Golf de Belle Dune

At 6,434 yards, Golf de Belle Dune starts among maritime pines before opening into the rolling dune ground of the Marquenterre. Jean Manuel Rossi routed the 18 holes across 30 hectares of protected terrain, and the change in character is a large part of the round. The first few holes ask for accurate tee shots through woodland, while from the fifth onwards the sandy contours, scrub and deep bunkers begin to dictate the line. There is proper links influence here, with wind off the coast affecting club selection and swales catching anything played without enough conviction. Distance alone does not solve much. Keeping the ball in play matters, as a wayward shot can disappear into the dune grass, and the closing holes bring the maritime pines back into the picture.

The back nine runs alongside the dunes, with views towards the bay as the fairways become more exposed. Belle Dune can be played through the seasons, although its mood will change considerably with the wind. A practice range is available without prior reservation, limited to three players at a time, while tee times for the main course should be arranged online or by telephone. After the round, the clubhouse has an English influenced feel, with a bar open daily and a terrace for warmer days. The brasserie serves lunch from 11.30am until 3pm, and the seasonal menu includes a house Welsh rarebit made with pure Cheddar and homemade chips.

Fort Mahon Plage gives the course a useful place on a northern France golf itinerary, around 30 minutes south of Le Touquet. Golf de Belle Dune works particularly well as a second course on a break based around that area, but its mix of pine corridors and open dune holes gives it a distinct identity of its own. Hôtel du Cap Hornu is an overnight option that can be arranged through the golf reception team.