Rating 5/5
Review of Golf National ‘Albatros’
The host venue to the 2018 Ryder Cup, the ‘Albatros’ course at Le Golf National was built to host major tournaments. Located to the west of Paris, the course is relatively new having been inaugurated in 1990 but already has a reputation amongst professional golfers for being physically and technically challenging.
The course was described by Colin Montgomerie as “one of the most demanding courses in Europe” and for good reason. This is a brute of a course which straight from the off shows you this is going to be a rough ride. Island greens, narrow fairways, long rough and plenty of water all combine in dramatic effect to craft one of the most spectacular courses in European.
The first hole appears relatively straight forward with a straight enough drive, but only once you get down to the fairway do you see the narrow green nestled far across the water. The second hole is a long Par 3, 213 yards across the same expanse of water to yet another narrow green. With bunkers positioned just behind the green, it really is one of the most miniscule of landing areas.
Throughout the course you will find a diverse range of obstacles and challenges, like a 250 yard bunker on holes 4 & 5. The 12th is a long Par 4 bordered on both sides by bunkers with an elevated green to attack
But the real signature stretch, are the holes running from 15 to 18. The 15th is a Par 4, where golfers drive to a narrow fairway with water all down the right-hand side. The green is surrounded by water except towards the back, but depending on the position of the flag this is without doubt the most difficult hole on the course.
The 16th is a short Par 3, again across water with the 17th being a colossal 484 yard Par 4 up a very tight fairway. The signature hole is the 18th providing the ultimate finale to this superb course. The illusion from the tee doesn’t help, with what appears the tinniest of fairway to aim for next to a huge expanse of water. With a good drive comes a difficult decision, do you attack the island green, or do you lay-up?
The Albatros course has received plaudits from all over the golfing world, and without question, it is a tough proposition for even the most talented golfers. But this is not to say it can’t be enjoyed by higher handicappers, just make sure you take plenty of balls!
Detail
- Designer: Hubert Chesneau (assisted by Robert Von Hagge)
- 18 holes
- Par 72
- Length: 6,300 metres (6,890 yards)
- Slope 143
- Golf club website: http://www.golf-national.com/
- Phone number: 01 30 43 36 00
- Public
- Address: 2 Avenue du golf, CS40549, 78286, Guyancourt cedex
