Golf d'Hardelot, Les Pins - A timeless classic in the pine forest

The Hauts-de-France region has long been regarded by experts as a first-class destination for golf trips. The town of Hardelot in particular stands out because it is home to the squares Les Dunes and Les Pins Two architectural highlights at once. While Les Dunes is the younger part, the Les Pins square, designed by Tom Simpson in 1931, exudes the irresistible charm of a venerable parkland course in the “Golden Age” design.

Simpson created a strategic masterpiece here. If you want to be successful on the par 71 course, you should leave the driver in the bag more often in favor of an iron. With a total length of between 4,685 and 5,919 meters, it quickly becomes clear that precision is more important here than sheer power. Unusually for the early 20th century, the layout consists of two nine-hole loops that run through the landscape in wide arches. A yardage book is mandatory here, as the greens are often treacherously undulated.

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Front Nine: pine scent and “monster pars”

Early risers are rewarded with the beguiling scent of pine trees, which makes the round feel like walking through a park. But the idyll belies the challenges. After a moderate par-5 at the start, a “monster par 4” of up to 419 meters is already waiting on track 2, with the fairway also hanging heavily to the right.

A visual highlight is the 5, a short par-3, which, with its green embedded in deep bunkers, is strongly reminiscent of the famous 7th hole of Pebble Beach — except that dense forests form the frame here. The 7, also a short par 3 over an impressive bunker landscape, is also one of the most beautiful railways in the entire complex.

Back Nine: Tactics up to the 18th green

The back nine require stamina and tactical skill. With the 13, the longest par 5 of the round at 521 meters awaits, which requires three precise shots. Lane 15 is particularly interesting, a dogleg on the right, where a group of trees in the middle of the fairway divides the path to the green — here, many paths lead to the destination, provided you avoid the huge bunkers.

Finally, it's back to the clubhouse on 18. From significantly raised tees, three bunkers running across the fairway must be played over in order to be able to attack the long green with the second shot.

Conclusion: No room for “Hit and Hope”

The Les Pins course is not for “hit and hope” golfers. The often narrow lanes and excellently placed bunkers require a clear strategy. Anyone who takes on this challenge will be rewarded with top-quality dog-friendly facilities and a varied design that has lost none of its relevance even after more than 90 years.