Pont Royal welcomes international media
Golf and travel journalists from across Europe’s major golfing markets have visited Golf International Pont Royal, in Provence, in recent weeks as the resort showcased its European Challenge Tour venue and announced plans for further investment.
The Seve Ballesteros-designed course – the only one of its kind in France – opened in 1992 and was purchased by its members in 2001 as they looked to restore it to its original glory. Significant investment followed and the refurbished course and clubhouse played host to members of the media from France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK.
And first impressions proved overwhelmingly positive if the reactions of the first few journalists to look around are any indication.
Damian Bungart, editor of Germany’s GolfTime magazine, said: “The trip to Pont Royal was a great experience. The course was in perfect shape and I really enjoyed the Seve layout, including the stunning mountain views. It’s definitely a place I’d love to visit again.”
Golf Monthly’s content editor, David Taylor, added: “The course was in fantastic condition and presented a really good test of golf. The resort and hotel (Moulin de Vernègues) offered great food and a welcome relaxing haven away from the fairways.”
A club spokesman said: “We are hugely proud of what we have achieved here at Pont Royal since the club was taken on by the members. We believe we have elevated the offering but we haven’t shouted about it from the rooftops.
“We felt now was the time for us to invite members of the golfing and travel press and to say to them ‘this is the new-look Pont Royal – and we welcome visitors from across the globe’ – particularly at a time when we are set to host the Challenge Tour’s Open De Provence by Hopps Group in September.
“We have been heartened by their positive comments which support our view that we have something special here in beautiful Provence.”
Many holes at Pont Royal are blessed with a plateau setting, offering stunning views to the Luberon and Alpilles mountain ranges. Technical shaping of shots is required to reach the true, slick greens, and visitors enjoy an interesting, wide variety of holes that form a smooth and seamless experience. It contains some tough holes – none more so than the 11th, where players face a 215-yard test across a steep rocky valley to a raised green.
Accommodation at the resort is offered in the four-star, 102-room Moulin de Vernègues, part of the Châteaux & Hôtels Collection, or in apartments, villas and houses within the pedestrianisedPierre & Vacances village.
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