Golf de l'Esterel
Challenging Robert Trent Jones Snr golf course with undulating greens set in the beautiful Esterel landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Golf de l'Esterel
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Challenging Robert Trent Jones Snr golf course with undulating greens set in the beautiful Esterel landscape.
"Very interesting and challenging course with great greens with some amazing slopes."
Check Course Conditions
Always check recent reviews or call ahead about course condition, especially during hot weather. :information_source:
Patience for Pace of Play
Be prepared for slower rounds; consider booking early or late. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Robert Trent Jones Snr Design
Experience a challenging and interesting layout crafted by a legendary golf course architect.
Undulating Greens
Master the unique challenge of greens with amazing slopes for a true test of your putting skill.
Scenic Esterel Landscape
Play amidst the stunning Mediterranean scenery of the Esterel massif, offering beautiful views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Course Condition Awareness
Pace of Play
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Course Conditions
Always check recent reviews or call ahead about course condition, especially during hot weather. :information_source:
Patience for Pace of Play
Be prepared for slower rounds; consider booking early or late. :stopwatch:
Master the Greens
The greens are known for their slopes, so practice your putting! :golf:
Friendly Staff
Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere from the reception staff. :smiley:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Course Conditions
Always check recent reviews or call ahead about course condition, especially during hot weather. :information_source:
Patience for Pace of Play
Be prepared for slower rounds; consider booking early or late. :stopwatch:
Master the Greens
The greens are known for their slopes, so practice your putting! :golf:
Friendly Staff
Enjoy the welcoming atmosphere from the reception staff. :smiley:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Golf de l'Esterel offers a challenging and interesting layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, with praised greens. However, recent reviews indicate significant concerns about course conditions, particularly fairways, and a slow pace of play that can lead to very long rounds.
"Great course. Robert Trent Jones Snr did a marvelous job! Undulated greens & fairways and in gr8 shape. Friendly staff @ the reception."
Grega Perne
"Pace of play was horrendous today. 5 hours to play a short golf course that should be played in half that time... What a waste.
People are nice but too nice and cannot get the few that are very slow to hurry up. Too bad..."
Philippe Beaurain
"Absolutely terrible condition, fairways look like they have been dug up by a tractor. No warning the course is in this condition. DO NOT PLAY, there is another course two minutes away you should play instead."
Fraser O'Rourke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Golf de l'Esterel is located in Saint-Raphaël on the French Riviera. It's accessible by car, with GPS coordinates being helpful for navigation. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the course.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for golfers at the club. It's advisable to arrive a little early to secure a good spot, especially during busy periods.
The nearest major city is Saint-Raphaël, a popular coastal town in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The golf course is situated within this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary depending on the season, day of the week, and any ongoing promotions. It's best to check their official website or call the pro shop for the most current pricing. Some reviews mention discounts being offered if the course condition is not optimal.
Yes, booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to ensure your preferred slot. You can usually book online or by phone.
The course typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Specific operating hours can vary, so it's advisable to confirm with the club directly. Some holes might be closed for renovation periodically.
While specific details on membership are not widely publicized, golf clubs often offer various membership packages. Inquire directly with the club if you are interested in long-term play options.
Some visitors have reported receiving discounts (e.g., 20%) when the course conditions were not ideal, particularly due to summer heatwaves. It's worth inquiring about this possibility if you notice any issues.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Reviews are mixed. While some praise the great greens with amazing slopes, others have described the fairways as being in 'absolutely terrible condition,' likening them to being dug up by a tractor, possibly due to summer heat.
Yes, it's considered a very interesting and challenging course with a great layout. The undulating greens and fairways designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr provide a good test for golfers of all levels.
Pace of play can be an issue, with some visitors reporting 'horrendous' delays leading to 5-hour rounds on a course that should be much quicker. This is sometimes attributed to slow players and staff not always enforcing a quicker pace.
The course is known for its challenging layout and undulating greens. One specific par 3 is highlighted as a 'Green or nothing' challenge, indicating its demanding nature.
The staff, particularly at reception, are described as friendly and nice. The overall atmosphere is generally positive, though pace of play can be a frustration for some.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Most golf courses of this caliber have a clubhouse with dining facilities. While specific details aren't in the provided content, it's common to find a place to eat and drink before or after your round.
Clubhouse restaurants typically offer a range of options from light snacks and sandwiches to more substantial meals, often featuring local cuisine. It's best to check their menu upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The course is set within the beautiful Esterel landscape, offering stunning Mediterranean views. The unique design of the holes and the undulating terrain also make for visually interesting shots.
Look for elevated tees that offer panoramic views of the course and the surrounding red rock formations of the Esterel massif. The greens themselves, with their dramatic slopes, can also be photogenic.
Yes, golfers are generally welcome to take photos during their round. However, be mindful of pace of play and ensure you're not holding up other players.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do bring younger family members, consider focusing on the clubhouse amenities or exploring the surrounding area for other activities. For families with experienced junior golfers, the course offers a good test of skill, but it's wise to book an early tee time to avoid the longest delays.
💰 Budget Travelers
Additionally, some reviews suggest that discounts might be available if the course conditions are not optimal, particularly during hot summer months. It's worth inquiring about these possibilities when booking. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money on clubhouse purchases.
couples
After your round, you can enjoy a meal at the clubhouse or explore the charming nearby towns of Saint-Raphaël or Fréjus. The friendly staff can also contribute to a pleasant and memorable experience for couples looking for a leisurely day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Robert Trent Jones Snr Legacy
Jones's designs are known for their playability for all skill levels while still providing a stern test for the best. At Golf de l'Esterel, this translates to fairways and greens that demand precision and thoughtful strategy. The undulating terrain of the Esterel region has been expertly incorporated into the design, creating natural challenges and visually striking holes.
Visitors often remark on the interesting and challenging nature of the course, a testament to Jones's enduring design principles. Playing Golf de l'Esterel is an opportunity to walk a course shaped by a true master of the game, offering a memorable round for any golf enthusiast.
Navigating Course Conditions and Pace of Play
Furthermore, the pace of play has been a recurring point of concern. Reports of 'horrendous' delays, with rounds stretching to five hours on a course that should be significantly shorter, indicate potential issues with course management or player etiquette. While the staff are described as friendly, their ability or willingness to expedite slow play might be limited. To mitigate this, consider booking tee times during off-peak hours or weekdays, and be prepared for a potentially longer day on the course.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many golfers still find the course layout and greens to be highly enjoyable. The key is to manage expectations regarding course conditions and be patient with the pace of play. Some visitors have noted that discounts may be offered if the course is not in its best shape, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious golfers.




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