Golf d'Opio-Valbonne

Golf d'Opio-Valbonne: Your round at Opio-Valbonne starts out from the 17th century Chateau de la Bégude, complete with its Gallo-Roman aqueduct. Thereafter, this relatively easy-going Don Harradine design roams across a large area of quiet and undulating woodland, part of the Bois d'Opio.

At times heavily tree-lined, at others a little more open, several sections of the course are imbued with pleasant elevation changes and views over neighbouring wooded hills. Accuracy from the tee is important on several of the tighter holes, where OB or thick woodland intimidatingly awaits wayward tee-shots. Water ditches and streams come into play on a few holes, while bunkering is sparingly used, especially on the front-nine. Where greenside bunkers are deployed, they are generally set far enough back not to trouble lower-handicappers.

A few rather ordinary golf holes are offset by others that quicken the pulse. The signature par-3 11th plays 166 metres from the back tees, and requires an accurate shot to a relatively small and elevated putting surface. A small pond and a 4-metre stone wall need to be cleared to find the safety of the green. A large stylish Provencal villa provides an attractive front-nine feature. It's the only "housing" you'll see alongside the course.

As a par-73 measuring only 5,738 metres (6,275 yds) from the tips, Opio-Valbonne will certainly reward the careful shot-maker, with many holes lacking the length or space to accommodate wayward big-hitters. Two relatively short par-5s close-out the round, presenting good birdie opportunities providing you can keep you ball out of the trees!