Golf de Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche

The Red is Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche’s more demanding course, a 6,254-metre par-72 championship parkland shaped by Fred Hawtree across the protected Versailles plain.

Saint-Nom began in the late 1950s through Daniel Féau and a group who transformed rolling farmland into a leading sporting club. The Blue opened in 1959 and the Red followed in 1960. The estate soon hosted major events including the 1963 Canada Cup, thirty-four Trophée Lancôme editions, the Vivendi Trophy and the 2022 World Amateur Team Championships. Continuous upgrades have maintained international standards. The course lies within the protected Versailles plain west of Paris. Fairways follow gentle but constant contour among mature trees, copses, rough and open views. Despite its proximity to the capital, the environment feels rural. Plateau wind, winter moisture and long perspectives influence club selection.

Fred Hawtree used Anglo-Saxon principles of doglegs, diagonal bunkering and fast greens. The Red contains four par fives, four par threes and ten par fours. Aggressive routes improve approach angle but bring sand and trees into play. Green contour and firmness create the greatest defence. FFGolf publishes 6,254 metres, par 72, men’s SSS 74. 2 and Slope 142. The front nine measures 3,197 metres and the back 3,057. Strong par fours and attackable but strategic par fives create championship rhythm.

Saint-Nom is a private members’ club with limited access through guests and selected open competitions. The clubhouse occupies an eighteenth-century royal farm. Pool, fitness, dining, seminars, range and academy support a highly sporting environment. 18 holes; par 72; 6,254 metres; Fred Hawtree; opened in 1960; SSS 74. 2; Slope 142; host of major international competition.