The golf course of the late Lancôme Trophy, in Saint-Nom la Bretèche in Yvelines, is a green setting that has been trodden by the biggest names in golf. Having the chance to play one of its two 18 holes is the certainty of living an unforgettable moment.

  • Saint-Nom la Bretèche, a scent of history
    Red course - © Franck Crudo / Swing-Feminin.com

Hole n ° 1 of the red course: a par 4 which veers to the left. With a smile on your face (it's before the double bogey that will follow), the tee placed between the white balls, you are about to drive together with prestigious ghosts. Those of Henry Kissinger and Duke Tho, who secretly negotiated on this site, in 1973, the Paris Agreements ending the Vietnam War. But also those of Arnold Palmer or Severiano Ballesteros, who hit the ball exactly where you are. Saint-Nom la Bretèche is a golf course steeped in history which has hosted since its birth in 1959, prestigious events (The Canada Cup in 1963, the French Open three times, 32 Lancôme Trophies and 3 Seve Trophy) and therefore the biggest players.

From Jack Nicklaus to Rory McIlroy via Gary Player, Bernard Langer, Greg Norman, Colin Montgomery, Fred Couples, Nick Faldo or Sergio Garcia, all have surveyed the 36 holes of this golf monument, carved between the forest of Marly and the plain of Versailles. While waiting perhaps soon for other big names, as the director of golf, Antoine Ferran, who does not want to say more for the moment, confides in a hint.

36 holes on a green carpet

Beyond their history, the two courses (red and blue) of Saint-Nom la Bretèche are always superbly maintained. While most golf courses, even the most famous, seem to have suffered from the drought this summer in France, the fairways here remain incredibly green and the greens are like billiards. As if, in Saint-Nom, it's the Lancôme Trophy every day. The secret ? "We have changed the irrigation system and 50% of our budget is devoted to the course", reveals Antoine Ferran.

To have the privilege of treading on this unique and private golf course, built in the 50s on an old farm and agricultural land - the chipping-green replaced the old henhouse and the caddy-master's room is located in the old stables -, you have to be invited by one of the club members (around 1000). But exceptionally, for the Ryder Cup, the course will be open to the public on Thursday, September 27. A unique opportunity to play a unique course ...

Frank Crudo