Normandy as a golfing destination has seen increasing numbers of UK golfers making the short trip across the channel and its easy to see why. There are around 40 courses in the region offering a variety of different styles of golf course design from links seaside golf to lush parkland layouts winding through dense forests. Whether you travel by ferry or take the EuroTunnel you are within an hours drive from some great golf courses making it one of the more popular golfing destinations.
Omaha Beach Golf Course in Normandy
The region is steeped in history and is particularly relevant today for the role it played in both World Wars. Along the coast line you can still see remnants of the German defences from World War 2 whilst playing some great links golf. Omaha Beach Golf Club actually overlooks the D-Day landing beach and is the very close to the poignant American Cemetery. You can see the artificial harbour and the Longues sur Mer gun battery. Both of the 18 hole courses there offer a contrast and a good sampler of what is available in the region as some of the holes offer stunning seaside views whilst others provide an interesting parkland setting.
Golf d’Etretat Sitting Above The Cliff Top
Golf D’Etretat offers if anything even more spectacular sea views with 5 of the eighteen holes right along the cliff edge offering not only spectacular scenery but also quite a challenge especially when the wind blows which it often does. The drive from the 14th tee across an inlet to reach the fairway is a shot you will remember whatever the result.
Tree lined views at Golf du Champ de Bataille
Further away from the coast is the magnificent Golf du Champ de Bataille course which manages to combine a stunning golf course with carefully prepared landscaping. Laid out in the middle of a forest its a must play course in the region and will remind UK visitors of courses such as Woburn or Wentworth and loses nothing in the comparison its that good a course.
Hotel Barriere L’Hotel du Golf Deauville
Deauville has been a popular watering hole for UK visitors for over a century and was once one of the most fashionable resorts in the area. Famous for its racecourse and horse sales the Hotel Barriere L’Hotel du Golf is an iconic building that is now established itself as one of the golfing resorts in France fit to rival any of the towns other attractions. A wonderful hotel and a very good golf course make this another must stop on any tour of the region.
All good golfing destinations depend on the quality of the golf, the accommodation and the ease of access. When you combine these attributes with good food and drink (especially the different varieties of Apple brandy available) Normandy ticks all the boxes as a great golfing holiday destination.
