Le Golf National near Paris is no stranger to hosting prestigious events. After all, it was the venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup, as Thomas Bjorn's Europeans swept aside Jim Furyk's Team USA by 17.5 to 10.5 points, while it's also in the spotlight annually for the oldest national open in continental Europe, the Open de France.
However, in 2024, it will arguably have more attention than ever as the venue for the two Olympics golf tournaments, which will first see four days of action involving 60 of the world's best players from the men's game, before an equal number of top-class stars from the women's game compete.
There are actually three courses at Le Golf National - two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course, but the biggest tournaments, including the Olympics, are reserved for L'Albatros, a course designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge, in consultation with Pierre Thevenin.
L'Albatros is regarded as one of the best courses in France, and one of the toughest, and is well known for the huge expanses of water throughout, as well as a relative lack of trees.
The water is necessary because the course, which opened in 1991, is built on the clay silt of the Parisian basin, so without man-made lakes it would be too swampy to play after rain. Meanwhile, the lack of trees is equally deliberate, and is down to a decision by the French Golf Federation to have a mature course from the outset, and not one that would need decades for trees to grow.
As for what makes it particuarly challenging, you need only look as far as the closing stretch. It begins with the par 4 15th, which has water running alongside the right and an island green.
The 18th shares the same island, albeit with a separate green, making it one of the most distinctive, and difficult, finishes you'll find anywhree. In between those, the par 3 16th also features water along its right, including at the green, while the 17th features an uphill tee shot with a green sloping from right to left.
Overall, players will be met by slick greens, undulating fairways and many links-style bunkers, making it a suitable challenge for players ranging from the recreational all the way to Olympians.
How To Play Le Golf National
If you'd like to experience a round at Le Golf National, the good news is it's relatively straightforward.
In 2024, for one round at L'Albatros, there are offers available for two players with a handicap of 28 or better to take a one-night stay with breakfast at Novotel Saint Quentin en Yvelines for €235 in July, August and October 2024 and €250 in June and September, with the offer available between Friday and Sunday except during special events.
Guests can also opt for the Challenge Course, where two players with a handicap of 36 or better can play a round and stay in the same hotel for €145 in July, August and October and €150 in June and September.
Guests can also stay at the five-star Waldorf Astoria Trianon Place for one night for €800 for two people, which includes a round at L'Albatros, up to 31 October 2024.
Le Golf National Location
Can You Play Le Golf National?
Le Golf National is open to the public, with stay and play packages available at either the Novotel Saint Quentin en Yvelines or the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Place via the official website.
How Many Courses Are There At Le Golf National?
Le Golf National has two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course. The course reserved for the biggest events, including the 2024 Olympics, is L'Albatros. The other 18-hole course is the Challenge Course, while there's also the par-32 Oiselet Course.
