Golf clubs aplenty but make time to explore St Malo
Exploring Brittany from the ancient port of St Malo could not be more appropriate for golfers with discovery on their minds. The port has been closely connected with exploration ever since it was founded by Welsh monks in the sixth century.
St Malo Golf Hotel & Country Club
St Malo Golf Hotel & Country Club
Telephone:
00 33 2 99 58 98 99
Email:
Email St Malo Golf Hotel & Country Club
Website:
Visit St Malo Golf Hotel & Country Club
Courses:
L-Etang:
18 holes, par 72, 6,515 yards
Old:
9 holes, par 36, 2,845 yards
On previous visits to the port I have made a speedy exit from the ferry terminal by taking the quickest route out of town. But in future I won’t be quite so hasty.
The early morning arrival of the Brittany Ferries’ Bretagne lent itself perfectly to a cup of coffee outside one of the many cafes on the cobbled streets just inside the city walls. And the fact that several golf clubs are located just a short drive from the port means there really is no need to rush to whichever course you intend to visit.
Named after one of the founder monks, Mac Low, St Malo became synonymous with adventure and was the home of many sea-faring souls. Among the most famous was Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada in 1534 and is laid to rest in the 12th century cathedral.
During a turbulent history, St Malo became an independent republic for four years in the late 1500s and was home to Robert Surcouf (1773-1827), who earned his nickname the King of Corsairs after capturing 47 ships during a legendary career.
Although 80 per cent of the ancient city was destroyed by the Allies during the Second World War it has been painstakingly reconstructed.
After our brief introduction to St Malo, our thoughts turned from the past to the present and the prospect of charting our way around some of the region’s most popular courses in a three-day visit. In fact, the province accounts for 51 per cent of the total green fees sold by the biggest tour operator for the area, Brittany Ferries.
Two of the closest courses to the port are St Malo Golf Hotel and Country Club, commonly known as Le Tronchet, and Domaine Des Ormes although there are 11 courses within an hour’s drive of each other.
Le Tronchet is set within the former hunting grounds of the sea-faring Surcouf family, 25 miles from St Malo. The 6,577-yard L’Etang course throws up numerous challenges with 13 water hazards, one of which is utilised to the maximum on two holes. The gigantic gorge-come-reservoir must be negotiated on the short par-three sixth hole, which requires a well-struck seven-iron to carry the full 150 yards across the ravine from an elevated tee position.
There is another ravine to be negotiated at the 350-yard 16th hole. A lengthy yet scenic walk through the Brittany countryside ends in front of the assembled gallery on the clubhouse balcony and hotel terraces that overlook the 18th green.
