One year from the hosting of the Ryder Cup in France (September 28-30, 2018 at the Golf National), the French Golf Federation is on the way to achieving one of its main objectives, the creation of 100 small local courses spread over the whole territory. Routes very accessible by their price and their location. What to develop the practice of the game, priority number 1 of the leaders of the FFGolf.

Photo: DR

Proximity golf courses, simple and fast, for all audiences

The massive construction of golfing equipment in the 80s made it possible to considerably increase the number of players and licensees. Between 1985 and 1995, more than 400 golf courses, mainly of the “classic 18-hole golf course” type were created. Over the same period, the number of licensed golfers increased by 230%, from 76 licensed golfers in 837 to 1985 in 253.

To facilitate the development of places where golf is practiced, in 2007 the FFGolf set up a “master plan” for the territorial development of golfing facilities.

The strategic plan made it possible to identify a new offer of practice in line with the expectations of the French in terms of sports leisure: local golf courses of the “compact” or “pitch and putt” type.

Photo: DR

Complementing the traditional offer of 18-hole golf courses, these small structures make it possible to satisfy all audiences (beginners, young people, schoolchildren, seniors, families, workers, etc.) who want to play courses accessible by their prices and their location in urban proximity.

Simple and quick to play, they are also suitable for experienced golfers wishing to train and improve.

In order to promote the development of this new offer, the FFGolf built in 2009 a project to create 100 local golf courses in ten years. The latter is closely linked to the hosting of the Ryder Cup in 2018, the impact of which will not fail to arouse French interest in our sport. With 100 local golf courses created in 2018, France will be able to welcome the future golfers that the Ryder Cup will have helped to create.

Download here the list of 93 small local golf courses

Download the infographic presenting the Ryder Cup here