Nampont Saint-Martin Golf Club

This is how the Belvédère course came into being, taking its name from the panoramic view from the 13th, which culminates on the estate grounds. Open to the wind, with a rough that gives it a slight links feel in season, this par 5 is not however the perfect illustration of the course, which is also laid out in the woods and has six par 3s and six par 5s as its main features.
On the first tee, at the start of hole 1, almost a continuation of the clubhouse terrace, you immediately feel the family atmosphere of the place. It’s as if you could be driving at a friend’s house in the country… It’s only after the attack on 3 that things really start to unravel. Between three uphill and downhill par 3s and two rather tricky par 5s, the hundred-year-old oaks and immense pines set the boundaries for your stray shots without being too punishing. The return is a little more airy, especially when it comes to attacking the greens which, with the exception of the 17th, are sensibly defended by bunkers.

Just like the other courses on the Côte d’Opale, the two 18-hole courses at Nampont Saint-Martin complement each other. Le Belvédère differs from Les Cygnes in that it is more undulating and less difficult, even if sometimes your footing isn’t completely flat! Avid golfers who manage to play both courses on the same day will be delighted by the variety on offer. This is due, naturally, to the diversity of the holes, but also to the conditions of the course, which is situated higher up, with no water obstacles and harder ground where you can roll the ball more easily, following the example of our British neighbours. And our British friends make no mistake in coming to these courses, which are less frequented than some of the region’s better-known clubs, certain that they will be enjoying the natural surroundings in a calm, friendly atmosphere.

Rest assured, the fairways at Les Cygnes are very wide and free of bunkers, with the exception of the attacks on holes 1, 16 and 18. Let’s not make the game more difficult than it is! In the end, the greens, which are larger than average, are only protected by the water on four of the holes. Admittedly, the tension is more palpable on holes 2, 3, 10 and 14, the latter three being short par 3s. Sharpening your irons, especially at the start of the game, is the second piece of advice you need to remember if you don’t want to get your feet wet. The first is to warm up on the driving range… over water! A rare experience in France.

Golfers often fall under the spell of this bucolic setting. Even the stretches between holes are pleasant, providing welcome interludes in the woods, on the small bridges spanning the banks of the Authie or along the river itself, which is lined with beautiful flowerbeds. These moments provide plenty of opportunity to reflect on the strategy you’ve adopted and that you might well need to rethink! From the tee, the driver is not necessarily the ideal club, even if the fairways opposite are generous in nature. Particularly if confidence is low: the slightest slip, over a good half of the course, is punishable by an extra stroke. But this jeopardy certainly doesn’t take away from the pleasure of playing in the Somme, in the midst of a truly delightful environment.