France Lays Down Challenge to UK Golfers at Golf du Medoc

Members at Golf du Médoc Hotel and Spa, one of the finest golf complexes in France, have laid down the challenge to anyone from the UK wanting to take them on at their award-winning resort next year.

There has always been a competitive rivalry between people from opposite sides of the English Channel and golfing bragging rights will up for grabs following the creation of the Ryder Cup-style event for amateurs from April 20-22, 2012.
The idea of Henry Martinet, Golf du Médoc's forward-thinking general manager, the event will start with a practice round on the day of arrival followed by 36 holes of foursomes and fourball golf on the first day, with the all-important singles matches taking place on day two.

Costing €750 per person*, competitors will also be treated to two gourmet dinners, one of which is in a Chateau Grand Cru Classe Margaux, two fine wine tastings, three lunches and two on-course gourmet breaks during their three-day stay.

The number of places for UK golfers is set to be restricted to 60 in the event's inaugural year but Martinet is hoping it will become a regular on the fixture list in the years to come.

He said: “I have been thinking about this for some time now, and it seems the perfect time to get the tournament off the ground, especially with the Paris National being awarded the Ryder Cup for 2018.

“The turning point for us was a similar team challenge that we ran in September between visiting UK media and our members where the camaraderie between both sets of players from was plain for all to see. I want to recreate that experience for all.”

Situated 30 minutes from Bordeaux, Golf du Médoc has established itself as one of the leading golfing destinations in Europe over the last decade and received the accolade of being named the best resort in France at the 2010 World Travel Awards.

Boasting two 18-hole championship golf courses, the resort has been home to many professional and leading amateur events including the Challenge Tour and annually hosting the French PGA Championship, while Retief Goosen triumphed when the French Open was staged there in 1999.

Its two courses - Les Chateaux and Les Vignes – vary in character but both are excellent tests of golf, with the former offering more of a links-type challenge while the latter is reminiscent of heathland courses found in the south of England.
With flights scheduled on a daily basis from numerous airports in the UK, Golf du Médoc is conveniently situated just 25 minutes from Bordeaux airport and the 90-minute flight time ensures that golf lovers can spend maximum time on the courses.

Martinet added: “We want to encourage more UK golfers to visit and experience our wonderful courses and our very close associations with wine growers of the Bordeaux region.

“We have specialised for several years now in supplying a combination of great golf and great wines for our guests, whether it be for a short break or longer, and there is so much to do in the area. We look forward to welcoming the UK team in what will be a great event against our members.”

For further information about this unique tournament, go to www.hotelgolfmedoc.com for further information and booking details or ring Golf du Médoc on 0033 556 70 3131 for an official entry form.