This course is considered one of Harry Colt's masterpieces, which is saying a lot vis a vis his impressive portfolio. It is routed through the dunes, although there are also many trees, shrubs and wicked undergrowth. In addtion to making recovery next to impossible, it also leads to La Mer's character being somewhat between a links and a heathland course. That being said, the flow from hole to hole is remarkable, certainly one of the best anywhere.

The club apparently is very high on its championship qualities and continually refines it in that direction. And indeed, when the wind blows it is hard to imagine anyone not being challenged to the utmost of his abilities here. The forward tees are quite playable for average golfers, although even then the course is not a push-over at all. The bunkers are especially difficult, because they provide very few level stances due to being bowl shaped.

Despite the name there are next to no sea views, but apart from that the scenery is naturally beautiful, wild and rough. The turf and greens are top notch, as is the norm in Le Touquet. When the wind is up, La Mer can be a brute, so the more sheltered La Forêt is a better option on those days. Other than that it is great fun to navigate the tricky holes, it's definitely a thinking man's course that doesn't need brutal length to play difficult.