Above: Looking back up the 12th, it really is a beautifully designed hole
Of all the venues I have played this week, Le Forét Course has to be my favourite, and especially the back nine. Like all the courses they need more time to bed in and especially the tees, but please don’t let this in anyway diminish your enjoyment. Always keep in mind the climate – the grass is never going to be as lush as it is at home. Apart from our climate these tracks only came online in 20xx and Ronald Fream has done a great job.
Again I would recommend you take one of the local caddies. Not only are you helping the local economy, they really do know how to read a putt and there is no better way to play golf than to walk the course while someone else carries your bags.
There are four teeing options to choose from which range from whites 6.634 – reds 5254. The opening hole is a 372-yard par-4 dogleg right with bunkers both sides of the landing area, so being in the right position is key here. But if you make the fairway you can give yourself a good shot at birdie and get your round off to a great start, especially as the second hole is a very reachable par-5 at 460-yard, birdie, eagle. Now that’s what holiday golf is all about!
The third is a great little hole that banks round to the right, and if you put your ball in the right place you could gain an extra 10/30 yards of run leaving a wedge in. Local knowledge is key and that is where the caddies come into their own.
I could take you through each hole, but the highlight of the front nine has to be the downhill par-4, 342-yard eighth – risk-and-reward at its best. There is water all the way down the right-hand side of the fairway which doglegs right to the green. Now you could hit a 4/5-iron to the fairway and have a 9-iron to the green. Option two is pull out the big dog and go for the 293-yard carry over water from the white tees or 252-yard carry from the yellows. So what have you got, big boy?!
Anyway a nine iron later and I’m on the green after dunking my first ball in the aforementioned water!
You will enjoy the front nine, but on the back nine there are some stunning golf holes. If there is one weak hole it would be the uphill par-3 eleventh but that’s only in comparison. What you will find at on the La Forét is that the greens are quick, true and very tricky to read – another reason why I would recommend a caddie.
From the 12th onwards it becomes one great hole after another. The course weaves up and down the valley and through the citrus and pine trees, offering some great views. From the downhill second shot into the par-5 twelfth, the tee shots on the 13th, 14th and 17th all set you up for a fitting finale, which is the 432-yard 18th with a carry over water. You then play your second shot to a green that is protected by water and two bunkers on the left and another bunker cut into a giant mound on the right, and one very tricky putting green.
Once all that is negotiated you can then enjoy some beautifully prepared fresh fish and a pint of the cold stuff. You would have certainly not only earned it, but you will want to do it all over again. Bon appetite!
Stunning views as you get to the 2nd green and don't be short and right with your second shot!
The 1st A great opening holePlenty of sand on the 9thLooking back down the 15th
The 10th green sits nestled in the trees and is a great opening hole to the back nine