Golf International de Pont Royal

Golf International de Pont Royal lays down a Seve Ballesteros crafted golf adventure, one best undertaken with the aid of a golf cart, unless you are in the mood for some reasonably strenuous exercise. This is not a golf course for the faint-hearted, with some twisting par-4s, superb par-3s over water and an unforgettable par-3 11th over a ravine.

Make no mistake, this is a very good and scenic test of golf course, but one that can take a round or two to discover where best to hit the ball, and where to definitely avoid. On occasions you will be faced with some tightish drives and approach shots.

The layout is typically quite undulating, although there is a flatter stretch of holes, starting at the tricky water defended par-3 2nd (next to the Moulins de Vernegues Hotel). This flatter stretch follows alongside the D7N main road. After another testing and watery par-3 at the 5th, you turn away from the road and journey uphill at the par-4 6th, taking on one of several tightish drives as you play this well-bunkered hole.

Pont Royal incorporates a combination of many great holes, and many tough ones. The housing that flanks parts of the course perimeter, thankfully doesn't impinge too seriously on the layout. From the higher elevations of the course there are wonderful views over valleys and mountains beyond, all quite spectacular.