Olympic Golf at Le Golf National Paris

The Albatros course at Le Golf National was the venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup and will host the 2024 Olympic Golf later this year. Situated close to Versailles, it is easily reached by public transport in a little over an hour from downtown Paris.

The Albatros and sister course Aigle are both bookable online and cost approximately 200 euro and 90 euro respectively. There is also a very reasonable onsite Novotel, which is moments from the clubhouse.

Practice facilities include a decent range and the Ryder cup putting and chipping area, which unfortunately was closed during my visit as they prepare for the Olympics.

Image 1: Le Golf National Entrance | Image 2: Le Golf National First Tee

Check in at the course was very pleasant with the friendly staff giving a welcome gift of a bag medal and organizing the same Taylormade Stealth clubs for both days I would play.

Work was underway to build the grandstand for the Olympics as I made my way to the first tee. It was hard not to picture the scenes from the Ryder Cup as the tee box is in a kind of natural amphitheater facing down towards the lake and you could feel the tension of the past in the air. A tactical opener you don’t want to go left or too far as the water comes into play at about 220 yards from the members tees. You then have an over-water approach to the first green — quite the start. The second hole is a par three over water playing about 130 yards where accuracy is key.

Once those nerves are out of the way, the next few holes calm down a bit but remain difficult. The rough is very tough and it’s important to not try and be a hero unless you actually are one. The course runs through a series of man-made dunes and is really a beautiful layout for the most part. Water comes into play on a few occasions on the front nine, but not like on the first couple or last few holes. A highlight was hole eight, which needs a drive up onto an elevated fairways and then a very accurate approach to a narrow green surrounded by bunkers with the whole right side out of bounds into farmland.

The back nine starts off straight forward with a couple of tricky holes, but all the time you are preparing for the finish, which you know is coming and has to be one of the most challenging in world golf. Once you get to 15, the lake appears out in front of you and it’s on - 15 is not unlike the first hole with water on your right this time and the chance to run out of fairway. Once again, it is an overwater shot to an island green. 16 - is a short par three over water not unlike the second hole but with the danger of putting back into the water if you can’t control your speed. 17 is a bit of a breather going back inland for a straight uphill par four before you make it to the last, a par five with water on the left this time again leading to an island green — accuracy, accuracy, accuracy. We will no doubt see drama here at the Olympics. It is reachable in two if you take on the second shot, but remember golf balls can’t swim!!

The Albatros was by far the toughest course I have ever played — and recently punched greens probably made it easier the day I played. I'm excited to see what it looks like on TV in August. Coming off the course was a mix of elation and exhaustion. You know you just played somewhere incredibly special and you know it kicked you in the behind and that you will be back to make it right as soon as possible!!!

Le Golf National is a world-class venue, close to Paris, open to the public and perfect for an overnight stay and a couple of rounds of golf. For non-golfers in the party, the Palace of Versailles is very close and is an experience in itself. The Novotel offers good rates and has a nice restaurant serving traditional French fare. Even better, it is connected to the clubhouse and is moments from the first tee and practice areas.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. In need of further inspiration? Check out Tanima Mannan’s guide, Paris 4 Day Itinerary.