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Golf du Sart

Hauts-de-France, France

Located in Villeneuve d'Ascq, Golf du Sart is the oldest golf course in the Métropole, established in 1910. The course is a 7,100-yard, par-71 layout that has evolved significantly since its inception. It began as a 9-hole course designed by the Scottish architect Sir Allan Mac Beth on land owned by the Comte de Waziers. After World War I, the club expanded to 18 holes, and in 1935, the renowned English architect Sir Percy Boomer redesigned the layout. Further modifications in 1973, led by Bill Baker under the supervision of Michel Pollet and Jean Pierre Mory, lengthened the course by 100 meters by reworking holes 14, 15, and 16. The course is characterized as a "garden" style layout, described as short, narrow, and highly technical. It is situated within a green lung surrounded by the city, bordered by housing, the A22 highway, and the Jean Jaurès metro station. The terrain is heavily wooded, with numerous trees that disrupt ambitious drives and penalize long hitters. This design forces players to prioritize precision and strategy over distance, making it a challenging test for low-handicap golfers who must navigate tight fairways and small, well-defended greens. A key characteristic of the course is the placement of hazards, with danger often located behind the greens. The course demands careful club selection, particularly with short irons and wedges, to manage the approach shots. The layout is designed to accommodate all skill levels, though scratch golfers must develop a specific attack plan to score well. The club also maintains a practice facility and hosts various tournaments, including the Grand Prix Wallaert-Devilder.