Golf
Vignes and Châteaux at Cabot Bordeaux
As the premier developer of golf resorts in the world, Cabot is elevating golf to a whole new level; putting their signature on the only golf courses in the northern part of Bordeaux; like Bordeaux’s iconic wines, the resort’s dual 18-hole courses—one heathland masterpiece, one pines parkland playground—were crafted for complexity and longevity; designed by two of the most beloved golf course architects in the world.
Routed across open-land country, where holes are beautifully framed by heather, gorse and broom, both courses invite players to step back in time to when architects like Tom Simpson created courses rich with strategy that celebrated the land. Châteaux, former host of the French Open, was American Bill Coore’s first and only European endeavor, which he completed with gifted Canadian course architect and frequent collaborator Rod Whitman in 1989. Whitman’s solo design, Vignes, debuted two years later. Both created to reconnect with the history of golf’s golden age of architecture in France
Devotees of modern golf will recognize both names as part and parcel to the Cabot portfolio, both had a hand in the first Cabot course—the pioneering Cabot Cape Breton; at the forefront of the changing face of golf, proving their prized golf design artistry is still way ahead of the game.
Both courses will be thoughtfully refined to bring back their undeniable character; where local and global players can hone their games amid captivating views of the region’s rolling vineyards and Impressionist landscape.
"Anyone playing Cabot Bordeaux is going to enjoy a distinctly French experience. Going from Cabot Cape Breton to Cabot Highlands to Cabot Saint Lucia to Cabot Citrus Farms to Cabot Bordeaux offers experiences that are as different and as varied as you could ever imagine."
– Bill Coore
Châteaux Course
When Bill Coore designed Châteaux in 1987, he attempted to build a new course that looked as though Tom Simpson had built it in the 1920s. Simpson had designed outstanding courses in France, perhaps most notably Morfontaine, and Coore wanted to pay homage to his beautiful work. Sandy soil, heather-lined bunkers and fast-and-firm fairways make Châteaux a distinctly heathland course, akin to some of the UK’s most famous such as Sunningdale Golf Club and Swinley Forest. The first tee at the 6,938-yard par-71 track sets the stage—the golfer must decide, while teeing it up on this 410-yard par 4, whether to play to the right of the series of bunkers that run down the middle of the fairway, or to dial back and play left. Pulling off the more difficult shot right of the bunkers means enjoying an easier approach to the green. The golfer faces similar decisions of risk/reward throughout the Châteaux journey, creating a dynamic and engaging experience from start to finish.
Vignes Course
Rod Whitman, who helped Bill Coore build Châteaux in 1987, designed Vignes two years later with shorter holes, tighter fairways, and more severe greens than its counterpart. Since Whitman prefers links-like conditions and features, the 6,820-yard par-71 Vignes consequently offers a distinctly French experience wrapped with Scottish flavor—many holes are framed with Scottish elements heather, gorse and Junay bushes, and they meander through moores and are framed with towering maritime pines native to Southwest France. Whitman believes strongly in giving the golfer options, and strategically placed obstacles throughout the course to force the golfer to make decisions, often enticing them into taking the riskier route. The course’s diversity of playing situations provokes strategy and thought, and also makes it playable for low handicappers and beginners alike.
Training Center and Practice Facility
Cabot Bordeaux is home to a state-of-the-art practice facility and training center built for game improvement across all skill levels. Equipped with the latest technology to advance your skills and reach your goals, the training center includes video rooms, short game areas, a practice area in course configuration, TaylorMade fitting room, and more!
With private and group instruction available from our professionally trained instructors, each program is personalized to meet every golfer’s needs. Beginner lessons and advanced training courses are available. Please see below to learn more details on each package.
