Normandie, France
Located in Octeville-sur-Mer, Golf du Havre is an 18-hole course set among trees that are sometimes centuries old. The layout was developed over time rather than by a single architect, resulting in a course that winds through a landscape of mature vegetation. The facility also includes a Pitch & Putt course inaugurated in 2017, which features holes exceeding 150 meters and is designed to help players refine their short game. The course presents a variety of challenges, ranging from accessible par 4s to demanding long holes. The 11th hole stands as the longest on the course, requiring two long shots to set up an approach to the green. In contrast, the 17th is the shortest par 4, though it carries the risk of out-of-bounds penalties. The 6th hole is frequently played as a par 5 by club members during competitions due to its length, out-of-bounds hazards, and narrow green, making a bogey a respectable score. Significant hazards define the difficulty of several key holes. The 1st hole features out-of-bounds on the right side of the tee shot. The 4th hole is a long par 3 protected by four bunkers and a small green, while the 8th, known as "timbre poste," has the smallest green on the course and a deep bunker that becomes particularly difficult with headwinds. Water obstacles come into play on the 10th and 15th holes, the latter requiring a long drive to clear the water before an approach that must navigate between bunkers. The 18th hole provides a difficult finish, featuring a double plateau green that can complicate scoring in stroke play. Players are advised to play the left side of the fairway to maintain the best angle for the approach. The course is supported by extensive training facilities, including a 20-station covered practice area, a putting green, a chipping green, and a dedicated bunker zone. The historic clubhouse, which is nearly a century old, houses a restaurant and pro-shop.
