Golf de Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau — a sandy forest course by Tom Simpson defended by more than one hundred bunkers

The course is situated deep within the Fontainebleau forest, approximately eight hundred meters from the town. Pines, birches, beeches, oaks, wild cherry trees, ferns, and heather frame the fairways, which lie on remarkably well-draining sandy soil.

Golf de Fontainebleau was inaugurated in 1909, based on an initial design by Julien Chantepie. Tom Simpson redesigned it in 1920, and then Fred Hawtree lengthened and modified it in 1963. The course occupies the former imperial hunting grounds and maintains strong continuity with the tradition of major French private clubs.

Simpson designed a precision course where trees define perspectives and 103 bunkers defend fairways and greens. The putting surfaces remain readable, but their approaches and the surrounding thickets make poor angles highly penalizing.

The fairways are relatively narrow, and the transitions between clearings create significant visual diversity. The course remains playable in many conditions thanks to its sandy soil, but firmness can accelerate bounces towards the heather.

The Norman-style clubhouse, adorned with frescoes by Paul Tavernier, extends the historical identity of the place. The experience is that of a grand traditional club, very close to Paris yet completely secluded by the forest.

Inaugurated in 1909; initial design by Julien Chantepie; redesigned by Tom Simpson in 1920; modifications by Fred Hawtree in 1963; 103 bunkers.

Championnats amateurs français et internationaux