Photo: Lionel Allorge · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized for web
Paris & Île-de-France, France
Le Golf National (Albatros Course)
A purpose-built stadium course near Paris that hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup and 2024 Olympic golf.
Course overview
Opened in 1990 and designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge, the Albatros course has long been the home of the French Open. It is currently closed for a redesign linked to the construction of Paris Metro Line 18, with reopening expected around late September 2026 in time for the FedEx Open de France — confirm current status before planning a visit.
The essentials
- Architect
- Hubert Chesneau; Robert von Hagge
- Established
- 1990
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,703 m
- Location
- Île-de-France, France
Character & atmosphere
A purpose-built stadium course with large water features, island greens, and exposed terrain designed to test professionals and challenge single-figure amateurs. Spectator mounding frames key holes, and the closing stretch around the lake is among the most demanding finishes in European golf.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Hubert Chesneau; Robert von Hagge, opened in 1990.
- A championship-calibre test that has hosted professional golf.
Signature Hole
18
La Finale
A par-4 closing hole where water hugs the entire left side of the approach and a bunker guards the right, leaving no safe bail-out on the second shot. The hole came to global attention during the 2018 Ryder Cup, where its severity and the surrounding spectator banks made it the defining image of the European team's victory. The course is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen in late 2026 — confirm status before visiting.
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Orly Airport is the more convenient option; the course is around 20 km to the southwest. CDG has far more international connections; from central Paris, the RER C toward Versailles is the public transport option, or car hire gives direct access. The course hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup and is well signposted from the main routes.
Where to stay
Paris is the obvious base for Île-de-France golf, combining Le Golf National and the other region's courses with one of the world's most rewarding city experiences. Allow time for traffic to and from the courses, particularly Le Golf National south of the city.
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France
Explore Paris & Île-de-France
The Paris region's championship golf, led by Le Golf National, host of the 2018 Ryder Cup and 2024 Olympic golf, and the heathland-style Golf de Chantilly.