Baron Marcel Bich, the cofounder of BIC, retired to his country estate in the Loire Valley of France, called Les Bordes, after a lifetime of selling pens. His vision was to create a private compound for family and friends to enjoy a bucolic getaway in the Sologne forest, along with a world-class golf course. Architect Robert von Hagge was tasked to design the Old Course at Les Bordes Golf Club in 1987, offering a stern test of golf that resisted par like few others.
After Bich passed away, financial manager Driss Benkirane purchased the property and enlisted the acclaimed team of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner to add the New Course and the Wild Piglet short course. Benkirane also refurbished the clubhouse and cottages, restored the Bich manor, and plans to convert it into an elegant hotel. Private residences are also being added for members and visitors to enjoy the high-end getaway experience.
Raters have judged the landforms at Les Bordes, noting the emotional and intellectual components that make a great golf course. The courses offer a variety of challenges, with the New Course providing more strategic and tactical aspects compared to the Old Course. The aesthetics of the property are stunning, with Old growth forests and heathland creating a peaceful setting for a round of golf.
The strategic design of the courses includes vertical elements introduced by both von Hagge and Hanse to add interest and challenge to the play. The courses are well-maintained, with crisp mowing heights, groomed bunkers, and immaculate putting surfaces. The Old Course is known for being one of the hardest layouts in Europe, with tough greens and forced carries that test even the best players.
Standout holes on both courses offer unique challenges and visually arresting landscapes for golfers to enjoy. The New Course features a super-short par-4 ninth hole that ranks among the world’s best designs. Both courses offer a high degree of required problem-solving and decision-making for players to navigate through the challenging layouts.
Overall, Les Bordes Golf Club in France offers a high-end golf experience in a picturesque setting, with world-class courses designed by renowned architects. The property is undergoing renovations to enhance the overall experience for members and visitors, with plans for an elegant hotel and private residences. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the challenging layouts and stunning landscapes at Les Bordes, making it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
