Chamonix is home to an 18-hole golf course designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Senior. Located between the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges at the foot of the famous Drus, golf in Chamonix easily offers the best views over any golf course in the Alps.
If you’re an experienced golfer this won’t be the first you’ve heard of Robert Trent Jones Senior. You’d also be forgiven for thinking he invented “golf course architecture” across his impressive 70-year career. In Chamonix Mont Blanc, not only can you try the work of Robert Trent Jones Senior locally, but nearby Geneva is also home to another one of the 400+ courses he’s designed in 35 countries worldwide.
Read on for more about golf in Chamonix and the rich local golfing history of the northern Alps.
Golf in Chamonix
Chamonix Golf Club | 35 route du Golf, Les Praz, 74400 Chamonix Mont-Blanc
www.golfdechamonix.com | +33(0)4 50 53 06 28
The golf course of Chamonix has a high standard with excellent facilities, situated in the village of Les Praz. Constructed in 1934, the original four holes were enough to satisfy the local inhabitants, at that time roughly 4,500 people. After a makeover in 1935, the course was officially re-opened on the 20th July with 9 holes completed.
Sadly, World War II was just around the corner, and as resistance fighters were forced high into the mountains from 1939 the only people allowed to make use of the new course were Nazi army officers, stationed at the Majestic Hotel in central Chamonix.
You can imagine from the open vantage point the spectacular battles that occurred at altitude around the Chamonix Golf Club. For example, the battle of the Col du Midi (3532m altitude) in February 1945; artillery fire and bombs dropped by the air force were used in a great show of Nazi force to take the position. Famous Resistance fighter François Baz died in battle. By 17th August of that same year, Chamonix was liberated and the occupying Nazis retreated to the Majestic for surrender.
It then took until 1972 for the local council to dedicate to the development of a further nine holes. 10 years later, on the 26th September 1982 the golf course of Chamonix was relaunched after the input of Robert Trent Jones Senior with 18 holes and a par of 72 as the “Chamonix Golf Club”.
Private lessons and week-long courses in English are available for all levels of player.
The practise area is generally open from April, 9am – 6pm every day with the main course opening between late April and early May depending on conditions.
Golf in Chamonix’s surrounding areas (<1hr travel time)
Nearby resorts such as Courmayeur and Megève, with their great shopping and stunning forest walks, couldn’t be easier to access once you’ve tried and tested the golf in Chamonix. Chamonix All Year can arrange private transfers for you, or you could rent a vehicle and enjoy the mountain-scape at your own pace.
A day in Geneva is also a must! Richly historical Geneva is a great place to spend the day, enjoying a walk by the lake with luxury shopping and restaurants on offer. Each of these three areas is no more than an hour-long drive from Chamonix with outstanding golfing and golf clubs to enjoy.
Golf in Geneva
Golf Club of Geneva | Route de la Capite 70, 1223 Cologny, Switzerland
www.golfgeneve.ch | +41 22 707 48 00
Founded in 1921, the Golf Club of Geneva is located in the “Commune de Vandoeuvres” on the heights of Cologny. Later the course was re-designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior in 1973, in the exceptional park-like setting of Bessinge.
From the first hole, you can see the city and lake of Geneva (including the “Jet d’eau”), while on the southern side of the course, you take in the impressive view of the Mont Blanc and the Alps.
The Golf Club of Geneva is a private club open to visitors just 10 minutes from downtown Geneva, or 30 minutes from the airport. Please contact them in advance.
The facilities include an 18-hole championship course, a covered driving range, several putting greens and designated areas to practice bunker shots and the short game.
About Geneva
Geneva is situated along the banks of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, both a serious – and seriously beautiful – city! Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross, Geneva is at the heart of Switzerland and has a long history of diversity and tolerance dating back to the Protestant Reformation.
Geneva’s most famous monument is its water jet! The “Jet d’eau” is the world’s tallest water fountain and provides a constant landmark for exploring the city. Geneva’s “Old Town” offers a living glimpse of ancient times. Geneva also has more than thirty museums and art galleries to help capture the rich and vibrant history of the city.
Golf in Megève
Mont d’Arbois of Megève | 3001 route Edmond de Rothschild, 74120 Megève
www.mont-darbois.fr | +33 (0) 4 50 21 29 79
Located above the charming village of Megève, at an average altitude of 1320m, the Mont d’Arbois the oldest 18-hole Alpine golf course still in use today. It was in the 1920s that Baroness Noémie de Rothschild made Domaine du Mont d’Arbois a favourite holiday resort. Her son, Baron Edmond de Rothschild, a passionate golfer, used the family riches to create his own golf course in 1964, entrusting the task to professional golfer Henry Cotton who was also involved in the development of nearby Courmayeur (see below).
Naturally integrated in the Mont d’Arbois plateau, it is eco-friendly and respectful of natural resources. The “easy-to-walk” terrain offers panoramic views and unforgettable memories.
The Mont d’Arbois Golf Club is open every day from 9am to 6pm during the off-season, and from 8am to7 pm in the high season.
About Megève
Originally designed in the 1920s as the French alternative to Switzerland’s glitzy St Moritz, Megève was the place to be for the rich and famous. It has evolved with elegance and timeless charm, a feat its esteemed Swiss rival could never quite muster. Photogenic Megève has a quaint medieval square, 13th-century architecture mixed with modern luxuries, and plenty of upmarket boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and smart hotels.
Golf in Courmayeur
Golf Club of Courmayeur & Grandes Jorasses | Lieu-dit Le Pont-Val Ferret, 11013 Courmayeur AO, Italy
www.golfcourmayeur.it | +39 0165 89103
The Golf Course of Courmayeur and Grandes Jorasses was designed and built in the 1930s by Briton Peter Gannon. Thanks to the far-sightedness of the Gilberti family it was improved in the 1940s by Henry Cotton and remains open today with his original course setting.
There are teachers available at the club and regular tournaments from July to August, including inter-club events between Courmayeur and Chamonix.
About Courmayeur
First developed around two ancient churches at the foot of the Italian side of “Monte Bianco”, the growing village of Courmayeur is bursting with history and charm. Cobbled streets and traditional buildings guard the old-world character and build a proud local atmosphere. There are plenty of good restaurants and bars, lots of pricey but unique boutiques and shops, a sports centre and ice rink. The centre is traffic-free, ensuring easy access for pedestrians and a relaxed, family-friendly feel.
The Duca Degli Abruzzi Museum brings to life Courmayeur’s mountaineering history and includes amongst its treasures ancient documents, relics and materials used by the pioneering mountaineers that gave birth to the sport.
Take a swing at a golf in Chamonix holiday!
You won’t regret the world-class terrain, on – and off – the course! As well as the close proximity to the other fantastic destinations mentioned above, golf in Chamonix certainly does “raise the par” compared to golf destinations around the globe. Why not combine golfing with any number of the adventure activities in Chamonix, or during one of the many annual events that make this town buzz? Ask our expert sales team for the best time to book your trip to make the most of your interests, and family or corporate time in Chamonix Mont Blanc.
