The golfing community has been waiting on bated breath for renowned architect Gil Hanse’s first project in continental Europe, and they finally got to see it in July. Hanse even traveled across the pond to take the inaugural tee on the fresh new 46-hole course in Les Bordes, France. The new revamped course features a traditional heathland style, it is early considered as one of the greatest golf courses in the world.
The course is 90-minutes south of Paris, located in the Loire Valley, in the Sologne Forest, and has been seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape of the country around it. The club is located inside a UNESCO World Heritage region, surround by historic chateaux, medieval towns, fine wineries, restaurants, and untouched French country. Conveniently located, this golf club surround by natural beauty is surely the top of every golfers list after the July debut.
The fairways perfectly melted into the tree lines and evidence in every corner and pocket of Hanse’s attention to perfection. The course is longer than the older course it replaced, but it is expected that rounds will be quicker due to the courses impeccable design.
Hanse took the Les Bordes revitalization challenge in strides saying “We’ve never built anything in continental Europe and wanted to make sure that our first project was going to be something special, and Les Bordes gave us that opportunity. I have always loved visiting France, and to have the chance to create this course and leave a lasting legacy in such a beautiful part of the world makes me particularly proud.”
Recently, a panel of judges for Golf Inc. voted Les Bordes Golf Club as on of the worlds best private golf club renovations during their annual Clubhouse of the Year competition. This year being the 25th anniversary. This award symbolizes the renovations made to the clubhouse, compared to other clubs worldwide. Jack Laws, Director of Golf at Les Bordes said “This honor is deeply appreciated for the painstaking work that went into it… That this resounding praise comes on the heels of our New Course by Gil Hanse debuting to great reception this summer 2021 underscores that our members enjoy first class facilities, amenities and service throughout.”
Renovations made to the clubhouse include a total revitalization to the bar. The bar features and industrial feel, weathered stone and clay roof tiles really tie the history of the region perfectly to the modern world surrounding it. Designers made sure to keep the exposed beams and high ceilings during the remodel. The restaurant was also redone, including limestone floors, stone arched door openings. The dining room is like taking a step back in time without having to move to far from the present. The clubhouse private dining room was given more of a cozy relaxing den area you could find in your own home. The perfect place to knock it back with some good friends after a day on the links.
Les Bordes is looking to become the Europe’s leading entertainment venue, leading the way is the brand new 46-hole, second 18-hole layout sculpted by Gil Hanse. Alongside work of Michaelis Boyd Associates clubhouse renovation contracted by Laurent Baffy, will surely lead the way for Les Bordes.
The golf course was not the only thing revamped at Les Bordes. Trying to become a region leader in entertainment where all families can have endless fun and lifelong memories. Les Bordes included in the renovation natural swimming lakes and pools, beaches, watersports, go-karting, fishing, equestrian, biking and walking trails. They also look to add a hotel resort and spa alongside a shopping village with homes, equestrian center, organic farm, restaurants, and an outdoor amphitheater.
