About
Julien Chantepie designed the original 13-hole layout at Étretat Golf Club in collaboration with Arnaud Massy, the only Frenchman ever to have won The Open Championship.
Julien Chantepie was a pioneering French golf course architect in the early 20th century, best known for his original design of Golf de Fontainebleau, near Paris, inaugurated in 1909. His work at Fontainebleau laid the foundation for what is widely recognized as one of France’s most prestigious and beautiful courses, crafted carefully amidst ancient forests and natural features. Chantepie’s design approach emphasized harmony with the landscape and thoughtful placement of hazards, notably the intricate bunkering still celebrated today. In addition to Fontainebleau, he co-designed the original 13-hole layout at Étretat Golf Club, further establishing his influence on French golf architecture. Though many later architects—such as Tom Simpson and Fred Hawtree—revised and lengthened his courses, Chantepie’s original vision and routing remain central to their enduring appeal. His work is credited with helping to launch the modern era of golf in France and introducing strategic design principles still appreciated by golfers and architects alike.
