The gift-wrapping has been taken off Les Bordes’ eagerly awaited New Course, with architect Gil Hanse taking time out from his busy schedule to unveil his first golf-course design project in continental Europe at the start of July 2021.
Hanse travelled from his home in America to France’s famous Loire Valley to give his personal seal of approval to the new layout. He was hitting the inaugural tee shot prior to members flying in from across the world to experience his new creation.
Heathland style
In direct contrast to Les Bordes’ Old Course, the New Course features a more traditional heathland style. When combined with the 10-hole short course, the Wild Piglet, also created by Hanse and opened in 2020, members of Les Bordes Golf Club will receive one of the greatest golfing experiences there is.
Hanse said:
“We’ve never built anything in continental Europe and we 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.”
He contued:
“One of the challenges that we were excited to accept was to have the chance to build a golf course on the same estate as (the Old Course), a course that has been ranked as the best in Europe.”
“An hour and a half from Paris
Set 90 minutes south of Paris in the magical Sologne Forest, the New Course fits harmoniously into its surroundings. The fairways blend seamlessly into the natural vegetation and trees. Maximum care and attention was taken by Hanse and his team to clear the location and preserve the natural environment.
Featuring large bunkers, subtle elevation changes and incredible green complexes, the layout measures 7,211 yards from the back tees. Iin contrast to the Old Course, it is expected to play shorter than its overall length due to the firm and fast playing conditions.
Jack Laws, director of golf at Les Bordes, said:
“The opening of the New Course is a significant landmark in the history of Les Bordes and the culmination of many years of hard work from Gil and his team, and everyone here on the estate.”
The opening of the New Course headlines three years of investment at Les Bordes.A community where all family members have endless possibilities for fun and adventure has been developed. Completed on-site amenities include natural swimming lakes and pools, beaches, watersports, go-karting, fishing, equestrian, petting farm and biking and walking trails.
Future investment plans include an announced partnership with Six Senses. This will transform the 19th century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into a luxury hotel and spa. Avillage square with shops and restaurants and a variety of residential homes in various styles, as well as an equestrian centre, an organic farm, an art gallery and outdoor amphi theatre will be created.
Read more: Les Bordes Golf Club
