The Albatros course at Le Golf National is set to host the upcoming Olympic golf competition, with 60 players from 32 countries competing for gold, silver, and bronze in the men’s division. The women’s competition will follow next week, featuring 60 players from 33 countries. The format for the tournament is four rounds of stroke play, totaling 72 holes, at the Albatros course, located outside of Paris. The course has previously hosted the DP World Tour’s Open de France and the 2018 Ryder Cup, making it a familiar venue for major golf events.
Designed in 1990 by Hubert Chesneau and American architect Robert von Hagge, the Albatros course was built on former farmland, transforming the once-flat expanse into a rolling layout with 45 feet of elevation change. Known for its challenging yet fair design, the course has received praise from notable golfers like Nick Faldo, who described it as “tough but fair” during the 1991 Open de France. This sentiment was echoed by players gearing up for the upcoming Olympic competition, emphasizing the course’s demanding nature.
With a stadium-style configuration capable of accommodating up to 30,000 spectators, the Albatros course offers a dynamic and thrilling setting for players and fans alike. The course features a tight layout that rewards precision over power, particularly on the final stretch of holes where water hazards come into play on three of the last four holes. This challenging setup contributes to the reputation of the Albatros course as one of the toughest on the DP World Tour.
In addition to hosting professional tournaments and international competitions, the Albatros course is accessible to the public, offering golf enthusiasts the opportunity to play on the same grounds as some of the world’s top players. Owned by the French Golf Federation, the course is part of a larger luxury hotel complex that includes the Aigle course and the L’Oiselet course, providing various options for golfers of all skill levels. Tee times for the Albatros course are available for booking starting on August 13, inviting players to experience the challenges and excitement of this renowned golf destination.
Josh Sens, a golf, food, and travel writer, has been a contributor to GOLF Magazine since 2004, covering a wide range of topics related to the sport. His work has been featured in The Best American Sportswriting anthology, showcasing his talent and expertise in golf journalism. With a passion for exploring unique golf destinations and courses around the world, Sens provides valuable insights and perspectives on the Albatros course at Le Golf National, highlighting its history, design, and significance as the host of the upcoming Olympic golf competition.
