User Reviews
for Golf de Chamonix, Les Praz-de-Chamonix, France
Reviews 1 - 3 from 3
A gem!
Reviewed September 14, 2011
After 50 years of golfing on all continents, I am on my way to understand what course architecture is all about. What makes golf such a rich game is the diversity of challenge thrown down to the player. Chamonix golfcourse is a perfect example of this. A very charming place, and you need a good game to make it here. This is a fun course.
Original version
Between the mountain giants
Reviewed September 6, 2020
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, as this place has been correctly called since 1921, first a mountaineering village, then also a ski resort. The first Olympic Winter Games were held here in 1924, and the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1962. The downhill run at that time - in 1962 - was considered the fastest and most brutal in the history of the World Cup - so many racers have never failed. The ski racer Guy Perillat - who drove these races - is a member of the golf club.
Another course from Robert Trent Jons Sr. who demanded many additional strokes. The very narrow greens and the very shallow depth almost led to despair. Many are also built taller to keep them dry. We rarely hit them like that, which is difficult anyway because they have only grown below average so that we could continue playing with the putter. The greens were very good to play. The lady made acquaintance with the numerous streams in front of the greens. To save our honor it has to be mentioned that the conditions were very difficult and it rained a lot last night. The ground was wet, deep and very soft. Many zones with temporary water had to be used. This resulted in unusually short drives and unusually long second strokes.
Still, the score was really bad.
It is a course that lies in a very narrow high valley, surrounded by mountains that are up to 4,810 meters high - Mont Blanc - the highest in the Alps. The sun can only act for a short time in the shadow of these giant mountains. The many trees that accompany the holes are not necessarily an advantage.
Golf has been played here for more than 80 years, until 1982 on nine holes.
It was a very demanding task to build an 18 holes course here. The location at the foot of the mountain giants and the layout deserve four stars, unfortunately the care and maintenance not. Too many GUR zones, a number of teas are partly in bad condition - unfortunately. The soil seems to be the big problem, the drainage is poor - should be difficult to solve anyway. The water pressure from the mountains into the valley is enormous.
Here all holes have the name of the mountain towards which one is pointing. The Mont Blanc with its 4,810 meters is not missing - Hole 17 is very impressive - it seems as if the hanging glacier extends down into the valley. Hole 11 par 3 is almost a small mountaineering tour to reach the tee - the difference in altitude is large - it provides pure spectacle to hit the green.
On the terrace of the club house we could watch the following players. Hardly any player has really attacked the 18the green of the par 3. The taller green is too well defended with bunkers.
The club buildings have a special charm, wooden buildings, the loose log cabin style with green roofs, very pretty. Very nice courteous staff.
It was a great trip that everyone enjoyed - not the score. The journey from Valais takes time, this alone is worth the trip, it's worth it.
We were astonished by the ranking in France's Top 100 List, it is still barely there. None of us gave such a good rating, there are only three stars - because of the conditions.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Beautiful place in the mountains of France
Reviewed October 12, 2015
Have played this course in October 2015th The course (fairways) was due to the weather very humid, but still very playable. The Greens were to read in very good condition, but not easy.
Bunkers are harder to play than other bunker. The heavier sand has given to me on that day some trouble, even though I am a good bunker player.
The holes are beautifully integrated into the landscape and all the valley holes are more or less flat. Individual tee boxes are elevated, but to leave the golf bag by a good change and enjoy a great view of the mountains.
The staff was very friendly and accomodating. The restaurant is also well served and the food is good.
In summary, the trip to Chamonix was worth. Gladly another time...!
Translated by Google.
