The Golf de la Bretesche course is a Bill Baker production that opened for play in 1967. According to the book France’s Most Beautiful Courses, Henry Cotton also submitted a design for the course but his fees were considered too expensive so he was overlooked.
The layout occupies a sizeable portion of the Château de la Bretesche estate, former property of the Marquis de Montaigu and the Barons de la Roche-Bernard.
Measuring 6,015 metres and playing to a par of 72, the course is routed between the forest, the parkland estate and the lake, where the magnificent 14th-century Château sits on an island, its entrance protected by a drawbridge.
Many of the greens are elevated (especially on holes 2, 6, 9 and 16), and sand- protected on the sides. The par five 9th is one of the most beautiful holes on the course, due to the breathtaking location of the green next to the Château. On the back nine, the par three 17th is another memorable hole, with water hazards guarding the front and right side of the green.
The Peugeot Golf Guide describes the course as follows in this edited extract:
“The holes are pleasantly laid out and the greens and bunkers are none too difficult and reasonably well-protected. This gives a seamless course which is fun to play with all the family especially since the whole complex is a very slick affair. While the average golfer is happy in calmer waters, the better golfer might expect a tougher challenge.”
