Paris, France: Sir Nick Faldo has announced his latest golf course design project at Golf de Val-Grand, his first in France, with aspirations to create an exciting country club venue with a premium academy facility.

Located just over 25 kilometres from the centre of Paris, the design is set to welcome the club’s surrounding community to enjoy a strategic and inviting test that champions endless enjoyment for all golfing abilities.

Included within the rejuvenation and re-energising of the golf course, the Faldo Design team will introduce a complete redesign of all 18 green complexes to USGA specifications, re-profile numerous fairways and playing strategies of holes, as well as inject a new energy to the bunkering.

Original features of the course, most notably its series of lakes and streams, will be brought further into play to add visual excitement and create a memorable playing experience.

In addition to the course, the project will also champion playability and growing the game with the inclusion of a premium golf academy facility, featuring cutting-edge technologies as well as a nine-hole short course to support and catalyse players’ development.

This aligns with the proposed four sets of tees and open fairways, which will further encourage progression and invite new and experienced players to enjoy the venue together.

Showing a commitment to upgrading the wider venue, the club will see major investment to create a holistic leisure facility with enhancements also penned for the clubhouse, a small village of accommodation lodges, swimming pool, spa and tennis courts, as well as upgrades to its highly-regarded restaurant.

The first sortie for Faldo Design in France will be much celebrated by the six-time Major champion, who himself will look to follow great success in the country during his illustrious career, winning three Open de France titles, with a course that embodies his strategic vision and passion for the game.

Sir Nick said: “We are delighted to announce our work with Val-Grand and are extremely excited for the potential of the golf course and the venue as a whole for golfers of all abilities to enjoy, learn and relax.

“The site here is unique, with threads of all playing surfaces introduced throughout the routing. The conifer trees almost create a heathland vibe, whilst the lakes and greenery feel more parkland.

“With the new and rippling fairways, the uneven stances will even be reminiscent of links golf. This variety, so close to Paris, I believe will create a great course where people can enjoy their golf and also the wider facilities here with the planned investment and ambitions from the owners, too.

“Following a fantastic 2018 Ryder Cup here, we know the passion of the French golfing community is vibrant and growing, and we look forward to celebrating alongside them ahead of the Paris Olympics come 2024.”

The course construction is set to begin in the second half of 2022, with ground-breaking planned for July, before growing-in begins in the Spring of 2023 through to early May 2024, when the first players are expected to tee-off.

Golf de Val-Grand Owner Robert Delin celebrated collaborating with Sir Nick Faldo, saying: “The collaboration with Faldo Design is very exciting for Val-Grand and the project that we are undertaking. Inviting a true legend of the game to share his knowledge and visions with us is a privilege, and we are inspired by the plans and vision of what we can achieve together over the coming years.

“Throughout the venue we want to connect with the local community and build a fantastic space for our members to enjoy. Our work with the Faldo Design team will undoubtedly help us to take this experience to the next level, both on and off the golf course.”

Faldo Design is an Associate Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.