Domaine de Divonne Golf, Hotel & Casino

Domaine de Divonne Golf, Hotel & Casino: Picturesquely nestling under the tree-covered Jura Mountains, just outside the spa town of Divonne-les-Bains, Domaine de Divonne Golf comprises an evenly balanced collection of six par-3s, par-4s and par-5s.

One of the most heavily tree-lined courses in the area, it is certainly one of the tightest, where judicious use of the driver is advised. The holes on this well-maintained, parkland layout have plenty of undulation change, although never too excessive to become onerous or tiring.

Evidence of the large, eliptical bunkers that guard many greens is amply supplied at the opening hole, a slightly downhill par-3 which is encircled by sand traps. Another excellent par-3 starts the back-nine; this time bunkerless, the small elevated green is reached with a blind, uphill tee-shot. At 204 metres from the back-tees the 18th is the longest and arguably toughest of the par-3s.

The uphill 6th hole, starts a three-in-a-row sequence of par-5s on the front-nine, and like several of the other par-5s, is short enough to provide a good risk-reward opportunity for long and accurate hitters. The risk factor at the par-5 7th and 14th holes is supplied by small greenside ponds, while a wide ditch crosses in front of the 8th green.

The natural surroundings of this layout, with a wonderful variety of trees lining the holes, is complemented by ever-present views onto the imposing, eastern slopes of the Jura range.