Organize a golf stay in the Dordogne

Golf is an activity that inspires a lot of serenity. It's an outdoor sport, where the environment is controlled, in a fairly zen spirit! Often completely artificial, the golf course nevertheless reproduces an idealized version of nature, with its grassy valleys, its groves of forest, its winding streams, its refreshing bodies of water... This dream setting offers an exceptional setting for prestigious competitions. It must be said that golfers have formed a very competitive and well-organized sporting environment for many centuries. But on a more modest level, you will especially appreciate the calm and relaxation it provides. It is also an activity that falls within the scope of slow-tourism, for greener holidays!

Opening photo credit: Erik Brolin / Unsplash

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The game's rules

The object of the game is to succeed in putting this small ball in a hole about ten centimeters in circumference, following a well-defined course.

You therefore start on the chosen course, made up of a certain number of “holes”. These are all the areas of play in which you will be able to swing, that is to say "send your ball with a club".

To achieve this, at least, you will have to take into account the terrain, sometimes even the weather, to send your ball to the right place and the right distance... Over time, you will distinguish between the different clubs, their specificities and their impact on the trajectory and power of your shot.

To classify the players, we count the number of blows you gave, to reach the objective. The fewer hits you make, the higher your score. These are the classic rules of “stroke-play”.

Match play, on the other hand, is characterized by a challenge between two players. Points are also awarded based on the number of hits. But also depending on whether the number of points is greater than the number of moves remaining to be played... This is an additional difficulty. We often see this mode of play in the competition.

The best places to play golf in Périgord

Now that you know what to expect, it's time to tell you a little about the sites where you will practice it. Let's go for an overview of the areas and golf courses of Périgord:

Our favorite:

The Golf Originel du Sorbier is an unusual site in the heart of the Périgord Noir, in Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin. This 9-hole course is integrated into a very natural and unadorned space. And that's what makes it so charming... You feel like you're in your garden! It is the perfect place to learn golf, with ease and in a friendly and family atmosphere.

Photo credit © Golf du Sorbier

In the Périgord Noir:

The Golf de la Forge, in Siorac-en-Périgord, is a 9-hole course, with a few bodies of water, very pleasant in summer. It is perfect for training all year round. But you can also rent equipment for more punctual stays. On site, you will appreciate the bar and restaurant service, to relax.
Golf de la Marterie is a larger 18-hole golf course. It has a very central position, equidistant from Bergerac, Sarlat and Périgueux. The terrain is very diverse with bodies of water, forests and even bunkers. You can do practice, pitching-green, putting. On site, you have the opportunity to learn golf or improve with an expert.
The Golf de Lolivarie offers you an exceptional setting, between the castles of Périgord and many tourist sites. This 18-hole course measures 6 kilometers!
The Rochebois golf course has the advantage of offering you accommodation, directly at the foot of the course, in its hotel. Two restaurants allow you to taste the local cuisine.

Photo credit © Golf de la Forge

In the white Périgord:

Golf de Périgueux is located in the town of Marsac. It puts 44 hectares at your disposal, with an 18-hole course and another smaller 9-hole course. The club offers specific spaces for practice, pitch up and putting.

Photo credit © Golf de Périgueux

In the green Périgord:

The Essendiéras estate is a large property in Saint-Médard-d'Excideuil. 36 holes divided into 4 courses allow you to test the different obstacles and fairly technical terrain. It's an interesting site for challengers… You'll have time to take full advantage of it by staying in the estate's gîtes, guest rooms and apartments. And there's even a campsite on site.

In the purple Périgord:

The Vigiers golf course is a very pleasant playground for beginners, with a certain technicality that will appeal to experienced golfers. Carts and equipment can be rented there. You can stay in the castle hotel and dine in its beautiful restaurant.
Domaine des Merles is a hotel complex between vineyards and forests, near Bergerac, in the town of Mouleydier. This area of 20 hectares in altitude is slightly hilly. It is reputed to be an excellent green. They take care of you! Thus, you can learn to play alongside a professional and rent all the necessary equipment.
The Saint Méard Club golf course is located on the heights of Saint-Méard-de-Gurçon. The environment is natural and even rural. Golf courses for children are offered to introduce the youngest.
The Bergerac Golf Center offers practice sessions on natural grass. It is a nice 6-hole course, to introduce you to the discipline.

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Golf variants

Golf is an ancient sport, which has evolved and updated. In particular, mini-golf is very popular! It is also called "miniature golf" because the spots are miniaturized to adapt to children. It is played outdoors using a putter club. To facilitate learning, the distance is much shorter and the holes are bigger.

Where can you practice miniature golf in Périgord?

“Swin golf” is another very recent variant of golf, since it has only existed since 1982. It is played on rustic grounds, with a single club with three sides, called a “cane”. In fact, some rules differ from traditional golf. You can learn this new practice in the following golf courses:

You are now ready to organize your next golf stay in Périgord. We wish you a good game, with family or friends!

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