After the Colt (&co)in mainland Europe series a closer look at another prolific architect which has been very active in mainland europe. Though Colt and Simpson have similarities, there are huge differences as well, however the pair of them is responsible for 90+% of the great classics in Mainland europe.
Chiberta is a great links on the coast of southwestern France, just North of Biarritz. Unlike many courses in southern mainland europe I found maintenance here to be in the spirit of the era when the course was laid out; no fear for brown nor F&F.
In fact, untill the emergence of Bandon Dunes resort, Chiberta might have been the southernmost true links course in the Northern hemisphere.
Some of the holes suffer from growing in of trees and real estate, however other holes offer classic links golf with a very traditional look. The Hotel next door makes the course accesible to the masses, however the clubhouse and restaurant offer old world style hospitality and the simple and subtle quality cuisine that goes with it.
Holes of note:
1. 470 yds par 5
Tee shot:
Akward as a well struck drive may miss a narrow bottleneck on the right, which is prerequisite to negotiate on the first or second shot for those wanting to go for the green in two.
However for those succesful a wonderful view awaits to an interesting green site. Anyone playing here will wonder who is the fortunate owner of the estate just behind the first green. A sentiment that will reoccur during the round.
2. 365 yds par 4
Blind tee-shot; aim over the poll, akward as it seems left of target, however a well struck drive over the poll will actually probably end up on the right side of the fairway, with the best angle into the green.
Approach to the second:
closer to the green: You just have to love the look of this approach.
The second has taken us into the pure linksland; the tee of the third borders the sea wall and beach foot path. In the distance the Biarritz light house... 3. 403 yds par 4
approach to the third: best angle in is from the left: some lovely fall-offs/collection area's around the green.
Hole 4, 146 yds: Lovely par 3; again: who owns the place behind the green?
Hole 5; par 5, 470 yds.
Another tee shot hugging the sea wall. Reachable in two, but anything short will end up in a valley with a blind 3rd to negotiate.
approach:
Hole 6 is a slightly uphill par 3, 160 yds; 7 is a short par 4, 369 yds; the tee-shot is encroached by real estate sadly, but the green site is beautiful:
hole 8: Long par 3, 225 yds: lookback from behind the green, a safe spot to miss...
Hole 9, 431 yds: nearing the clubhouse the influence of the sea decreases; some trees narrow the fairway...
approach: The natural tendency is to bail out left which leaves a challenging downhill chip to a tiered green.
10. par 3, 152 yds: typical Simpson ribbon bunker on the right.
11. par4 393 yds
Usually upwind Tee-shot towards bunkered bottleneck; take on left or right hand side bunker or stay short of left bunker. Uphill approach to green tugged against the side of a dune. Mowing lines facilitate bouncing shot coming in from the left, away from the bunkers; best hole on the course.
approach:
looking back:
more to follow...