Alsace Golf Club
I visited David Abercombie, Director of Golf at Alsace Golf Club. David is an Irishman who had worked for many years in Germany and was alerted that a local farmer in Alsace who was selling off her cornfields to be developed into a golf course.
That was over 30 years ago and David and his company designed what is now locally known as The Links of Alsace.
This 7,010 yard track from the black tees has four other tee options and lies a long way from the sea, but the sculpturing, dry running fairways in the summer months, bent grass greens and whispery grass framing the fairways and bunkers all give it that links look and feel.
It’s a very friendly members club, which also incorporates a driving range and three practice holes for beginners.
   
The 4th a great birdie chanceBridge to the 10th green 14th with the old clubhouse
David explained the green card system they have in France, new golfers have to obtain this card before being allowed to play an 18-hole course, the test includes having lessons so new golfers obtain a certain standard of competence and also a good understanding of golf course etiquette. This became very noticeable as I played; I never had to wait on any tee, being called through on a number of occasions by a slower group, a truly refreshing experience to some I have had in England.
From the opening 357 yd par 4 1st to the 548 yd par 5 18th Alsace golf club is a very enjoyable track to play, very tough from the back tees and some great par 3s over water, shot making is truly at a premium if you want to put a good score together. But golf in this region of France is not all about great golf courses, but also great food and wine and back at the clubhouse you can help yourself to a beer while lunch and wine are being prepared for you. Don’t forget to share some of your lunch with Caddie the club dog, I have never seen such a contented canine.
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