Les Bordes Golf Club Course Review France

Les Bordes Golf Club Course Review

Location - Orleans, France

Please Note!
Due to new ownership Les Bordes is currently closed to all new enquires. Further details to be announced. Please contact us for further details.

On course -The course was in the most immaculate condition. The starter 'Jim', an American who had come over to design a near-by course, was extremely helpful in the most laid back of styles. There was no need for marshals and we never came in contact with other golfers on the course

Locker Room - As I was staying in The Hotel on the golf course I did not venture into the locker rooms. My 'Villa' was 50 yards from the 18th Green.

Practice facilities -The putting green boasts at being the largest in Europe and we had fun trying to putt from 180 feet. However, we should of paid more attention as we were never ready for what we were about to receive. The driving range is in full site of the restaurant and can make you nervous. No plastic balls, no mats, no rubber tees just a proper practice facilities.

Pro Shop -Although not massive the shop was stocked with some gorgeous 'logo' clothing for Les Bordes. And I am afraid that I did indulge in a sweat shirt for the winter. BUY SOME BALLS!

Course Review
6409 Metres, Par 72

There are five separate Tee Boxes (White, Yellow, Yellow and Black, Blue and Red). The length listed below is from the (Championship). White Tees. I actually played from the Yellow and Black Tees.

The 1st (Par 4, 401 meters) a great opening hole with a few well placed grass bunkers on the left, with a unique green virtually in an island of sand. You need to hit the green or suffer!
Authors Score 6 An erratic drive and two in THAT Bunker

The 2nd (Par 5, 477 metes) a double dog-leg requiring particularly accurate second shot, despite there being neither sand nor water. Drive it far enough or you are in trouble. Make par here and you are surely in for a good round.
Authors Score 5 A Par Already! I am Ecstatic!

The 3rd (Par 4, 355 metres) a left-to-right dog-leg with the tightest drive on the course. Play it right to have a shot at the green. On the tee shot beware of the small hidden pond on the right. The second is to a two tiered green and there are more of these to come.
Authors Score 6 Deserved a double bogey with my loose drive!

The 4th ( Par 3, 151 meters) this is not totally an island green, but where there is no water there are hummocks and rough making for a very difficult "up and down" Best be on the green in one!. Just close you eyes and pray! Great little hole.
Authors Score 4 Over The Water and don't mind the three putts!

The 5th (Par 4, 398 metres) a superb driving hole requiring length and accuracy to get onto the second tier of the fairway. The second tier of the fairway. The second shot is also to a two-tiered green, well protected by bunkers. Avoid the bunker front right as it looks mean!
Authors Score 4 Another Par! Can I go home now.?

The 6th (Par 4, 352 metres) another good driving hole with a long bunker down the right. This is protected by an ancient cross! The second shot is to a green protected by sand to the right and with a large hollow on the putting surface. Another tough green!
Authors Score 5 Was lucky to two putt on this green.

The 7th (Par 5, 464 metres) this magnificent hole is the Baron Bich's favourite hole, for its respect of the natural landscape - the Sologne is peppered with ponds and lakes. This is a tough Par 5 as, whether you go for the green in 2 (Only Pro's) or 3, every shot risks a watery grave. This has to be one of my favourite three holes EVER, along with the 14th at Ballybunion and the 11th at The European Club.
Authors Score 8 Between us we lost five balls on this hole.

The 8th (Par 3, 143 metres) the shortest hole on the course and probably the easiest, as long you get over the water from the tee. Another great Par three.
Authors Score 3 The only single putt I had all day on the Par 3s.

The 9th (Par 4, 357 metres) the front nine finishes with a dog-leg left, with water only if you drive as far a Tiger Woods and a relatively flat green surrounded by bunkers. If you can draw you drives then one here would be nice.
Authors Score 5 Fairway bunker on the right cost me my par.

The 10th (Par 5, 468 meters) a fairly straightforward tee shot is followed by decisions of strategy as the approach to the green is a minefield of sand bunkers. The green is perched on the highest point on the course and slopes significantly from back to front.
Authors Score 4 3-Wood, 3-Wood, 9 Iron, Putt, BIRDIE! :::

The 11th (Par 4, 365 metres) be careful of the hidden water on the angle as the fairway dog-legs left. Having successfully negotiated the drive, you only have more water over which to attack the green. It's 'He who dares wins' at this hole.
Authors Score 4 5-Wood over the water landed 12 feet from flag.

The 12th (Par 4, 378 metres) another great Par 4 just inviting a good drive to the second tier. Only a few grass bunkers to avoid off the drive and rather a lot of sand around the green - birdie or bogey alike, you'll love this hole. Is it me or is this course getting better. A great looking hole.
Authors Score 6 Yeah, the bunker got me on the left………!

The 13th (Par 3, 169 meters) water is again the main obstacle on this magnificent short hole, although there is a little space if you are too long or a little to the right. Hit the green or score a double bogey! The three par 3s have been fantastic.
Authors Score 3 Did not get wet on any par 3.

The 14th (Par 5, 510 meters) with a drive over water, water also to the right, more water if you pull your second, an island green awaiting your approach, who would argue with this wonderful hole being Stroke Index 1. A most spectacular hole! But do have a look at the Koi Carp once on the bridge to the green. They are beautiful.
Authors Score 6 A bogey and better still no lost balls!

The 15th (Par 4, 400 metres) a great Scottish style Par 4 with a long sand bunker along the right. Watch out for the hump in the middle of the green. Strange this is a great hole that works but doesn't seem to fit with the rest of the course. Confused!
Authors Score 6 I can't hit the ball half way up on a dune!

The 16th (Par 3, 197 metres) at last a short hole without water! However only long uphill to a small green defended by sand on the right and a severe slope to the left. You are now well into a tough championship finishing stretch.
Authors Score 3 And I was looking for some Water to play with again!

The 17th (Par 4, 415 meters) this dog-leg to the right requires a long, straight tee shot and an accurate second to a narrow, slightly 'elevated', green protected by a huge bunker on the right and the forest on the left.
Authors Score 5 Three putted and could have had another birdie!

The 18th (Par 4, 409 meters) you hadn't noticed but there has been no water since the 14th. This magnificent hole makes up for that. A dog-leg to the left, water to drive over, water in front of and right of the green, which itself is full of contour- you'll always remember your success on this most memorable of holes. This has to be the best approach I have ever seen to an 18th hole.
Authors Score 6 I was a coward and laid up then the back bunker punished me by two shots!

A total of 93 shots I had (21 over) and I thought I had played really well. My current handicap is 15, and although I have recently had an application for a 'two-shot disability handicap' rejected, I was very pleased with my score.

I am still considering whether to rate this course the BEST I have ever played. Ballybunion's Old course has always been my favourite but another round at Les Bordes may just sway my thinking.

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