Hôtel Golf le Kempferhof

Hôtel Golf le Kempferhof: In the tranquil grounds of the Kempferhof estate, just a kilometre from the German-French border (provided by the River Rhine), this excellent Robert von Hagge layout will test every facet of your golf game. At times open, but more often tight and tree-lined, the holes occupy a wonderfully quiet area of natural woodland.

For much of the time you'll need to drive the ball straight and true, not least at holes like the tough par-5 2nd, which wriggles its way through the trees with little room for error. On this top-quality layout an excellent and varied array of bunkering frequently threatens, while water also plays its full part in proceedings.

Each wonderfully crafted hole typically enjoys its own unique setting, although the par-4 1st and 13th holes come together on an hour-glass double-green, their respective fairways separated by a huge sand bunker. The excellent par-3 9th and closing par-4 18th also share a double green, this time directly in front of the clubhouse terrace. The more open and linksy stretch from the par-4 13th to the short par-4 16th is home to one of Kempferhof's most challenging and memorable holes. The fabulous par-3 14th is played from tee-to-green across a good sized pond, the front edge of the green precociously protruding out into the pond.

With no roads or buildings around to disturb your concentration, you can focus your attention on hitting Kempferhof's tightish fairways, and sinking putts on the large and immaculate greens.