Golf Club du Mont d'Arbois

Golf Club du Mont d'Arbois. Nestled in the French Alps near the prestigious resort town of Megève, this private club is a cornerstone of alpine golf. Designed by the legendary Henry Cotton, it offers a challenging and scenic 18-hole course set against the dramatic backdrop of Mont Blanc. The club is renowned for its exclusivity, historic charm, and as a summer complement to the region's famed winter sports.

History

The club's origins are deeply intertwined with the development of Megève as a luxury destination by the Rothschild family. It was officially inaugurated in 1964, with the course crafted by three-time The Open Championship winner Henry Cotton. The club was part of a vision to transform the area into a year-round resort, expanding its appeal beyond the skiing season. For decades, it has been associated with high society, attracting prominent figures from European aristocracy and international business. The club's history reflects the evolution of Haute-Savoie from a pastoral region into a global hub for luxury tourism and outdoor pursuits.

The Course

The championship course is a classic parkland layout that meanders through alpine meadows and forests of spruce and larch. Playing to a par of 72, it stretches over 6,200 meters from the back tees, demanding strategic shot-making due to its rolling terrain, well-placed bunkers, and subtle greens. Key holes offer breathtaking panoramas of the Aravis Range and the towering Mont Blanc massif. The design by Henry Cotton emphasizes natural integration with the landscape, requiring precision over power. The course is maintained to exceptionally high standards, with pristine fairways and fast greens that provide a test for golfers of all levels during the summer season.

Tournaments and Events

The club has a strong tradition of hosting prestigious amateur and professional events. It was a regular stop on the European Tour's schedule for many years, most notably hosting the Trophée Lancôme in 1970, which featured stars like Gary Player and Jean Garaialde. It continues to be a venue for significant national competitions organized by the French Golf Federation. The club also hosts exclusive invitational tournaments and corporate events, often in partnership with luxury brands like Moët & Chandon and Rolex. These events reinforce the club's status within the European golf circuit and its role in the social calendar of the French Riviera and alpine elite.

Facilities and Amenities

Beyond the course, the club offers comprehensive luxury facilities. The elegant clubhouse, with its traditional alpine architecture, features fine dining restaurants, a well-stocked pro shop, and spacious terraces for post-round relaxation. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. The club is part of the larger Domaine du Mont d'Arbois, a five-star estate owned by the Rothschild family, which provides members and guests access to the Hotel du Mont d'Arbois, a Four Seasons hotel, and the Les Fermes de Marie spa. This integration offers a complete resort experience with heli-skiing, horse riding, and tennis available nearby.

Location and Access

The club is situated on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1,300 meters, just a few minutes' drive from the center of Megève in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The nearest major international airport is Geneva Airport in Switzerland, approximately a 90-minute drive away. Other accessible airports include Chambéry Airport and Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport. The region is well-connected by road via the A40 autoroute, and the town of Megève itself is served by a network of local shuttles and taxis. Its proximity to other notable courses like Golf de Chamonix and Golf des Gets makes it a centerpiece of alpine golf tours.

Category:Golf clubs and courses in France Category:Sports venues in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Category:Buildings and structures in Haute-Savoie Category:1964 establishments in France