Rating 4.5/5
Golf de Belle Dune
This is the type of course for which the word ‘hidden gem’ was invented. Although Golf de Belle Dune does attract huge amounts of British golfers each year, it never gets the recognition it deserves being overshadowed by its more illustrious neighbours, Golf du Touquet and Golf d’Hardelot. However, once played, it is regularly revisited and probably has a higher repeat clientele than most other courses in the region.
It is surprising to consider, in a day and age of commercially driven golf clubs attempting to maximise profits at every turn, Golf de Belle Dune remains a municipal course with quite reasonable rates. Indeed, in terms of value for money, you could argue it is the best in the region with a green fee in the high season being approximately £50 during the weekend and £40 midweek.
The Belle Dune Golf club is laid out in an ecologically rich area characterised by large sand dunes and pine forests. How they got planning permission remains a mystery, but don’t be surprised to see all sorts of species of birds and plants atypical of the region. What this means to visiting golfers, is an environment as relaxing as it is invigorating and one of the most peaceful walks (despite having to cross a couple of small roads on a wooden bridge).
The course really varies in character, with the front 9 holes weaving through pine woodland and the back 9 being far more rugged and cutting through the sand-dunes. Stand-out holes include the 8th, which although a pretty straight Par 4, represents the changing landscape from forest to sand-dunes, with rolling fairways and lethal rough. The 11th has a significant carry across water making its way back up to an elevated narrow green. And as far as opening holes go, the 1st really packs a punch. The tee box is nestled back in the shrubs with another hefty carry across water to what appears a very narrow dog-leg fairway, not one for the light-hearted!
The clubhouse is small and friendly with a menu offering typical regional specialities and staples like Moules Frites, Croque–Monsieur amongst others. There is a very small changing room facility downstairs, so don’t expect any luxuries, this is not the place. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, there are very few buggies so ensuring you book one when booking you green fee is essential. This is a fantastic course which will continue to be very popular, a real highlight in the region.
Detail
- Designer: Jean Manuel Rossi
- 18 holes
- Par 71
- Length: 5,843 metres (6,390 yards)
- Slope 140
- Golf club website: http://golfdebelledune.com/
- Phone number: 03 22 23 45 50
- Public
- Address: Promenade de Marquenterre, 80120 Fort-Mahon Plage
