8.86

Les Bordes Golf Club (New Course)

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Private
EST.
2021
GRASS
Bentgrass
SEASON
April–October
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
72
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
10.5
City
Saint-Laurent-Nouan

Score

8.86
Design
40%
9.2
Conditions
25%
9.1
Desirability
15%
8.1
Scenery
10%
8.8
Fun
5%
8.6
Uniqueness
5%
8.3

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 139

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 10.5

7
15

Walkability Hard

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
$
$
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

The New Course at Les Bordes was named to Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World in 2021 despite being only newly opened, underlining its instant acclaim in the global golf community.

About

Les Bordes Golf Club (New Course), set amidst ancient woodland and lakes in the Loire Valley, France, is a private, members-only club regarded as one of Europe’s premier new layouts. Designed by Gil Hanse and opened in 2021, the course complements the famed Old Course by Robert von Hagge with a strategic, naturalistic routing, subtle shaping, and a style reminiscent of classic heathland designs. The New Course offers a secluded, world-class golf experience.

Caddie Tip

Positioning off the tee is critical—don’t be distracted by the beautiful scenery, as the Sologne forest and water hazards frame many demanding landing zones. Approach shots require attentive club selection due to subtle elevation changes. The undulating greens place a premium on precise lag putting, especially when the stimp is over 10.

The Main Challenge

The New Course sets up a demanding test from the back tees with slick greens, deep strategic bunkering, and the ever-present threat of the surrounding forest and lakes. Tight landing zones require thoughtful club selection, and the greens challenge even experienced players with their varied contours and quick pace. Consistency from tee to green is rewarded.

The Good

Golfers praise the secluded atmosphere and tranquil beauty of the Sologne forest, paired with the superb, modern design from Gil Hanse. The course’s strategic variety, immaculate conditions, and serene location make each round feel exclusive and unique—many visitors highlight the club’s exceptional hospitality and privacy as a standout feature.

The Not So Good

The course’s exclusivity means very limited tee time access, creating difficulty for even well-connected golfers to play. Some also note that the heavy woodland can make lost balls common, and first-timers may struggle with the subtlety of Hanse’s shaping and the visual deception on approach shots.

Signature Hole:

#

18

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Could not find info

Clubhouse

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Luxurious, fully renovated clubhouse with locker rooms, fine dining, lounge bar, wine cellar, outdoor terraces, and private meeting spaces. Member cottages and on-site luxury accommodations are available, alongside future plans for a destination hotel. Concierge and event services cater to private member events and guest stays.

Practice Facilities

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Extensive practice area including a full-length driving range, large putting and chipping greens, and a separate 10-hole par 3 course—‘The Wild Piglet’—designed for short-game variety and fun. Instruction is available to members upon request. The facilities are modern and meticulously maintained.

Dress Code:

Prestigious

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

France