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There are two split-level fairways: the par four 9th, which is index 1, and the 18th, a gorgeous par five. The lower levels, where danger lurks, are for those feeling frisky but they’ll need to nail the tee shot and find the correct spot. This is a general rule of thumb on most good courses and an imperative here.
From the back tees all but the longest hitters should contemplate a lay-up on certain holes. Risk and reward is the name of the game. It’s basic course management and, as always, it adds to the enjoyment of a delightful course where the flag positions on large greens, most of which undulate generously, can accentuate the challenge.
Eight lakes are linked by a river system, with waterfalls and streams to distract, and in a setting of such natural splendour you would anticipate a few spectacular holes. You won’t be disappointed.
A highlight comes early in the round: the par three 2nd is a wondrous hole played from a series of vertiginously elevated tee to a green guarded by a lake and with a waterfall to the left. Depending upon which tee you select, it can measure anything from 140 to 184 yards. The flag position here can be murderous, although the large green offers target options coupled with the opportunity to take three putts! The hole is named Angel’s Dive. A few have no doubt invoked the devil but it’s an outstanding one shotter. Take three or better and you’ll be off to a flying start.
Big hitters who have breakfasted on red meat will relish a couple of the short par fours. The 12th and the 14th are right-angled dog-legs with hidden greens but drivable for those capable of cutting the corner over towering trees. A playing partner eagled the 12th after a 275-yard tee shot to 12 feet. Mind you, he plays to a handicap of one!
You’ll gather we had a fun round but even if you play like a goose, as many do on their debut here, you’ll have a round to remember in a lovely corner of France.
It’s a grand way to develop an appetite. Just remember not to over-do lunch, that’s all
UNLESS you are familiar with the locality Cannes wouldn’t leap to mind in terms of a golfing holiday. The world knows it as the natural habitat of playboys, film stars, beach bimbos, million dollar yachts and stretch limousines and while it offers all the known pleasures of the flesh golf has been somewhat low on its list of hedonistic pastimes.
Not that it’s a closely guarded secret, far from it. In keeping with world-wide trends, the number of golfing tourists rises annually, drawn by the 18 golf clubs along the Cote d’Azur, four of which are within a short drive of La Croisette, the boulevard that is the main artery of Cannes and the locale of a string of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
The crown jewel in the necklace is the Hotel Martinez, an extraordinary hotel of exemplary standards, taste and faultless service. Those who know it, and they include the leading lights attending the annual Cannes Film Festival, would consider no alternative.
Recently refurbished with a seemingly unlimited budget, the Martinez is seven floors of unalloyed opulence, largely in the art deco style. Even the standard rooms are sumptuous.
Its first floor is the natural home of the luminous Palme d’Or, there’s a less formal pool-side restaurant and another, more casual, on the hotel’s private beach, just across La Croisette. Fine food is a pre-occupation in Cannes, you’ll gather. All manner of hedonism may be enjoyed at the Martinez; there is every diversion you’d expect of one of the world’s great hotels!
A gentleman hedonist of a generous disposition could win serious Brownie points by inviting his best beloved to sample the pleasures to be found on the seventh floor. Here, in a major consequence of the recent cost-no-object refurbishment, will be found two penthouse suites, the ultimate in luxurious living, each spread over some 500 square meters, each with a huge terrace giving views over the Bay of Cannes. A monarch would feel quite at home here. And yes, there is a butler, of course.
Nearby are a number of junior suites, smaller but of comparable quality and, most significantly, the now-acclaimed Givenchy Spa. This covers 900 square meters and offers every facility for pampered good health and beauty. It has been rated the finest in France, a unique haven that has become an imperative for many guests of the female persuasion.
And while your best beloved is becoming even more beautiful you could slip quietly away and avail yourself of the delights at Royal Mougins.
Yes, the Martinez offers golf packages to all four local courses. They think of everything. Here, nothing is overlooked except the Bay of Cannes.
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