Photo: DR

Golf is above all a family passion among the Mourgue d'Algues. The 4th generation of golfers is on the way and already more than 80 national and international titles have been won on golf courses. Pioneer and visionary, Gaëtan, the father, has always worked for the development of golf. In particular, he created the most important tournament in continental Europe for more than 30 years, the Lancôme Trophy, built the Arcangues (64), Limères (21) and Joyenval (78) courses and created the first world course guide golf with Rolex. His son André, after drawing a draw with Tiger Woods during an amateur encounter and an American experience in the development of golf complexes, joined him. In 2002, they traveled around France in search of an exceptional site. Their idea is to develop a very natural golf course and to associate it with the French art of living.

At the end of 2003, Gaëtan and André discovered 102 magnificent hectares in Gardegan and Tourtirac in a valley bordered by hundred-year-old oaks, surrounded by vineyards and located 10km from the village of Saint-Emilion, classified World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. They immediately fall in love with the site, wonderfully lively and ideal for the creation of a large course not far from the Tower where Montaigne wrote his essays in the 2007th century. They develop a concept of quality and succeed in convincing all local players. The Canadian company Intrawest then buys their project in order to develop it. The various crises since 2010 will leave the project dormant until XNUMX. Gaëtan and André then decide to take up the torch to make it one of the most beautiful courses in Europe.

Naturally the family team is growing with the arrival of Philippine, wife of André, granddaughter of Bordeaux wine owner and champion of France, youngest and university, responsible for marketing and which strengthens the local roots of the project. On the other hand, Kristel, daughter of Gaëtan and sister of André, the only French university champion in the United States (NCAA) and former player of the European professional circuit having won a victory, brings her communication skills and her knowledge of the world of professional and associative golf. As for Fabian, the eldest son, with his experience in international finance, he completes this family team. Finally Cécilia, the mother has one of the most beautiful French awards and brings her unique vision on the architecture adapted to women's golf.

Photo: DR

The construction of the golf course lasted more than 4 years to reach a very convincing result. Two major challenges have been met on this golf course. The first, the watering of the course which is done only with rainwater. It is in fact recovered in 2 large lakes built on the site. Water management is sparse and economical. The second, the choice to plant an eco-friendly lawn, based on fescue, in a latitude warmer than its preferred area. Its low consumption of water, fertilizers and slow growth was decisive. All this combined with the innovative use of hybrid mowers to maintain the lawn. The general level of maintenance is very demanding with ultimately 12 golfing gardeners present on the site, led by a very qualified greenkeeper, classified as three with a handicap.

At the same time, the Mourgue d'Algues are developing a first hamlet of 11 houses designed for golfers or investors. Very well integrated into the Saint-Emilion region, they are located near the clubhouse with views of the golf course, the vineyards and a listed Romanesque church from the 145th century. Half is already being delivered and their surface is between 210 and 2m450.000 with a price from 65 euros. Castle owners and foreigners have already been won over by the quality of this prestigious property complex. The marketing of eight luxury apartments from 105 to 2m275.00 and located along the fairway is also launched from XNUMX euros.

Today, the Grand Saint-Emilionnais Golf Club represents a real economic asset for the attractiveness of the whole Gironde territory as well as for the business clientele of the region. A tool for local companies, special conditions have been put in place which allow you to discover this superb course and its facilities. With already more than 120 members registered before the opening of the 18 holes, the attraction of this golf course is undeniable.

Very few golf courses are built these days because it is difficult to recoup such a long-term investment. The undisputed golfing expertise of the Mourgue d'Algue family and the seriousness of its economic plan will ensure the sustainability of this project. Gaëtan Mourgue d'Algue likes to say that golf is a sport, a game and an art of living that is practiced from 7 to 77 years old (and now much more). André adds that this golf course is not only the culmination of the dream of an entire family but also the highlighting of all facets of this sport. The Grand Saint-Emilionnais Golf Club has already been selected by the largest international golf magazines such as Golf Magazine USA and Golf World UK, among the 9 most anticipated courses in the world for the year 2015.

To know more : www.segolfclub.com