Golf de Chantilly (Vineuil)

According to the old Big Bopper song, “Chantilly Lace had a pretty face and a wiggle in her walk”. Golf de Chantilly is far more than a pretty face; it’s one of Europe’s most glorious courses.

Chantilly is set amidst the forest of the Ile de France, approximately 30 miles to the north of Paris. The club was originally founded in 1909 and it has played host to numerous French Opens, the first of which was the 1913 edition, won by George Duncan. His score of 304 is the highest in the competition's history, which bears testament to the Chantilly challenge.

The very best have teed it up at Chantilly, including the great Bobby Jones and Nick Faldo (who won the French Open here). The flamboyant English architect, Tom Simpson, laid out the course and he utilised penal bunkering in the extreme. Measuring 6,444 metres from the back tees Le Vineuil is an exacting test. You’ll not only need length from the tee but also accuracy to avoid the forest. You’ll also need to keep out of those menacing bunkers to score well.

The whole Chantilly experience is distinctly traditional and some say that it has a definite British feel. With 36 holes (Le Vineuil and Les Longères) and a clubhouse that is very reminiscent of that at Sunningdale are we sure we're in France? We are certain that the spirit of Tom Simpson and his silver chauffeur driven Rolls Royce lives here.