Ready to trade the city’s hustle for a golfer’s paradise? Here at La Boulie – La Vallée, you are at the heart of a golfing legacy. This isn’t just any golf course. It is part of the Racing Club de France, a multi-sport club with roots stretching back to 1882.
La Boulie’s story began in 1901. Pierre Deschamps, a diplomat and golf enthusiast, acquired the Boulie farm near Versailles. His vision was to create the first golf course near Paris.
The Golf de La Boulie quickly gained prominence. In 1906, it hosted the first Open de France. Nineteen editions of the Open de France were played here until 1986. The greens witnessed golfing legends.
In 1907, Arnaud Massy, the club’s golf pro, achieved a historic feat. He won both the Open de France and the British Open. To this day, no other French golfer has repeated this achievement.
During the Second World War, the course was requisitioned. It served as a military field. In 1951, the Racing Club de France acquired the domain. La Boulie officially became its golf section.
La Boulie boasts three courses. There are two 18-hole courses and one 9-hole course. “La Vallée,” an 18-hole, par-72 course stretches 5918 meters. “La Forêt,” another 18-hole, par-72 course extends 6247 meters. “Le Coteau” offers a 9-hole, par-27 experience.
Imagine the legends who walked these fairways. In 1909, the “Triumvirate” of Braid, Vardon, and Taylor graced La Boulie for the Open de France. Together, they held twelve British Open titles. In 1913, a France-USA match was proposed here. This match is considered the precursor to the Ryder Cup.
La Boulie has seen champions like Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo. The French Open Championship was frequently held here between 1906 and 1986. Names like Arnaud Massy, J.H. Taylor, and Byron Nelson have all triumphed on these greens.
Today, La Boulie welcomes visitors on weekdays. Its tree-lined courses and undulating terrain offer a pleasant challenge. Located near Versailles, it’s a perfect escape from sightseeing.
So, take a moment to appreciate the rich history beneath your feet. La Boulie – La Vallée is more than a golf course. It is a living testament to the spirit of the game.