In the Pays de Gex – Monts-Jura, golf is easy to discover. With its varied landscapes, accessible facilities and formats to suit all levels, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re curious, a beginner or a regular golfer.
A wide range of golf courses
Pays de Gex is home to several golf courses with different characteristics, offering a wide range of conditions for beginners and regular players.
Golf de la Manchette, in Prévessin-Moëns, offers an 18-hole, par 71 course.
The Jiva Hill Golf Club in Crozet has a different layout: a 9-hole, 18-start course with synthetic turf greens. This type of surface guarantees consistent play, especially when weather conditions limit the maintenance of traditional courses. The course is open all year round.
Golf de Saint-Genis, also known as Golf de Serves, is a compact 9-hole course offering an accessible and direct approach to the game. The course has short holes, perfect for practising your short game or getting off to a gentle start. There is also a 5-hole school course.
Golf de la Valserine, at Mijoux, is located in a wilder valley, on the heights. Its 9-hole course follows the natural contours of the land, in the heart of a mid-mountain environment. The atmosphere is simple and authentic, ideal for relaxed golfing.
The Golf du Domaine de Divonne is without doubt one of the oldest golf courses in the region. It was created in 1931. This 18-hole par 72 course is renowned for its technical features. Set in a large wooded park, with a view of Mont Blanc and the Alps, it takes advantage of natural undulations and the passage of a stream.
Ranked as one of the “five most beautiful courses in France” according to some guidebooks, it offers an interesting challenge, particularly for players with a required index < 36 (a little info for the experts 😉).
In Divonne-les-Bains, you can also find the Golf de l’Hippodrome . This golf course is unusual because of its location. It offers an unexpected setting with a large driving range, making it the ideal place to start practising.
The Domaine de Gonville golf course lies at the foot of the Jura mountains, between open fields and wooded areas. This 18-hole, par 71 course has a fairly flat layout, punctuated by a few water hazards and well-placed bunkers. Accessible to players of all levels, it offers a good balance between technicality and fluidity of play.
Finally, at Échenevex, the Golf Club de Maison Blanche offers two courses (18 and 9 holes), designed in a calm environment, between forests and open views. While the main course is aimed at members (it is a members’ golf course), the club also offers a driving range and a golf school open to a wide audience, including children.
Another way to play: indoor golf simulators
In Crozet, at the Jiva Hill Resort, there is also a facility that is rare in the region: a centre with indoor golf cabins. Equipped with digital simulators, they allow you to play virtually on a number of international courses, while remaining on site. The player uses his clubs and balls, hitting in front of a screen that accurately reproduces the shot thanks to sensors.
This system allows you to discover golf without worrying about the weather, to practise at flexible times or to work on a specific technical aspect. The cabins can be booked by the hour, with or without accompaniment.
Dressing for play: what does etiquette say?
In golf, dress is part of what is known as etiquette, a set of rules governing good manners and respect for the game, the other players and the course.
As a general rule, trousers or classic Bermuda shorts, a polo shirt with a collar and appropriate footwear are recommended. Jeans, sleeveless T-shirts, jogging suits and casual sportswear are often not recommended, or even forbidden on certain routes.
For the first sessions or introductions, local facilities are generally flexible. Comfortable, well-groomed clothing is all you need, and it’s often possible to play in flat-soled trainers. If in doubt, it’s best to ask the club before coming along: the aim is to enjoy the moment, while respecting the surroundings and the other players.
Equipping yourself without breaking the bank
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to invest in expensive equipment to get started. Most clubs in Pays de Gex lend or hire equipment for the first few sessions. If you want to go further, local clubs can advise on the choice of equipment, licences, enrolment in group or individual lessons, access to courses, etc.
Tables open to all
Even without a club in hand, you can still enjoy the atmosphere of the Pays de Gex golf courses. Several of them have restaurants, where the cuisine is carefully prepared. At lunchtime, you can enjoy a quiet break, or in the evening, in an elegant setting. These establishments welcome players and non-players alike. So don’t hesitate any longer, and push open the door of one of these restaurants!
Why play golf?
Although golf is a sport of reflection and strategy, it also allows you to spend some time with yourself. You spend time outdoors, in the heart of nature, where you’re out of time, slowing down and concentrating on your swing. You also get to walk a lot in a soothing, green environment.
Some people go there to progress, others to share an activity with friends or family. You’re sure to meet some great people!
The atmosphere varies from place to place and from time to time. But the welcome is generally flexible, particularly during introductory sessions or open days organised by the clubs.
In the Pays de Gex, golf can be discovered without any preconceived ideas. You can go there to try it out, to perfect your game or simply to enjoy a good meal with a view. Whether you’re curious, a beginner or more experienced, there’s always a way to approach this activity at your own pace, with no constraints.
It's often enough to take the plunge and be surprised.
Thematics
