CANNES MOUGINS ****
Cannes Mougins has a traditional feel about it – an austere, refined atmosphere where shorts and T-shirts are not tolerated. The old stone clubhouse encapsulates this old-world appeal epitomising the virtues of a country club retreat.
Dating back to 1923, the club has a long and celebrated history and can boast among its illustrious founder members the Aga Khan, Prince Pierre of Monaco and Edmond de Rothschild. What they created was a delightful parkland course surrounded by oaks, pine trees and fields of jasmine.
Despite its distinguished start and idyllic setting, as the century drew to a close, the Cannes Mougins club was in dire need of some attention and in 1978 became a private club owned by 500 shareholders who duly commissioned the architectural team of Peter Allis and Dave Thomas to overhaul the course.
The layout was fittingly revamped and made ready for the modern era. The extensive work done by Allis, the famed TV commentator, and Thomas received rave reviews and the rejuvenated club went on to host the Cannes Open between 1980 and 1994. For a while, it was one of the jewels in the crown of golf in Cannes and still maintains a rarefied feel perfected over decades of providing top-tier golf. In fact, last year it welcomed for the second time the Cannes Mougins Masters – a Seniors Tour event that was won by Spaniard Juan Quiros who defeated Irishman Des Smyth in a play-off.
The tree-lined fairways of this old master provide plenty of trouble off the tee. As a result, accuracy, rather than length, is required if you wish to emulate Quiros’ win. As well as trees, the fairways are also narrow and often dog-legged which further adds to the need for pin-point accuracy.
There is little let up when you get to the greens which contain subtle undulations that sometimes only become apparent after you hit the ball. Sadly the putting surfaces are marred somewhat by the abundance of pot marks that tarnish what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable golfing experience.
Golf Country Club de Cannes Mougins
Yardage: 6,747 Par: 72
Redesigned by Peter Allis and Dave Thomas
Contact: golf-cote-azur.com
