2. Les Bordes
Architect: Robert Von Hagge GF: Guests of member only W: lesbordes.com
The beautiful lakes of the Sologne come into play on the majority of holes on this extremely testing 1986 design in the Loire Valley. Widely recognised as Europe’s hardest course (You get your name on a board if you break 80!) it’s often regarded to be the epitome of risk/reward golf-course architecture. Les Bordes is also described as the Augusta of Europe. Sadly, this also applies to its exclusivity, although the new owners are planning a second course and hotel.
The island green on Les Bordes’ 558-yard 14th hole