Golf du Parc d’Olhain

Olhain is a surprisingly hilly public nine-hole course designed by Robert Berthet on the Artois hills beside state forest and facing the château.

The course was created in 1984 within the Pas-de-Calais departmental leisure park. From the beginning, the project aimed to democratise golf by integrating it into a public multi-sport environment. Robert Berthet’s layout became one of the region’s most distinctive nine-hole courses. Golf occupies thirty-three hectares on the Artois hills west of Lens and close to Béthune. Contrary to northern France’s flat stereotype, fairways climb, descend and follow forest edges. Several points overlook Château d’Olhain.

Berthet used elevation to create genuine variety. Two holes are especially memorable for their slopes and angles. The course combines one par five, several par fours and two par threes. Greens require adjusted distance judgement and play from uneven lies. The club publishes 2,611 metres and par 35 for nine holes. FFGolf tables show a similar distance by tee. Played twice, Olhain becomes a par-70 round. Difficulty comes from elevation, woodland and greens more than raw length.

Olhain shares the departmental park with hotel, swimming pool, tennis, dining and family activities. Golf facilities include a twenty-bay range, covered positions, pitch and putt and academy. It is especially suitable for families and groups. 9 holes; par 35; 2,611 metres; Robert Berthet, 1984; Artois hills; 33-hectare public park; hotel and leisure facilities.