Mixed doubles
The most surprising course by far? Chiberta golf course in Anglet, which hugs the coastline before plunging into the pines. It’s also the most technical course. Because between the links (meaning on the sand) and the inlands (which might even mean the forest), you need some serious skills to finish on par. Handicap of 35 at least!
Art Deco
Chantaco golf course in Saint-Jean-de-Luz is packed with history, and is known as the “birthplace of Basque golf”. Celebs and pros alike have flocked here ever since it first opened in 1928, from Arnaud Massy and Jean Garaïalde, to the Prince of Wales and Charlie Chaplin. We think the best thing about it is the club house, erected in 1927 by the architect Jean Walter. The interior blends art deco and Neo-Basque.
The hundred-year old club
- Whimsical and fabulously wealthy, Baron Albert de l’Espée wanted to mark the centenary of Biarritz Le Phare Golf Club in fine style, and establish the region as a land of golf once and for all. And so was born IIbarritz, which combines a sumptuous course overlooking the ocean, and a training centre that combines every possible variation of the game to train future talent. Go through the door, take the stairs up to the belvedere, and see just how beautiful the Bay of Biscay is.
A lighthouse on the green
They wanted to play a few holes while on holiday, but the Basque Country hadn’t yet teed off. With that being the only thing holding them back, they requisitioned the lighthouse plateau and built their course. That’s just what the English do! And the result is Biarritz Le Phare Golf Club, opened in 1887. In the heart of the city it forms a beautiful garden, for a tight and demanding round of golf.
Last but not least
One of the latest generation of the region’s golf clubs, opened in 1990, Arcangues has a turbulent outline, between oak and meadow, around Arcangues Chateau. It’s a tough course that makes up for its stern nature with the breath-taking views of the Pyrenees and La Rhune.
Places to go
• Chiberta Golf Club: 104 boulevard des Plages, 64600 Anglet
• Chantaco Golf Club: route d’Ascain, 64500 Saint-Jean-de-Luz
• La Nivelle Golf Club: place William Sharp, 64500 Ciboure
• Biarritz Le Phare Golf Club: 2 avenue Edith Cavell, 64200 Biarritz
• Arcangues Golf Club: chemin de Jaureguiborde, 64200 Arcangues
At Chiberta Golf Club, you can opt to play “L’Impératrice”. It’s only got nine holes instead of the usual 18, but it’s just as magical as the longer version.
Journalist and editor