Le Gouverneur (Montaplan) - South East France - France

Montaplan is said to be less popular than Le Breuil, the other 18-hole course of the Domaine du Gouverneur, mostly because it is perceived as shorter, therefore less challenging, and it does not allow golfers to go back to the clubhouse at the turn of the 9th hole. This par 71 also has a less traditional layout as all of its three long holes are part of the first nine.

This may be a biased perception. Le Breuil claims 6312 meters from the tips; it also has five sets of tees, including championship (black) tees. However, Montaplan is a par 71 vs Le Breuil’s par 72, so the challenge from the white tees is really equal, in length at least. Other features of Montaplan make it quite different, and in my view just as interesting to play as its sister course.

There is more land definition on Montaplan, not only because the terrain is gently undulated, but also because the greens have more pronounced slopes. Although the first half of the course does not have any water hazards really coming into play, some holes are cut through or around a forest so the fairways may feel narrow. When they are not, their actual width, or strategically placed bunkers, or the sheer distance to the green create the challenge for the visitor. Only the stretch from the 5th to the 7th hole can be described as “easier”, but it is followed by some of the toughest holes on the course: the par five 8th is no bargain with a tree standing in the middle of the fairway where your second shot should land and an elongated green, then the next three holes (9 to 11) are quite long and testing. The par four 11th is rated the hardest (413 meters from the back tees) even though sometimes the breeze can actually help one’s drive. Most holes of the second nine are defended by lakes (11th through 15th, 18th), and the only breather probably comes at the 14th short par three.

The general maintenance of this course may be perceived as slightly lower than that of the sister championship course, with bushy undergrowth in the wooded areas and “natural” grass growth in the rough. However, the Domaine’s management is working on progressive upgrades. Even now, I liked playing Montaplan as much as Le Breuil, and the Domaine du Gouverneur altogether makes for a most pleasant weekend golf (and gastronomy) outing.