5 Golf Courses In Northern France That You Must Play

Few places in the world can live up to the sheer density of high quality golf courses you see in northern France. I've played in over 40 countries and there are some fantastic places but I keep coming back to Cote d'Opale... Just 110 miles from London. As well as the renowned courses, there are a couple of hidden gems too. Here are five of the best that you must take in on a northern France golf break:

AA Saint Omer Golf Club

The great thing about Saint Omer is that it offers golf for all abilities. The forward tees provide an enjoyable game while even the European Tour pros find it tough off the very back. It's a pretty, woodland course set over lush, rolling terrain and it offers great views. There are plenty of opportunities for the driver, but be careful as you approach the greens as they are particularly well-guarded. Annual host to the European Tour and now boasting a superior three-star hotel overlooking the 18th, AA Saint Omer is definitely one of the highlights of golf in northern France.

Hardelot Les Pins

This French Open qualifying course is one of my favourites...Anywhere. I've played here since the age of eight and the course has never looked better than now. Every hole presents a "death-or-glory" dilemma; whether it's a corner-cutting driver or a putt on a three-tiered green. Beautiful and brilliant and deservedly a hot favourite. No golf break in northern France is complete without visiting Hardelot.

Le Touquet La Mer

Le Touquet La Mer is an outstanding course - a wonderful golfing experience from start to finish. It's not for novices and even experienced types may find it quite unforgiving. The secret to a successful round? Be in fine form from the very first hole, always plan your next shot and don't be too greedy! It's scenic, it offers some great links-like golf and it's very close to home - golf in northern France doesn't come much better than this. We respectfully call it "the beast".

Arras Golf

Frequent host to the French Ladies golf open, Arras is a "game of too halves". The front nine are packed with water features and protected greens that make pars (let alone birdies!) hard to come by, whilst the back nine gives you opportunities to make your scorecard look respectable. There's a nice hotel on site and the historic town is wonderful. Under an hour from Calais, Arras provides nice golf at terrific value.

Belle Dune Golf Club

Try not to get too drawn in by the beauty of the place because this is a rather tricky course with real teeth if the wind blows. The layout follows a walk through one of Europe's largest nature reserves so there is plenty of space and great scenery. But the design is seriously good too. The small clubhouse belies the fact that this is a "big course" in the best sense. Belle Dune is golf in northern France at its most charming.

Given the courses are so close to England, there's absolutely no excuse for British golf enthusiasts not to enjoy them. Whether you take a long weekend, or spend the whole summer there, a golf break in northern France is a must for any serious golfer!