Le Baron at Les Bordes Golf Club

Le Baron is the second 18-hole layout at Les Bordes Golf Club, designed by Robert von Hagge and opened in 1989, one year after the club's original course. The property sits in the Sologne region of the Loire Valley, approximately 150 kilometers south of Paris, on land characterized by dense pine forests, natural water features, and sandy soil that provides excellent drainage and firm playing conditions throughout much of the year.

Von Hagge's design at Le Baron takes a different approach from the club's more celebrated first course. The routing moves through heavily wooded corridors with strategic bunkering and water hazards that demand precision over raw distance. The layout features several risk-reward opportunities where aggressive lines can yield scoring chances, but errant shots often find trouble in the form of lateral hazards or deep greenside bunkers. The greens are typically large with subtle internal contours, rewarding players who position their approach shots carefully.

Les Bordes Golf Club operates as a private facility with limited outside play, though visiting golfers can sometimes access the courses through hotel packages or member introductions. The club has maintained a reputation for conditioning and presentation, with both courses kept in tournament-ready shape. While Le Baron receives less international attention than its companion layout, it provides a complementary test that emphasizes course management and accuracy. The Sologne setting offers a distinct atmosphere, with the forest canopy and natural wetlands creating a secluded environment that feels removed from the surrounding agricultural landscape of the Loire Valley.