Perched at an altitude of 800 meters, the Puy-en-Velay Golf Course offers a unique view of the town to golfers of all levels, on a 9-hole course. In addition to the numerous competitions offered throughout the season, it organizes the International Pitch & Putt Open on April 25, 26 and 27, in partnership with France Pitch & Putt (FPP), a major event included in the International Pitch & Putt Association calendar. 72 players of different nationalities will have the opportunity to compete in this competition which will shine a spotlight on Velay.
With the warmer weather, the Puy-en-Velay golf course remains particularly attractive. It boasts a unique location overlooking the town and offers both experienced and beginner golfers a real change of scenery on its 9-hole course.
" It's a 9-hole golf course that benefits from a compact golf course with short 6-hole distances. It offers the possibility of playing on a full course and also on an exceptional practice course. And then, players can enjoy a unique view of the city ," explains Jacques Olagnol, president of the sports association within the Puy-en-Velay golf club.
The Pitch&Putt International Open is the event of the year
The International Pitch & Putt Open, held on April 25-26, will shine a spotlight on the Puy-en-Velay golf course over three days, spanning the entire Velay region. This high-level competition will attract 27 participants from across France, including the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region.
Bernard Boudon will represent Le Puy-en-Velay. Among the participants will also be renowned golfers from Portugal and Spain, such as Hugo Espírito Santo, Ortiz de Pinedo, Fernandez de Caleya, and Calzadilla Mangan, as well as players from Armenia, England, Italy, Colombia, and the Netherlands. " This is an important competition for the international federation. The environment here is incredible, and there's great potential, " emphasizes Patrick Giraud, the new president of France Pitch & Putt.
How is Pitch & Putt played?
Pitch & Putt is a version of golf played with two clubs and a putter over distances of less than 90 meters on an 18-hole course. In Le Puy-en-Velay, it has the distinction of being hilly and planted with century-old baker's pines, and it stretches over a length of 1105 meters.
It offers nine excellent-quality greens. Boosted in particular by the French Golf Federation's 9 Small Structures program launched in 100, the practice of pitch & putt golf is booming in France.
" Pitch & putt is taking off in Haute-Loire thanks to Jacques Olagnol. We organize quite a few events throughout the year, " explains Dominique Tareriat, president of the Haute-Loire departmental golf committee. With a course just one kilometer long for 18 holes, a pitch & putt takes less than two hours to play, making the sport accessible to everyone.
Pitch & Putt to promote golf
Pitch & putt is ideal for getting beginner golfers onto 18-hole courses, and there's no age limit! In Le Puy-en-Velay, children are invited to try golf for free every Saturday and Sunday through the national "Tous au golf" initiative. And to attract even more young people, free introductory sessions are offered for 6 months for those aged 6 to 16.
“ We want to combat the elitist image that people sometimes have, ” explains Jacques Olagnol. Furthermore, a golf license in Le Puy-en-Velay is less expensive than other sports licenses, even for children. “ Today in France, there’s a range of golf courses accessible to everyone. It’s a bit like the hotel industry; there’s something for every budget! ” For Théo Thomas, who manages the Le Puy-en-Velay golf course and is a certified instructor, golf has tended to become more accessible over the years.
A relaxing break at the Là-Haut restaurant
Eric Julliard took over the reins of the Là-Haut restaurant on March 1st and intends to make it a vibrant social hub. " It's truly open to everyone, whether you're a golfer or not. It's an opportunity to enjoy a meal while taking in an exceptional view and relaxing on the terrace. " From Tuesday to Friday, guests can enjoy a buffet of appetizers and desserts, as well as a meat dish or a fish dish.
The à la carte menu on Saturdays offers traditional, homemade dishes. Themed events are organized throughout the year, and many requests for baptisms and weddings are already being received.
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