South East France

France

Le Breuil is the longer, more popular of the two 18-hole courses at Domaine du Gouverneur. Brought into play in 1992 by French architect Dider Fruchet (who masterminded the revamping of the 

 in Normandy the same year), and later modified by George Will, the course winds its way around a number of water hazards, which is no great surprise given its location in the Dombes region known for its numerous ponds and lakes.

The land on which the Domaine du Gouverneur was developed used to be the property of the Governor of the Dombes region; the older buildings of the resort were erected in the 14th century, and used to be surrounded by a moat and accessible over a draw bridge. More modern features include the complete overhaul and expansion of the clubhouse in 2015, boasting now what could be the largest pro shop in France, as well as a fitting centre manned by Loïc Monchalin, who travels regularly to European Tour events for Srixon / Cleveland brands.

The layout is fashioned in two returning nine-hole loops, but what seems to make it more popular than the other course at the resort (Montaplan) is that it is easy to go back to the clubhouse not only from the 9th and 18th greens but also from the 6th and 12th, thus affording more opportunities for players to take a drink or snack (or full meal) break. If the first few holes (1st through 4th) can appear somewhat easy, the course toughens up and the last 5 holes are definitely testing while also very different one from the next.

This resort is quite extensive: not only does it include a total of 45 holes (with the Montaplan 18-hole course and a 9-hole training course), but also a hotel at the heart of the property.

The Open de Lyon (a European Challenge Tour event) was played on Le Breuil for five years between 2008 and 2012. The respective winners were; David Horsey, Alexandre Kaleka, Bernd Wiesberger, Julien Quesne and Chris Doak.

Le Gouverneur (Le Breuil)

Pont Royal

Continental Europe

Le Breuil is the longer and tougher of the two 18-hole layouts at Golf du Gouverneur. Brought into play in the early 1990s, the course winds its way round a number of water hazards...