Who could fail to love the unique setting of the Monte-Carlo Golf Club and its 18-hole course perched above Monte-Carlo?

Driving along the winding road above the Principality one can fully appreciate the unique setting of the Monte Carlo Golf Club; time seems to stand still. As the club’s director Charles Houtart points out, one of the club’s strengths is “the quality of the course and its outstanding site”. This haven of peace, 900m above the sea, looks to the future but is keen to preserve golfing traditions. Its 500 members and the holiday golfers staying at Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer hotels play on an undulating course designed by an English architect in 1911. “Since then, the course has been completely overhauled by the Reys, first Jean-Charles Rey and then his son Henry, chairman of the club.” Among the strong points of the course Charles Houtart mentions the 5th hole: “From there you have a panoramic view of three countries, Italy, France and Monaco. And from hole N° 14 you look out to the southern Alps and Nice, with the Mediterranean in the distance.”

100% green
The international-level 6000m course is run on eco-friendly lines, using only organic products. As the director told us, the golf carts will soon be all-electric. The club is keen to attract a new generation of players, so it runs golf classes for 30 children, reserved for the children of current members. As regards its programme of events, the Monte-Carlo Golf Club runs competitions every Sunday and hosts a few private championships. “We also organise the Challenge Inter-Entreprise, a brainchild of Frédéric Ruffier-Meray and Ludwig Lenief which we run in partnership with COTE Magazine.” Another date to note is 3 October this year, when the Princess of Monaco Cup is to be held. This celebrity contest raises funds for the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco. On the facilities side, there’s the club restaurant overlooking the green and a Pro-Shop where golfers can buy high-quality equipment. There are three instructors at hand, the better to enjoy the pleasures of golfing in this verdant setting.

Monte-Carlo Golf Club
Route du Mont-Agel, La Turbie
Tél. 04 92 41 50 70
www.golfdemontecarlo.com

Par Caroline Sempé