Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Rating 4.5/5

Review of Golf de Saint-Cloud ‘Vert’

Close to the centre of Paris, the illustrious Golf de Saint-Cloud has two fine courses although the ‘Vert’ (Green) course is by far the better and more celebrated of the two.

Built in 1911 and designed by the talented Harry Colt, the golf club is positioned between 3 communes, Vaucreson, Garches and Rueil-Malmaison. Its close proximity to Paris and impressive facilities (3 tennis courts, snooker room, gym, bridge room) attracted many famous visitors over the years. These included the Duke of Windsor, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Mitterrand, Bruce Willis, Sean Connery, Arnold Schwartzeneger and footballers Franz Beckenbauer and Michel Platini. 

The high-profile history of the club doesn’t stop there. Between 1926 and 1987, Saint-Cloud was the host venue to the French Open on 14 occasions with winners including Bernard Langer and Greg Norman.

The course is great and in fabulous condition. Very picturesque, there are some flushing narrow fairways, some blind tee shots including the Par 4 7th hole, also considered the hardest hole on the course, and some distinct level changes like on the Par 3 6th & 13th, the Par 4 9th and 10th.

But the real highlights here are the Par 3s. Each one has been designed to make the golfer think with dramatic changes in elevation, large threatening bunkers and on the Par 3 8th hole, magnificent eye-catching views. As the golfer walks up to the tee box, through the narrow tree-line you can see straight up to the Eiffel Tower as clear as day. I can genuinely say, there are very few views on an urban golf course as impressive as this. 

Although a private club, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the huge clubhouse houses a fabulous restaurant which opens out onto the outdoor terrace overlooking the 18th green on warm days.

Detail

  • Designer: Harry Colt
  • 36 holes
  • Par 71
  • Length: 5,914 metres (6,468 yards)
  • Slope 139
  • Golf club website: http://golfdesaintcloud.com/
  • Phone number: 01 47 01 01 85
  • Private
  • Address: 60, Rue du 19 Janvier, 92380 Garches