Rating 3.5/5
Review of Golf de Lacanau
45 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux, towards the Atlantic coast, is the enjoyable woodland course Golf de Lacanau. This characterful layout weaves through the elegant pine forests of the Gironde and is a friendly, unpretentious layout perfect for all levels of golfer.
This part of France is renowned for its long golden beaches of fine sand, which reach inland towards the light green pine woodlands. Further inland still, and towards the Gironde River north of Bordeaux, are copious château slowly bottling the good red stuff we drink on an evening…but back to the course.
Built in 1980 by a relatively unknown British architect John Harris, the simple layout effectively works its gentle undulations through the glorious pine woodland known as L’Ardilouse. Despite its relatively narrow fairways and tight dog-legs, it is a course for all levels. Yes it encourages accurate striking, but if you do happen to stray the ball off the tee, you should find your ball. Getting it back on the fairway is another matter.
Although there is water on the course, it rarely threatens. It lingers on the 11th hole, a short Par 3 and again on the 18th, just out of eye-shot but its presence can be unnerving. The main threat is on the longer 192 yard 15th hole, another Par 3 with water all down the left and bunkers flanking the front and right-hand side of the green – make sure you hit an extra club.
The clubhouse is modest and unassuming, but with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the 18th green. This can be quite an entertaining spot being as the 18th has a 3 tiered green and it’s not unusual to witness frustrated golfers perform multiple putts.
Bar the ‘Châteaux’ course at Golf du Médoc, there are no real spectacular courses within driving distance of Bordeaux. Nevertheless, Golf de Lacanau is an honest, entertaining layout, where you will enjoy a testing round of golf and unless you’re hitting it straight, you’ll struggle to shoot a low score.
Detail
- Designer: John Harris
- 18 holes
- Par 72
- Length: 5,406 metres (5,912 yards)
- Slope ?
- Golf club website: https://jouer.golf/golf/ugolf-lacanau/
- Phone number: 05 56 03 92 98
- Public
- Address: Domaine de l’Ardilouse, 33680 Lacanau Ocean
