A Tom Simpson course that is not as well-known as it should be, but Simpson generally seems to fly under the radar. The configuration is as flamboyant as the man himself, it's a par 72 with 5 par 5s, 5 par 3s and 8 par 4s. The course is located in a coastal pine forest with good, sandy soil and natural undulations. Fortunately, while trees line every fairway, they rarely encroach, because the playing corridors are very generous.

The greens (fast, true, undulated) and especially the bunkering are top drawer and make every hole interesting until the last putt drops. Courses, that were carved out of a forest, are often bland and boring, because there aren't enough strategic options and every hole looks like the previous one. But that is definitely not the case at Hardelot. Maybe two of the short par 3s are a bit similar, but other than that there is great variety.

It doesn't feel like playing in a forest and every hole presents something new visually. However, what is holding the course back is the residential development encircling it. To be fair, the houses are set back a bit and don't bother too much, but the atmosphere would of course be better in an all natural setting and without those noisy gasoline-powered carts. In all other respects Les Pins is very close to being the ideal home course: it can be walked, the climate is agreeable, the conditioning superb throughout the year and the golf provides endless hours of fun. Ongoing restoration work by Frank Pont is keeping the course fresh and true to its original design.