The game of golf was first brought to the French Riviera by the disgraced and exiled brother of Russian Tsar Alexander III in the late 18th century as an activity to help alleviate his boredom.
The Grand Duke Michael was banished to the south of France after an ill-matched marriage, but when he saw the stunning scenery surrounding his new home he decided to make the best of it created a golf course to satisfy his love of the game and rival any of those in Europe at the time. The result was the Cannes-Mandelieu Golf Club, which was opened in 1891 between the seashore and the River Siagne.
Now, the Cote d’Azur boasts some of the greatest golf courses in the world and its enviable facilities are one of the reasons why visitors choose to come here on a luxury helicopter charter. Golf lovers are spoilt for choice with more than 10 courses, many of which are within easy reach, just a short commute on a luxury helicopter from Nice to Cannes or anywhere on the Cote d’Azur.
Amongst the most prestigious courses is the Royal Mougins Golf Club, located in the beautiful hilltop village of Mougins, just a short trip on a Cannes helicopter charter. Ranked among the Top 100 Courses of the World it is one of the five best courses in France, the Royal Mougins Golf Club has a membership card drawn from the highest ranks of European society.
Another first class establishment is the Cannes Mougins Golf Course, which stretches out between Mougins and the coast. This superb course, which held the European Opens in the 80s and 90s, winds its way between two magnificent forests and the gently undulating course of a river creating a number of interesting water hazards.
Further along the coast above Monaco is the Monte Carlo Golf Club, built on the slopes of Mount Agel in 1911. This impressive course enjoys unrivalled views of the Mediterranean from its green and for those keen to drop by is easily accessible on a Monaco helicopter charter.
Another green gem is The Riviera Golf Club, which was designed in 1991 by American master Robert Trent Jones. He added the 18-hole course to the ‘Old Course’, the very course that the Grand Duke Michael opened a century before.
For further information on arranging a helicopter charter to any of these prestigious courses please visit Heli Securite’s website for rates and booking information.
