Dinard Golf Course Architect : Tom Dunn - Distance : 5833 yds
Number of holes : 18 - Par : 68
France - Northern Brittany

Designed by Tom Dunn in 1887, this course is the second oldest in France after Pau (1856). Laid out alongside France’s Emerald Coast, players enjoy sea views from all 18 holes, each of which has its own individual name (the dog’s paw, the complete disaster, etc.)

This course is neither long nor tiring, so it may deceive the unwary into thinking that it is easy, but the final score tells the real story. This course is more tricky than difficult, with its sandy soil, undulating fairways, small, high, very fast greens and many bunkers; it also has very few trees, but plenty of broom and gorse bushes.

Dinard is also a windy course! Like riding a bike, you always seem to have the wind in your face or a crosswind, except that here, it’s much stronger. Sometimes it can be very strong indeed, in which case you need to keep the ball low and make sure you have plenty more in your bag. But the wind does have its advantages: it tempers the extremes of weather, cooling the hottest days, taking the edge off cold winters and blowing rain clouds inland. This prized location is a protected heritage site and home to many remarkable animals and plants. A governmental order (arrêté de biotope) protects the entire area and gives it the legal status of a nature reserve.

The course also has an impressive history and many loyal devotees, including a number of champion golfers. The course hosts Federal events, such as the French coupes de classement (rankings cups). This is a truly historic links course.