Le Golf National, the Host Venue for The 2018 Ryder Cup situated on the outskirts of Versailles near Paris, is the first golf club inFranceto become a European Tour Destination and a member of the network of world-class venues operated under the European Tour Properties banner.
European Tour Properties announced in 2009 the London Golf Club, Kent, England, as the first European Tour Destination. Le Golf National, with The Albatross Championship Course globally recognised as an impressive ‘stadium’ course, similarly possesses the perfect strategic fit for The European Tour.
Le Golf National is well established as the home of the ALSTOM Open de France and, following the historic announcement in May earlier this year that France will host The Ryder Cup, it will become only the second Continental venue – following Club de Golf Valderrama in Spain in 1997 – to host the biennial event when the 42nd edition of the match between Europe and the United States is contested there in the autumn of 2018.
Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director, said: “Francesubmitted a truly exceptional Bid to host The 2018 Ryder Cup and, following a process which also saw us receive outstanding proposals from Germany, Holland, Portugal and Spain, the quality and track-record of Le Golf National proved a key factor in determining the ultimate decision.
“One of the cornerstones of the Bidding process for The 2018 Ryder Cup was a long-term, strategic partnership with the Host Venue. In selecting France to host the 2018 Matches, we knew that Le Golf National would provide not just a fitting stage for golf’s greatest team event, but also that the quality of the courses and facilities would enable the development of a strong, wide-ranging and lasting partnership.”
David MacLaren, Director of Property and Venue Development for The European Tour, said: “The existence and development of European Tour Properties is founded on strong partnerships and prior to The 2018 Ryder Cup announcement, The Tour had already forged a long-term relationship with Le Golf National where 19 editions of the ALSTOM Open de France have been played. We are delighted that Le Golf National will now also take its place within the family of European Destinations and Courses, a network of truly world-class venues.”
The initial plan for Le Golf National was drawn up in 1985 by the French Golf Federation’s Executive Committee who decided that the Open de France, inaugurated in 1906, should be given a permanent home and The Albatross Championship Course, designed by Hubert Chesneau with the assistance of Robert Von Hagge, opened for play in 1990.
There are two other courses at Le Golf National – the 18-hole classical L’Aigle (Eagle) Course and the nine-hole L’Oiselet (Sparrow Course). Le Golf National also has all the practice facilities expected of a leading golf club and a golf school catering for children and adults.
Olivier Roche, Director of Le Golf National, said: “Becoming the Host Venue for The 2018 Ryder Cup was a great honour that filled us with pride and joy. Le Golf National is now a ‘European Tour Destination’ and we are very proud to be the third site in Europe with this prestigious label.Parisis one the most visited cities in the world, and our ambition is to make Le Golf National and Versailles a major golf destination in the world. The Albatross Course – home of the ALSTOM Open de France – is a real and fantastic challenge. All golfers should give it a try!”
The Albatross Championship Course sits in the flatland region of Guyancourt which surrounds the historic Chateau of Versailles, once home to Louis XIV, and comprises vast undulating fairways dotted with large and small water hazards and innumerable links-style bunkers in addition to slick greens.