GOLF DE FONTCAUDE:

A FRENCH TREASURE

BURIED IN HEART
OF MONTPELLIER

By FRASER THOMSON

The French, for all their apparent reluctance to embrace golf, have been keeping a closely-guarded secret. It is not why, when he had one hand on the coveted Claret Jug, did Jean Van de Velde infamously fail to win the 1999 Open at Carnoustie.
No, that conundrum – to the Frenchman’s continuing chagrin – remains unanswered. This secret is less of a mystery but as equally beguiling nevertheless.
It is Golf de Fontcaude. Until now, a relatively little-known golf course buried in the heart of Montpellier in, what the locals call, the “real” south of France. And, by air, it is less than three hours away from Scotland.
In the coming months, Golf de Fontcaude - or The Montpellier Golf Resort as it is likely to be rebranded – will become synonymous with the very best of French sport, particularly rugby and golf.
Great sporting names have passed through the foyer of Golf de Fontcaude including Lance Armstrong (an adopted son of France thanks to his seven Tour de France victories), Yannick Noah, the French Open tennis champion, England cricketer Graham Gooch and the England football team during the World Cup in 1998.
Lying in gently rolling hills barely a shanked drive away from La Mosson Stadium, which is one of the host venues for this year’s Rugby World Cup, this gem of a golf course looks certain to become one of the golfing finds on the Continent.
Golf de Fontcaude, in fact, has two golf courses. It is difficult to say which is the more challenging. The 18-hole championship course has been a venue for past French Open qualifiers and provides a stern test of any golfer’s ability while the nine-hole short course is described with some understatement as a bit of fun for beginners.
UNDULATING GREENS
Not so. It is, indeed, fun but only because it will offer stern resistance to even low handicappers who are prepared to take on its undulating greens with treacherous run-offs. The danger, forgive the pun, is never far away.
What the 18-hole championship course measuring 6,292 metres (6,881 yards) lacks in length – by modern championship standards – it more than makes up for in degree of difficulty.
English golf course designer Chris Pittman, now based in New Zealand, sympathetically utilised the natural terrain of the Montpellier region when constructing this track which wraps around the impressive hotel and clubhouse, both of which are undergoing a 6 million euro refurbishment in time for the Rugby World Cup in September.
Wending its way through ravines and gullies the fairways are tight enough to force the thinking golfer to ponder carefully every shot and those who prefer to “grip it and rip it” face severe punishment for those errant drives. Accomplished players may not pull the driver out of their bags too often but great care is needed even with long irons.
With the local fauna offering further hazards – during the summer months the pretty La Garrigue shrubs give off a heavenly scent which may or may not be a welcome distraction from your game – there is little in the way of bail out areas for those brave enough to attack the course.
That said, high handicappers can play with the assurance that they are unlikely to lose many balls unless their game goes completely awry.
Many golfers say the game does not start until you reach the green and, at Fontcaude, this is certainly true. The greens, praised as among the finest in France, were lightning quick even when cut for winter making holding approach shots arduous and the infinite dips, slopes and furrows make for interesting reading when eventually choosing your line.
SCARY MOMENTS
Few players will escape without at least a few scary moments and a clean card at the end of a round will be something to cherish.
Being a short hop from many English airports, Golf de Fontcaude is sure to become a popular destination for those wanting a long weekend of golf or perhaps a full week, with the assurance of a daily round and perhaps a visit to other course in the area.
Ryanair flies from Nottingham East Midlands to Nimes (about an hour from Montpellier) for as little as £13.69 including taxes, although I think that cut-price rate – a penny each way! – was a lucky strike by yours truly.
In the middle of the 175 acre estate rests the hotel which will soon boast 80 luxury rooms and suites, many of which have splendid views over the golf course and on to the rugby stadium.
The destination restaurant La Garrigue will, by day, have a bistro atmosphere, slipping seemlessly into something a little more special after sundown but always specialising in the finest regional cuisine.
Downstairs the clubhouse, with one of the largest terraces, I have ever seen will be a welcome 19th hole for those wearily coming of the course and the luckier ones watching them.
Montpellier itself offers a welcome alternative to those non-golfers who might prefer the shops, restaurants and other delights expected of France’s eighth city.
Steeped in tradition and rich in religion, Montpellier is a bustling modern city that has not allowed the trappings of the 21st century to overshadow its historic past both as a significant medieval town and as the centre of medicine in France and even Europe.
CAMARGUE COUNTRY
Less than half an hour’s drive will pitch you deep into Camargue country where you will discover wild white horses, black bulls – those of the famed bull runs – flamingos and some of the best coastline and beaches in the region.
Medieval towns abound in the Languedoc-Rousillon region such as Carcassonne, Aigues-Mortes and Saint Guilheim le Desert while Nimes and Narbonne remind visitors of the Roman influence on the region… always with a French flair.
FACTBOX
Accommodation: During his visit, Fraser Thomson stayed at Golf de Fontcaude, Route de Lodeve, 34990, Juvignac, Montpellier. Tel: +33 (0) 4 67 45 90 00; Fax: +33 (0) 4 67 45 90 20. Website: http://www.golfhotelmontpellier.com/
All bookings can be made through http://www.golfinfrance.com/
Standard rates: €750pp per week b&b, including seven rounds of golf (two of which can be taken at other golf courses in the area excluding transfers). Week can be taken starting on any day, i.e. Tuesday to Tuesday.
OR
€120pp per day b&b plus one round of golf per day, i.e. Thursday, Friday & Saturday = €360. Children under 16, €20pp supplement. Price also includes extra rounds on nine hole academy course subject to availability.

Golf Hotel de Fontcaude can also offer teaching breaks with 2 hours of morning tuition by resident professionals for €50 pp per day, minimum of eight people.
Where required, Golf Hotel de Fontcaude can also organise tournaments for parties staying for one week, comprising two practice days, thre competition days of team, individual stableford and individual medal formats.

Transfers to and from airports, i.e. Nimes, Montpellier, Perpignan and Carcassone, or car hire can be arranged through Golf in France.

Flights: The author flew Ryanair from Nottingham East Midlands to Nimes for £13.69 including taxes but prices usually start at approx. £50-60 return. Contact: http://www.ryanair.com/ for further details.