La Mer at Djerba Golf Club

La Mer is an 18-hole course at Djerba Golf Club on the island of Djerba, off Tunisia's southeastern coast in the Mediterranean. Designed by Martin Hawtree, the course occupies a flat, coastal landscape characteristic of this low-lying island, where the terrain offers minimal elevation change but presents design challenges related to wind, sandy soils, and the proximity to the sea. Hawtree, a British architect whose family firm has worked extensively in Europe and North Africa, created a layout that works with the natural conditions of the site rather than imposing dramatic earthworks.

The course sits near Midoun in the Medenine governorate, an area known for tourism development along Djerba's eastern shore. The routing takes advantage of the island's open character, with holes exposed to prevailing winds that can significantly affect play. Native vegetation and palm groves provide definition and framing, while the sandy subsoil ensures good drainage year-round, an important consideration for a resort course in a region with variable rainfall. The design emphasizes strategic bunkering and green contours to create interest on relatively flat ground.

Djerba Golf Club serves both resort visitors and local members, functioning as one of Tunisia's established golf destinations. The island's mild winter climate makes it a year-round facility, attracting European golfers particularly during the cooler months. The course reflects the practical requirements of resort golf in North Africa while incorporating design principles that reward thoughtful play despite the absence of dramatic topography.