Le Golf National — L'Albatros
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
18 Holes · Par 71 · EUR 50–155 · Parkland
— About
About Le Golf National — L'Albatros
Le Golf National's L'Albatros course is the centrepiece of France's national golf facility near Paris — a water-dominated, links-influenced parkland design that served as the stage for the 2018 Ryder Cup and delivered one of the most memorable European home victories in the competition's long history. Designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge and opened in 1990, L'Albatros was built specifically to host elite professional golf, with spectator mounds, wide corridors for gallery movement, and dramatic water features that bring the lake into play on multiple holes in the closing stages. The course hosts the French Open annually on the DP World Tour, and its use of water as both hazard and visual element gives it a character distinct from traditional European parkland: several holes require carries over or beside significant bodies of water, and the wind across the open terrain can make club selection as important as it would be on a coastal links. The 2018 Ryder Cup saw Europe recover from 10-6 down on the final day to win 17.5-10.5 in what Thomas Bjorn's captaincy and Francesco Molinari's unbeaten record made one of the most dominant single-session comebacks in Ryder Cup history.
- Host of the 2018 Ryder Cup — Europe's 17.5-10.5 victory on French soil after an historic singles comeback
- Designed specifically for elite professional golf: spectator mounds, wide corridors, and TV-friendly water holes
- Hosts the French Open annually on the DP World Tour — the only national-level golf facility in continental Europe
- Water features throughout the back nine demand precise iron play and committed approach shots
- 30 minutes southwest of Paris — the most accessible major professional venue from a European capital
History
Le Golf National was conceived as a national facility for French golf, designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert Von Hagge and opened in 1990 on flat agricultural land south of Versailles. The site was engineered specifically for professional and spectator golf — earth was moved to create the water features, spectator mounds, and playing corridors that now define the course. The facility was France's bid for a permanent home for the French Open, and it succeeded: the L'Albatros course has hosted the event annually since 1991. The 2018 Ryder Cup — France's first and continental Europe's second — brought the world's largest team event to the course, with Europe winning decisively.
Signature Holes
The par-3 15th requires a shot over a corner of the main lake to a green with water behind, demanding precise distance control with the risk of a water penalty immediately apparent from the tee. The par-4 18th wraps around the lake that dominates the closing sequence, with the approach playing to a peninsula green surrounded on three sides by water — the signature image of Le Golf National and the hole that defined the 2018 Ryder Cup final day.
Best Time to Visit
April through October is the primary season, with May and September the most comfortable months. The course is at its busiest during the French Open in late June. Winters are mild by northern European standards but grey and wet — golf is possible but not ideal. The course is 30 minutes southwest of Paris by road or RER train, making it the most accessible major European tournament venue from a capital city.
Playing Tips
Le Golf National is a semi-private facility with visitor tee times available — green fees range from EUR 50 to 155 depending on the season and day. Advance booking through the website is recommended. Cart rentals are available. The RER C train to Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines followed by a short taxi is the most practical route from central Paris for visiting golfers without a car.
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Visit Le Golf National — L'Albatros
Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Le Golf National — L'Albatros
Can visitors play Le Golf National?
Yes — Le Golf National is a semi-private facility with visitor tee times available throughout the season. Green fees range from EUR 50 to 155.
How far is Le Golf National from Paris?
The course is approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Paris — 30-40 minutes by car or around an hour by RER train plus taxi.
Did Le Golf National host the Ryder Cup?
Yes — the 2018 Ryder Cup was held at Le Golf National, with Europe defeating the United States 17.5-10.5 after a remarkable singles comeback.
Does Le Golf National have cart rentals?
Yes — carts are available at Le Golf National, unlike many European links courses. Walking is also perfectly viable given the flat terrain.
When is the French Open held at Le Golf National?
The French Open (DP World Tour) is typically held at Le Golf National in late June each year, making it the permanent home of France's national professional golf event.
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