Chantilly

Golf de Chantilly clubhouse

History

Golf de Chantilly was founded in 1909, and is located in thick forest just north of Paris.

The Vineuil course was designed by renowned English architect Tom Simpson, who went on to leave a lasting impact on golf on the continent.

Chantilly also has a second course- known as Les Longeres

Golf de Chantilly- hole 16 approach

Championships

Chantilly is a championship course and has hosted:

The French Open

The St Andrews Trophy

The European Amateur

Course

The Vineuil course is routed through forest, and features wide fairways, and strategic bunkering.

The course is well maintained, and a good walk.

Architect Tom Simpson was no doubt influenced by the wonderful English heathland courses he knew so well when it came to designing the Vineuil, but at the same time I would categorise the course as more parkland than heathland.

I thought the bunkering was a feature throughout, nicely shaped and well placed.

Given the width of the fairways, the bunkering is a much needed defence for such a highly rated course.

Vineuil sets itself apart with a dramatic, memorable finish on holes 16, 17 & 18.

These holes use the only significant elevation changes on the course to advantage.

When I think of Chantilly, I will remember the genteel atmosphere around the club, the lovely laid back course, and that closing trifecta of holes.

Notable holes include:

- hole 7, a dogleg par 4 with wide bunkering challenging the golfer off the tee

Golf de Chantilly- hole 7

Golf de Chantilly- hole 7 approach

- hole 11, a mid length par 3 to a nicely bunkered green

Golf de Chantilly- hole 11

- hole 16, a dramatic dogleg par 4 with a nasty surprise at driving distance for the unwary- the fairway ends with a big drop off. Lost balls are inevitable. Without caddies or course guides it is hard to pick! The approach from on high is a delightful shot (see pic mid page)

- hole 17, a spectacular drop shot par 3 to a green set in it's own valley.

Golf de Chantilly- hole 17 tee