The Golf Course
Donald Steel, considered to be one of the very best "natural" golf course architects, created our unique 27 hole course in its enthralling setting amidst plum trees, oak woods, lakes and vineyards. Donald, who has contributed to many world-famous courses such as the Jubilee and Eden courses at St. Andrews as well as Chantilly in France, designed the course with the Château as its centrepiece; the 9th and 18th finishing off in front of the Château; and many of the other undulating greens with different perspectives of the Château. When asked by Golf World to name his favourite hole from his long career, Donald chose the eighteenth at Château des Vigiers, with its dogleg over a ridge for the second shot over the lake on to the green, in front of the Château. It was subsequently described in Golf World under the heading "Vintage Finale".
With the addition of the new 9 hole course in early 2008, our golfers will experience a much wider variety of playing conditions. The first three holes will prove memorable; running through a beautiful valley. The new 9 hole golf course "La Vallée" will officially open on the 1st April 2008, and will integrate into the exisiting 18 hole course to form 3 new nine hole courses: "La Vallée" course, PAR 36, 3112m, “Le Lac” course, PAR 35, 2935m, “Les Vignes” course, PAR 36, 3083m. Golfers will now be able to play three different configurations of 18 holes, each with different slopes (from 125 to 129). In addition, we have 2 training zones for chipping, bunkers or rolling.., a covered range with targets from 50 to 200 m, and the 6 hole academy course (1035 m).
“La Vallée” Course: PAR 36, 3246m
“Le Lac” Course: PAR 35, 2895m
“Les Vignes” Course: PAR 36, 3112m
The different combinations offered to golfers are:
“La Vallée” & “Le Lac”: 6141m, PAR 71, Slope 127
“La Vallée" & “Les Vignes”: 6358m, PAR 72, Slope 129
“Les Vignes” & “Le Lac”: 6007m, PAR 71, Slope 125
Château des Vigiers' courses promote quick play and accessibility for higher handicaps. However, the greens are frequently lightning fast and prove a test for any golfer. With strategic pin positions and longer rough, the course can be turned into a challenge for the best golfer. Indeed, one of our Members, Per Ulrik Johansson, who played for the winning European team in both the 1995 and 1997 Ryder Cup, took five years to get down from his initial score of 75 to 66, now the course record. He adds "It is an interesting and enjoyable course with tough greens. There are a few really great holes and a lot of good ones." John Bickerton, winner of the French Open in 2006, equalled Per-Ulrik's record of 66 in 2007. As our new Touring pro, John spends quite some time at Vigiers when he's not representing us on the PGA Tour. He enjoys playing with members and guests and is invited to join us during Easter and the annual "Coupe des Vigiers"
Competitions
We encourage our guests to take part in our weekly Golf competitions on most Sundays during the season. These competitions really give a feeling of the life of the club of which we are so proud, and enable you to meet and mingle with Local and International Members at prize giving. Many of our competitions are sponsored by members who are wine growers, so the prize board is pretty impressive; often trucks are needed for prize transportation!
Academy Course
We have a six-hole academy course with 2 par 4's and 4 par 3's, which is ideal for beginners as well as training schools. Add to this 6 covered and 6 open-air driving ranges, a putting green, a chipping green and a practice bunker, and you have an ideal place to begin or improve your game. On top of this, Vincent Trojani, our resident Professional, is happy to give lessons. These facilities enable us to welcome Professionals from other clubs to come to Vigiers with their pupils and stay at the hotel for a week's golf school.
Membership
Those of you who want to have a more permanent attachment to Château des Vigiers and become International Members please get in contact with us.
John Bickerton, winner of the 2006 French Open
