Designed in 1971 around a former Benedictine monastery and inaugurated by Jean Garaïalde, the golf course is located in a vast domain, near the castle which once housed the love affairs of the Marquis de Villarceaux with the courtesan and letter writer Ninon de Laclos. Besides the beauty of the site, one of the peculiarities of this course like no other lies in its extent and variety. "The golf course covers 100 hectares in the heart of the forest," emphasizes its president, Jacques Botto. The holes never intersect, which is rare, and suddenly you often have the impression of being alone on the course. "

The two V's from Villarceaux

Varied and hilly are the two words that come to mind to define the golf course of Villarceaux. Flat spots are rare, and no hole is like another. Strong enough doglegs give a clear advantage to those who know how to handle spin and a few holes are worth a look. Such as the 4 and its unique view of the area or the start of the 8, breathtaking, with its right angle turn below, the fairways being protected by an army of poplars and chestnut trees. Better to have already played the hole beforehand to know which club to get out of the bag.

Hole 9, like in the movies

The superb 9th hole, which goes down to the Château du Couvent, transformed into a clubhouse, was immortalized by Claude Brasseur in the film Signes exteriors de riches (1983). This is the famous scene where the actor, victim of a tax audit, throws his clubs of rage into the pond adjoining the green. Too bad for Claude, because there were still nine holes to play and not the least: par 3 overhanging or below, par 5 touchable in two (in good days), more or less pronounced right doglegs ... without forgetting, icing on the cake, this departure from the 18 downhill as wide as the rue du chat qui pêche in Paris. Thrills guaranteed. It almost feels like the 18th of the Augusta Masters: anything can happen here and better, for the dignity of your scorecard (or what's left of it), type straight like an i. Effects of any kind strongly discouraged.

Once you have recovered from your emotions, you can go to recharge your batteries at the golf restaurant, which enjoys an excellent reputation. Villarceaux: a golf course to play at least once in your life. Even more, if affinities.

Frank Crudo