This is where the Adventure begins.
The opening hole is a par-4 of about 360 meters long. A right dogleg, which immediately sets the tone for what awaits you! On the first part, the hole climbs steeply. The first shot from the back tees has to rush between two magnificent trees. Visually, like the starting line of an ultra-trail, you cross it fully, still fresh and full of hope for the four hours that await you. The landing zone is a distant fairway plateau becoming flat. Lined on the right by two successive imposing bunkers nestled below a hillock, they are potentially penalizing for anyone trying to cut the Dogleg (…)
A feeling of déjà vu
A feeling of déjà vu invades you when you move forward on the starting tees and you observe the horizon. A miniature, uncluttered version of the previous long hole. With the exception that here, there is no possible catch-up. No, this is not a short par-4. Only one long shot is required to reach the green of this interminable par-3. The last of a five series par-3s, all complicated, where the slightest mistake is costly for your scorecard. The only consolation you may have, and again you will see, it is all relative, is that there are no out-of-bounds, no water, no rocks, no dense forest, no bunkers. Let's be honest, at this stage of the game, all unanimously would have preferred to play a relaxing par-4 (…)
Solve the equation
The starting hypothesis: a substantial length from the tee shot to reach a flat area, far below the first fairway plateau. Then, grab a wedge to ensure an approach shot to the green with maximum precision. Another hypothesis, less optimal, is to reach the first fairway plateau. Prepare yourself mentally for a much longer and perilous attack to the green. This slight left dogleg is narrower on its first section. Articulated on the right by a thin row of oaks and firs, it could complicate your second shot. The out-of-bounds on the left, bordered by the thick forest, shows you where to direct your first shot: favor the right side of the fairway where a loose pine tree serves as a landmark from the tee (…)
Pass or brake!
To complete the front-nine, this par-4 has a special feature which is a radical change in elevation between the tee and the green. Uphill from start to finish, be prepared physically and mentally to climb a wall! It says a lot about the lies that await you and the multiple obstacles that will be in your way to slow down your ascent. It is a transition hole to the back-nine holes. It will take you as close as possible to the imposing Salève mountain. It is first narrow, with a group of trees concealing part of the fairway, then widens further to the left. A row of majestic birch trees separates you from the practice range area and protects you from the stray balls of players seeking perfection (…)