Peeling Back the Turf - Olympic Edition

July 30, 2024 4:10 PM | Chris DeMain (Administrator)

Welcome to the 2024 Olympics Golf Tournament at Le Golf National

As the world gathers in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the spotlight shines brightly on Le Golf National, where the men's and women's golf competitions will take place. From August 1-4, the men will showcase their skills, followed by the women from August 8-11. This renowned course, designed by Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge, has been meticulously prepared under the expert care of Golf Course Superintendent Lucas Pierre and his dedicated team.

Meet the Superintendent: Lucas Pierre

Lucas Pierre has been an integral part of Le Golf National for the past eight years, serving as Superintendent for six of those years. With a strong background in turfgrass management from Ohio State University, Lucas has previously held positions as an assistant at Le Golf National and has a wealth of experience in hosting prestigious tournaments including the Ryder Cup, French Open, and World Amateur.

Course Overview

Course Architect: Hubert Chesneau and Robert von Hagge (1990), with renovations by European Golf Design (2015) Par: Men: 36-35—71 / Women: 36-36—72 Yardage: Men: 7,174 yards (6,557 meters) / Women: 6,374 yards (5,829 meters) Average Green Size: 6,458 to 8,611 sq. ft. (600 to 800 m²) Total Property Acres: 343 (139 hectares) Fairways: 24.7 acres (10 hectares) Rough: 86.4 acres (35 hectares) Sand Bunkers: 51 Water Hazards: 16 (in play on 10 holes)

Turfgrass Management

  • Greens: Poa / creeping bentgrass at .118-197” (3.2-3.4 mm)
  • Collars and Approaches: Ryegrass / fescue at .275-.315” (7-8 mm)
  • Tees and Fairways: Ryegrass / fescue at .315-.394” (8-10 mm)
  • Rough: Ryegrass / fescue at varying heights of 2.5" (63 mm), 3.3” (83 mm), and 4.7” (120 mm)

Course Highlights and Challenges

Le Golf National offers a mix of challenging features and stunning vistas. This year, the maintenance team has added new sand to almost every bunker and dealt with significant frost and temperature swings. The course, situated at nearly 6,000 feet, requires special care due to its unique climate and minimal summer rainfall, relying heavily on wetting agents. Moreover, the team is tackling issues with pocket gophers, voles, and moles.

Environmental Stewardship

Le Golf National prides itself on its commitment to environmental sustainability, holding a Geo certification silver award for biodiversity. The course maintenance team is transitioning to nearly full electric equipment, currently at 90%, reflecting their dedication to reducing their carbon footprint.

A Historical Venue

Le Golf National is not only a premier golfing venue but also steeped in history. The lefthand side of No. 14 features La Porte de Merantais, one of the original gates of Versailles castle land. The course's construction was an impressive feat, involving 300 trucks per day of materials from downtown Paris for three years to add elevation to the flat farmland.

Join us in celebrating this grand event, where the world's top golfers will compete for Olympic glory on one of the finest courses in the world. Stay tuned for an unforgettable week of exceptional golf in the heart of France!



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