Bondues (Trent Jones)

Golf de Bondues is the premier golf club in the Lille area. Despite being off the tourist track and lacking the golf break or holiday appeal neighbours such as Le Touquet, Belle Dune or Hardelot, Bondues offers a real test.

Bondues dates from 1967 when Robert Trent Jones Snr created the first nine holes. The second nine was courtesy of Trent Jones Jnr and is as recent as 1990. Bondues is a very American-styled course and a typical Trent Jones creation where lots of water and bunkers come into play and the depth of the greens call for serious thought regarding club selection.

Host to many national and international events (most recently the European Young Masters), the Trent Jones course at Bondues has gained a good reputation. Strategy is an important factor and comes in as early as the first tee where water on the left makes you wonder if you have to hit a driver to a narrow landing area to get a chance to be on the green in two, or play safe and hit three shots to this opening par five. The final hole is a 423-metre par four where tournaments can be lost or won. Some lovely par threes will test your nerve and your ability to avoid water.

The Trent Jones course at Bondues is accompanied by a slightly easier Hawtree designed 18-hole layout.