Blue Golf

Savenay can be a good summertime alternative, even though it's Bluegreen, because it doesn't get packed. I now have an 8 handicap and usually drive 35 minutes to play Guerande, where things can get busy but management is competent, or La Bretesche for an enjoyable round. If you're on holiday here and want a pleasant game, play late in the evening or avoid this course. The course is well maintained by a competent greenkeeper, and the design is good, with a variety of shots. It's not easy, and the practice facilities are good apart from the synthetic pitching area. But Bluegreen runs it like a "Tesco" chain, putting profit ahead of playability. There are lots of players who don't know golf, no starter, and no one teaching slower groups to let faster ones through. In summer they send four balls out every 10 minutes, though R&A recommends 12 minute intervals. On a course with a 144 slope rating, be prepared to wait six hours. Management doesn't seem to understand what golf is about. Bluegreen taught the locals the etiquette. I live 15 minutes away and learned to play here. After five hours of group lessons, we were all allowed onto the course. That's Bluegreen policy.

The course was wow, and the pro shop service was very, very friendly. They even found me a golf partner so I could join a round, then arranged a taxi for us back to Saint Nazaire.

An outstanding practice area and a good course.

Everything was just as perfect as it was last time.