Paris, France
Just an hour north of Paris, Morfontaine has an ambience the French call “je ne sais quoi” – a certain kind of something indescribable. Some of the mystique may come from its rich history; during German occupation the course was damaged by shelling, Tiger tanks tracks through the fairways and an artillery piece on the 13th green. Fortunately that damage was soon repaired. Designed and built in 1927, the flamboyant Tom Simpson’s design philosophy was summarized in this quote; “the vital thing about a hole is that it should either be more difficult than it looks or look more difficult than it is.” Cest la vie – the course requires both mental agility and a good control of your game. It also requires knowing a member, special charm or contacts to be played. The course is set in heavy forest and has punishing rough surrounding the fairways. Simpson’s quirks are well demonstrated on the short 134m thirteenth hole; an ancient fully grown fir lies directly between the tee box and middle of the green forcing a shaped shot around the hazard. Those who have played it claim it to be far better than its ranking of around number 50 in the world. If you get the chance, don’t hesitate.
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