Photographs, technical illustrations, old and current documents make it the new reference book of this sport, whose number of practitioners continues to grow in France.

Head of section in program writing for Télé Star and Télé Poche, specialist sports writer on numerous media, Sébastien Brochu is above all a regular contributor to the Golf Européen and Golf Magazine magazines. For more than ten years, he has been exploring French and international courses, carrying out surveys, analyzing the actions of golf champions and recounting the most beautiful pages in its history.

Focus on golf by Sébastien Brochu

Is it expensive to play golf?

I didn't want to display prices in the book for a simple reason: there are all prices and they are constantly changing. Competition between brands is fierce and the courses regularly run promotions, especially during the week. Today, you can equip yourself for less than 250 €, while the 18-hole course costs on average 60 € for a playing time of 4 hours. But there are decreasing prices according to the formulas and reduced prices for young people, couples and seniors. It all depends on where you are: side golf courses are around 150 €, while others less prestigious but just as exotic offer much more affordable prices.

So what is missing in golf to become really popular?

Golf is not yet regarded - wrongly - as a real sport. We lack in France the great champion who makes us dream, who propels golf into another dimension, both sporting and media.

Are golf books boring?

Not mine, I hope! The publishing market remains confidential. There are mainly technical manuals and beautiful books on the courses. Almost all of them are adaptations taken from foreign publications, especially English-speaking ones. To date, there has not been a recent work that is sufficiently broad, tackling all the themes in a simple way, with a French-speaking point of view.

Hence this beautiful object of 408 pages ...

I didn't have much difficulty filling them in: golf deals with multiple themes, it is very rich. Hachette wanted it to be beautiful, sober and imposing, with superb illustrations.

Where can we buy it?

In all the usual points of sale and on the Internet. Very soon I hope, we can also find it in golf clubs.

Who is it primarily intended for?

I hope it will be of interest to future golfers and those who are starting the great adventure of the sport. I've learned a lot myself, so I imagine discerning golfers will enjoy the ride as well.

How is it arranged?

I wanted to make the reader want to play, whether he is a beginner or not. So I showed the beauty of the environment through the most beautiful photos of the course. I also tried to show its extraordinary richness by telling its formidable story, while approaching as simply as possible the cultural, economic, environmental and, of course, technical aspect.

Can you really learn to play with a book?

No ! Nothing replaces lessons with a teacher. But with the basics that are covered, the reader may feel less lost and thus learn faster.

Are there many ways to learn?

You are training me on minefield… I am neither a pro nor a teacher. But I am sure of one thing: the technique is oversold in books and magazines. We are flooded with tips, tricks and revolutionary new finds.

I did not want to fall into this trap, even if a large part is devoted to it. I hope I have used common sense in emphasizing some crucial points.

Which golfer are you?

This question assumes the existence of several types of golfer. Golf in itself is great because it is suitable for everyone. It responds to different aspirations. Some take pleasure in strolling in nature, others are satisfied only through competition. Some like to share, others have a more solitary pleasure ...

For my part, I am not competitive even though I enjoy scoring well! I am more epicurean!

What do you like about golf?

The feeling of total abandonment of the game, the discovery of often beautiful places, the lobed approaches and, of course, the realization of the perfect shot.

And what do you dislike?

To my chagrin, putting, because it is the most important area of ​​the game. More generally, I don't like the slow game and the heavy crowds at certain golf courses on weekends ...

What advice would you give to beginners?

Above all, do not rush during purchases and, first, caddy a good player on a course (carry the bag or pull his cart without playing). The most important thing is to find a good understanding with a teacher and, if possible, go with friends or family.

How do you see golf in 20 years?

Golfers should be more numerous. This will cause some traffic problems on weekends! I believe, moreover, that golf will convey a more playful image, thanks to the small courses and especially to the simulators where we can hit the ball towards a screen which is able to transport us to the most beautiful courses in the world.

And you in 20 years?

I see myself on the green cursing my third putt again and writing, all exhausted, another book…

Do you have an idea of ​​the next?

I really like the history of golf. I am currently writing a series of portraits of the champions who have so marked this sport.

Strong points :

• all golf themes are covered in a simple and clear manner
• rich illustrations
• beautiful Christmas gift for only € 35
• fully updated with new coverage.