Golf du Prieuré

Prieuré East is the more technical of Fred Hawtree’s two courses: rolling, wooded, sometimes narrow and organised around large fast greens.

Golf du Prieuré was founded in 1963 around the twelfth-century Montcient-Fontaine priory, presented as the world’s oldest golf clubhouse. Fred Hawtree created two 18-hole courses on either side of the Normandy road. East, closest to the clubhouse, became the more complex layout. The course lies within the Vexin regional park among woodland, meadow and gentle hills. After two flatter water-influenced holes, the ground becomes more rolling. Trees define fairways and autumn views are especially strong.

Hawtree uses doglegs, blind shots over trees, side slopes and large tilted greens. Landing areas remain reasonably broad, but poor position complicates the approach. Ball flight and contour reading are central. FFGolf publishes 6,159 metres, par 72, SSS 73. 2 and Slope 133. The club also markets 5,937 metres from normal tees; the Atlas retains the FFGolf reference and notes variation.

Prieuré is a private country club open to visitors on weekdays and during part of summer. Heated pool, tennis, fitness, spa, dining, childcare and covered training support the two courses. 18 holes; par 72; 6,159 metres by FFGolf; Fred Hawtree, 1963; SSS 73. 2; Slope 133; twelfth-century clubhouse.