Les Bordes in Drift Travel Magazine
Tucked away in the French woodlands of the Loire Valley, you'll find the exceptional Les Bordes Golf Club. Originally established by Baron Marcel Bich, a French entrepreneur and inventor who was also the founder of BIC, the company that brought us the iconic x`pens and lighters.
Opened in 1987, the club is known for high end amenities and its prestigious private membership.
The Old Course
It has been said that when the great Texan Robert von Hagge designed t his course, his intent was to throughly mess with even the best who comes to challenge his creation. I could not agree more.
As you begin to walk the course, you might say there is a bit of an American feel, but a quick look around and there is no doubt that you are in France. Large balls of mistletoe growing high in the trees, a 600-year old abandoned monastery, and every once and awhile a mighty stag will march across your path, as if he is the keeper of this enchanted forest. Yes, this is France.
With gently rolling fairways, this par 72 Old Course is lush and well etablished, so be watchful of where you place (or should I say misplace) your tee shot. A miss here will leave you with a difficult second shot. Most of the greens are well protected with water and there is sand everywhere.
As you approach the 6th green there is an old cross just beyond the bunker that runs along the right side. Like a beacon of hope for those whose shots have gone astray. The perfect spot for a quick prayer... you’ll likely need it.
...but it’s the New Course that everyone is talking about
The Les Bordes New Course is an amazing par 72 that wanders through the Loire countryside. Designed by golf course architect Gill Hanse, this is a course you will love or hate, and even if you hate it... you’ll love playing it.
Standing on the first tee, you will feel a sense of calm. The fairway ahead looks wide and receptive and looks like an easy opening hole. Right, not so easy after all. From here on out, this is what you will discover hole after hole. Most of the fairways offer a well-defined bailout areas, hit it here and you’ll pay the price when it comes to your next shot. So first-time players beware.
The New Course is vastly different from the Old Course. More wild and a little more daring. The greens are well bunkered, yet receptive to a well placed approach shot. Peninsulas of heather and broom are strategically placed along the fairways, with several holes feature forced carries over water or sand, all to challenge even the most experienced golfer.
It’s almost like the course is taunting you, like the Siren of Greek mythology calling you to play a little closer to the hazards. But don’t fall for it, there is a path to your target and by design Hanse will reward those who find it with par and better. The New Course is worthy of all the praise, and like a fine French Cabernet, will only get better with age.
Gill Hanse has always been interested in design and construction. After completing an undergraduate degree at Clemson University, Hanse worked for several years as a land planner and civil engineer before returning to school to study landscape architecture. His unique approach to golf course design has won him numerous awards, and his courses are enjoyed by astute golfers around the world.
The Club House & Facilities
The club house is a phenomenal centerpiece with rustic architecture and the finest of details. With seating for over 200 guests inside and out, members and visitors can enjoy relaxing and dining while marvelling at this amazing structure. The restaurant offers exceptional views across the entire course.
The facilities are built to A+ standards with lush green fairways and immaculate bunkering. The immaculately maintained practice area will have you feeling ready to test your abilities from the first tee. A large putting green and chipping area is complimented by an impressive driving range allowing golfers of all levels to warm up in preparation for their round.
24 of the 39 member cottages have been fully renovated by London-based architects Michaelis Boyd and they are spectacular. Yet to come, a partnership with Six Senses for the transformation of the on-site 19th century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into an 88-key luxury hotel and spa.