Best Golf Courses by Georgia Hall & Joost Luiten
What is your favourite golf course?
Le Golf National is my favorite.
Why is this one of your favorite courses?
It's a really tough course and a great test. You get rewarded for playing well.
How does the atmosphere or location of this course contribute to its appeal?
It's hosted a Ryder Cup and Tour events and is built for spectators. It's a great viewing course, as you can watch the golf from all angles. Plus, it's only 45 minutes from the center of Paris and even closer to Versailles, making it a great location too.
Are there any signature holes or memorable views that stand out to you on this course?
I would say holes 1 and 2 make for a tough start, but the last 4 holes are water-based with huge amphitheaters all around, so it's a big finish.
What is the most challenging hole? Any tips?
I'd say the best tip is to stay out of the water!
How do you typically approach your strategy when playing this course?
I think tee shots are important. Since there's a lot of water, you need to be in a good position so you can plan your strategy for the rest of the hole.
Nearly getting a hole-in-one on number 8 during the Olympics.
Do you have any anecdotes to share about this course, something that happened when you played it?
I played the Olympics on this course, so I have lots of great memories from being part of such an iconic event. The great crowds also added to the experience.
Which Duca's would you wear playing this course?
If I have to choose between these three, I would choose Gran Sur Sierre as my favorite.
Why is this one of your favorite courses?
It's just a fun course to play in the mountains. Finishing the 18th hole in the middle of the village is so cool, it feels like St Andrews up in the mountains. I don't think there's a prettier course than Crans Montana, with its stunning views. It's located at 1,500 meters altitude, offering the most beautiful views of the mountains and glaciers.
Are there any signature holes or memorable views that stand out to you on this course?
The most memorable hole is definitely the 7th, a short par 4. It’s on the edge of the mountains, offering the most spectacular views into the valley and over the mountains. You can't play this hole without taking a picture.
What is the most challenging hole? Any tips?
I think the most challenging hole is the first one, a tough and long par 4. You need to hit a good drive down the left side of the fairway, as a deep bunker on the right will prevent you from reaching the green. The green is difficult because it’s quite sloped and hard to hit with a 4 or 5 iron.
How do you typically approach your strategy when playing this course?
The strategy is to be aggressive on the par 5s and short par 4s. Play the par 3s smart by aiming for the middle of the green because they are tricky.
Which skills come in handy?
I think driving the ball well is key on this course. It's not a long course, so if you drive it well, you'll have a lot of wedge shots in, allowing you to be aggressive from the fairway. It's much harder to control the distance out of the rough, especially since the ball flies about 10% further due to the thinner air and altitude.
What has been your most memorable round or shot on this course?
My most memorable shot must have been two years ago when I almost made a hole-in-one on a par 4. It was on the 7th hole, which is the prettiest of them all. It was thrilling to go for the green and almost hole it.
Which Duca's would you wear playing this course?
You can wear Duca shoes on any course, but I would choose the Davantis. They're really comfortable and very stable, which you need on some of the sloped fairways.