We frequently enjoy the following golf courses
Royan
This is probably our favourite as it is situated in the Pine Forest just on the north side of Royan. It incorporates an 18 hole main course but there is also a separate 6 hole pitch and putt course which is very reasonable. The main course has some spectacular holes and is a wonderfully challenging experience. Buggies are available and there is a good modern clubhouse with up to date showering facilities and a good shop for golf clothing.
Even if you are the only golfer in your house party you can always get a game of golf at Royan as they will allocate you a round with either another singleton or with a pairing. It is always a good idea to book in advance and you can do this the day before.
The very pleasant restaurant which serves a good choice of meals both inside and out overlooks the 18th hole which has a water feature making it pleasant even for a non-golfer.
Royan Golf Club (6531 yards)
Maine-Gaudin
17420 Saint Palais Tel (05) 46 42 16 24
The golf course is 7kms west of Royan. To get to Royan you need to leave Mortagne and drive to Boutenac Touvent and turn left at the roundabout which is sign posted for Royan. it is then a straight road until you reach the outskirts of Saint-Georges
de Didonne. Turn right at a double roundabout and take the ring road round Royan heading for La Palmyre. The Golf course is then sign posted.
Cognac
This course is an older one than Royan in that it has been open since 1953. If your idea of a pleasant afternoon is playing golf surrounded by vineyards and teeing off at holes each one named after a different cognac and then enjoying lunch or a drink on the terrance overlooking the 18th hole this one is for you. There is a very comfortable clubhouse with a good restaurant and excellent changing facilities including towels provided for after game showering. This course has a golf range area and also has a four hole practice playing area and a pretty reasonable pro shop.
It is a lovely course, not too hilly (except the tenth) with buggies or electric trollies available at a reasonable price.
Cognac Golf Course (6719 yards)
Saint-Brice
16100 Cognac Tel 45 32 18 17
Cogniac Golf Course is situated 5kms east of Cognac. How to get there, yet again head for Boutenac Touvent and take the road to Gemozac. At Gemozac you need to head for Pons where the road skirts the outside of the small town and when you reach the third roundabout you take the route to Cognac. As you literally reach the outskirts of Cognac you take the first left which takes you onto a ring road round Cognac. You follow this until you come to a roundabout where you take the Saint Brice exit and the golf course is signposted from there.
Saintes
This one is a much shorter course than either Cognac or Royan It is very hilly on the front nine and can be more of a challenge if you are not quite as fit as we all should be! The back nine incorporates some fairly boring holes and as you probably realise it is not exactly our favourite. But to be fair it is still an enjoyable round and is the closest course to the house.
How to get there, yet again head for Boutenac Touvent and then on to Gemozac, go straight through and take the route to Saintes.