Massane: the first Golfy Golf Resort Collection in France

Text by Arnaud Blanc

Not going would be a mistake. Since its reopening, in September for the Resort and at the end of October for golf, after two years of work on all its infrastructures, the Golf de Massane now stands out as a unique place in France. But also in Europe. First of all because he became the first to receive the Golf Resort Collection label, the highest distinction of the Golfy Network. It joins two other exceptional places nestled in Spanish Catalonia that are the PGA Golf at Camiral and the Golf Club Peralada. Second, because the new experience it offers is worth the trip. With a brand new 4-star hotel in an eco-designed building dotted the contours of golf, the area lacks nothing for a stay combining relaxation and practice of golf.

With eighty-four bedrooms, six suites, about forty apartments and a villa, the range is rich in variety; as much as the quality offered by its restaurants including Azalée, bistronomic table of the enclosure.

To set its power of attraction, Massane is also armed with the Spa Zéphyr, a space of 700m2 that is fully equipped: sensory hot tub, hammam, sauna,... The beautiful days of Occitanie will also be appreciated on the solarium and terrace of the Zeste bar, with the reliefs of the 18 holes as a backdrop; perfect to reward the efforts made on the course.

On this side, the upscale is just as obvious. Already renowned among the golfs of France, the course is now the subject of many praises from professional players who come to train there. Alexander Lévy, Julien Guerrier, Jeong weon Ko, Pauline Roussin-Bouchard are unanimous. “They love it,” says golf director Bruno Castel. They find a path that is somewhat similar to those they encounter in the United States and particularly in Florida.” Logical returns in the direction of investments since the director and his teams of greenkeepers have given pride of place to innovation, both technically and ecologically.

Indeed, the club is the first in France to have opted for the Bermuda Grass, a type of grass particularly adapted to high temperatures, often specific to Occitania. Faced with global warming that intensifies maintenance constraints, adaptation and therefore change were required. "This choice is that of reducing the consumption of water, fertilizers and pesticides. It is also the maintenance optimized for a course that will be more tolerant to wear and heat,” explains the director. This operational turn is accompanied by a peculiarity: a grass that tends to yellow in its winter dormancy period. "It is very important for us to change mentalities on the ecological issue, adds the head of communication and marketing, Mylène Recouly. Some golfers are used to playing on courses that have this natural yellowing but others do not yet have this eye. We are therefore working to ensure that these developments are understood by everyone, because accepting these developments is accompanying the transition towards a more responsible golf.”

This novelty has not gone unnoticed. It has even been the subject of an avalanche of questions and analyses from the managers and greenkeepers of the surrounding golf courses, who could also be led to follow this modernization movement. Despite its certain seduction, the Golf de Massane has not completely completed its transformation of grass. Currently installed on half of the route, the finishing will follow in the next two years to allow the sites to realize their ambitions.

Because as a resort, the domain has the capacity to receive large deadlines from amateur and professional calendars. It is indeed a will. «The objective, when the course is completely ready, is to host professional tournaments of 2nd or 3rd professional division as the Alps Tour or the Challenge Tour» slides Bruno Castel. Exercises that would allow the director and his teams to prove themselves for, why not one day, welcome the prestigious elite of the DP World Tour.

With such perspectives, Horizon Resort Massane - Golf de Massane proves that it is possible to combine innovation, sports performance and sustainable development. Thanks to its new label, golf is positioned as one of the spearheads in France. «There are some very nice products in the South of France, but we are proud to offer something that has only been seen in Spain until now» concludes Mylène Recouly. By obtaining the Golf Resort Collection label, Massane is not only rewarding two years of work. It opens the way to a new era, where excellence and ecology coexist for the delight of small white ball enthusiasts.

Horizon Resort Massane - Golf de Massane
Domaine de Massane - 34670 Baillargues
www.horizon-resort.com
golf@horizon-resort.com
tel:+33 4 67 87 87 89