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 boasts a compact layout with short, 6-hole layouts. It offers the opportunity to play on a large course and also on an exceptional practice course. Players can also 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 them 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 Holland. This is an important competition for the international federation. The environment here is incredible and there is great potential. " underlines 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 on the rise in Haute-Loire thanks to Jacques Olagnol. We organize a number of events throughout the year. " explains Dominique Tareriat, president of the Haute-Loire departmental golf committee. With a mile to cover for 18 holes, less than 2 hours are enough to play a pitch & putt, which makes the sport accessible to all.
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 fight against the elitist image that people sometimes have " specifies Jacques Olagnol. And then, the license in Puy-en-Velay is less expensive than other sports licenses and even at the children's level " Today, France offers a wide 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 runs the Puy-en-Velay golf course and is a qualified instructor, golf has tended to become more democratic 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 he intends to make it a place to live. It's truly open to everyone, whether you're a golfer or not. It's a great opportunity to dine while enjoying an exceptional view and enjoying the terrace. » From Tuesday to Friday you can enjoy a buffet of starters and desserts and taste 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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