Paris Olympics Men’s Golf Primer

The Course: Le Golf National

Le Golf National, renowned for hosting the 2018 Ryder Cup, is the venue for the 2024 Olympics. This course is known for its challenging layout, featuring significant water hazards, tight fairways, and undulating greens. The Albatros course, the most famous of its three courses, has a reputation for demanding precision and strategic play, making it a fitting challenge for Olympic-level competition.

Key features of Le Golf National include:

Signature Holes: The 15th, 16th, and 18th holes are particularly noteworthy, with the 18th hole offering a dramatic finish over water.

15th Hole (“L’Aigle”)

• This par-4 hole is a dogleg left with significant water hazards.
• Why Noteworthy: The 15th hole requires precision and strategy. The tee shot must avoid water on the left, and the approach shot to the green is protected by both water and bunkers, making it a challenging hole that can make or break a round.

16th Hole (“L’Etang”)

• This par-3 hole is short but tricky, playing over water to a well-protected green.
• Why Noteworthy: Despite its short length, the 16th hole demands accuracy. The green is surrounded by water and bunkers, creating a high-risk, high-reward scenario where golfers must carefully choose their club and shot placement.

18th Hole (“L’Arrivée”)

• This par-4 finishing hole is known for its dramatic and challenging layout.
• Why Noteworthy: The 18th hole features a long carry over water off the tee, with the second shot requiring precision to avoid water hazards on both sides of the fairway. It is known for producing dramatic finishes in tournaments, as players must navigate the water hazards to reach the green and close out their round.

Course Layout: Designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge, the course measures over 7,000 yards and has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments.