of all ages.
The French Golf Federation is the 7th biggest sports federation in France, and the country has produced notable golfers such as Arnaud Massy, the only French winner of the British Open in 1907, and Jean van de Velde, who came close to winning the same tournament in 1999. While golf may not be as popular as other sports in France, it seems to have a dedicated following and is showing no signs of losing its momentum.
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Golf tourism in France
The Ile de France region has the highest concentration of golf courses in the country, with notable mentions including Golf de Fontainebleau and Courson Stade Français Golf Course, located outside Paris. Paris itself also offers wonderful golf experiences, with Le Golf National, Chantilly Golf Club, and Fontainebleau among the top choices.
Northern France is also a popular choice for golfers, with the well-known resort towns of Hardelot and Le Touquet offering fantastic golf courses and easy accessibility from the UK. Le Touquet is home to the Hotel Barriere Le Westminster, a popular choice among golfers. Other notable courses in the north include Golf de Chantilly, one of Europe's most glorious courses, and Golf du Médoc, now known as Cabot Highlands, located in the north of Bordeaux.
The south of France, including the stylish French Riviera, also attracts golfers with its combination of golf and luxury. The region boasts prestigious golf clubs like Golf Grande Bastide and Golf de Saint-Donat, designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones.
Despite the growing golf tourism industry, some sources indicate that golf is not a widely followed sport in France, with a relatively small percentage of the population playing or following the sport. However, with its diverse golf offerings and attractive tourism packages, France is well-positioned to attract golfers from around the world.
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The Ryder Cup in France
Golfing history in France dates back to 1856 with the opening of the Pau golf course, the first golf course in mainland Europe. The French Golf Federation is the 7th biggest sports federation in the country, and golf is a popular sport. However, some French pro golfers have stated that golf is not a widely followed sport in the country and that French golfers are not very competitive on a global level.
The Ryder Cup is a prestigious golf tournament that was initially contested between Great Britain and the United States, with the first official event taking place in 1927 in the US. Since 1979, the competition has included continental European golfers, with players from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and other European countries joining the British and Irish teams.
In 2018, France hosted the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National outside Paris. This was a significant event as it was the first time in the Cup's 42 editions that the host nation, France, did not have a golfer in the competition as none qualified. Despite this, the tournament organizers in France put together a 10-day program with a fan zone and daily activities to engage spectators.
The Ryder Cup is a highly anticipated event, with the third-widest media coverage globally, attracting spectators and golfers from around the world. The 2018 tournament in France was expected to attract up to 80,000 spectators, and the organizers sold 44% of the tickets to French attendees. The competition is known for its intense rivalry and has produced memorable moments, such as the "Meltdown at Medinah" in the US or the "Miracle at Medinah" in Europe.
The Ryder Cup is more than just a sporting event; it is an opportunity for golfers and fans to experience the culture and attractions of the host country. In France, this includes the fine dining of Bordeaux and the Basque Country, the beauty of Provence and the Côte d’Azur, the history of the Loire Valley and Paris, and the natural wonders of Brittany and the Alps.
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Famous French golfers
France has produced several notable golfers over the years, with a range of talented players representing their country in international tournaments. Here is a list of some of the most famous French golfers:
Jean van de Velde
Jean van de Velde is one of the most well-known French golfers. He is best remembered for his near victory at the 1999 Open Championship, where he lost a three-shot lead on the final hole. Despite this setback, he demonstrated tenacity and resilience throughout his career. Van de Velde has represented France twelve times in the World Cup and six times in the Alfred Dunhill Cup. He also won the French Youths Championship and the French Amateur Championship as an amateur.
Victor Dubuisson
Victor Dubuisson is another celebrated French golfer, known for his exceptional skills in ball-striking and short-game finesse. He peaked at number 15 in the world rankings and was a top player from around 2013 to 2015, achieving two top-10s at majors in 2014. Dubuisson has won two DP World Tour events, both at the Turkish Airlines Open in 2013 and 2015. In December 2023, he announced his retirement from golf at the age of 33.
Thomas Levet
Thomas Levet is a veteran golfer who has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout his lengthy career. He is respected for his impeccable swing and natural ability to read the course, resulting in numerous victories. Levet has six DP/European Tour victories to his name, making him the most successful French golfer in terms of top-level event wins. He came close to winning the Open Championship but fell short.
Michael Lorenzo-Vera
Michael Lorenzo-Vera is a captivating figure in contemporary French golf, known for his flair for the dramatic and his unique charisma. He combines a keen sense of humour with dogged persistence, and his talent and personality have earned him a devoted fan following.
Arnaud Massy
Arnaud Massy, born in 1877 in Biarritz, is a notable figure in French golf history. He is the only French (male) golfer to have won a major tournament, the 1907 Open Championship. Massy had a lengthy career with several tournament wins and is considered one of the greatest French golfers of all time.
These golfers have left their mark on the sport in France and beyond, with their skills, dedication, and memorable performances. They have inspired and continue to inspire the next generation of French golfers, contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
France has 665 golf clubs, and the sport is growing in popularity, especially in the north of the country. Golf in France isn't cheap, but it often represents good value.
Golf De Morfontaine is rated as the best golf course in France, with a rating of 9.6 out of 10. Other top-rated courses include Golf De Fontainebleau, Les Bordes Golf, Golf de Chantilly, and Le Golf National.
The Paris area has Morfontaine, Fontainebleau, Saint Germain, Chantilly and the National, all within a relatively easy drive. The south of France is another popular area, with excellent courses such as Terre Blanche and Taulane.
The best period for golf in France is from May to October. In the summertime, it can get quite hot, especially in the south of the country.
