Golf de Saint-Germain

Saint-Germain — Harry Colt turning nearly flat ground into a major forest and heathland course

The course is located in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris. The terrain is largely flat, but its sandy soil, large trees, and open heathland-like areas provide variety to the landscape.

The club, originally founded at the beginning of the 20th century, settled in the Saint-Germain forest after the First World War. Harry Colt designed the Grand Parcours in 1922. A few years later, new land allowed Colt to revise and extend the layout. The course subsequently underwent restorations aimed at rediscovering its original lines and bunkers.

Colt compensated for the gentle topography with the orientation of the holes, raised bunkers, subtly undulating greens, and vistas framed by trees. The holes alternate between forest corridors and more open spaces.

The Grand Parcours is a test of rhythm and positioning. The greens are spacious enough to accommodate multiple pin positions, but poor positioning off the tee severely reduces the usable depth.

Saint-Germain maintains the identity of a large private club near Paris, featuring a main course and a nine-hole course. The forest setting completely isolates the round from the urban environment.

Grand Parcours designed in 1922 by Harry Colt; sandy forest site; alternation of wooded and open holes; modern restorations of Colt's principles.

Open de France; compétitions nationales et internationales