The origins
The development of the Pont Royal International Golf Course began in 1991 on former hunting grounds, set amid garrigue and pine forests.
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, it remains his only course in France. The course was inaugurated by Ballesteros himself alongside Marie-Laure de Lorenzi in September 1992.
Pont Royal takes its name from the historic royal road once used by “Good King René” during his hunting expeditions in Provence; the arch of the original bridge is still visible along the access road. The emblem featuring two hinds is inspired by a sculpture found in the former chapel of the Moulin.
The project came to life through the vision of Mr. Ventre, owner of the Moulin de Vernègues, and Daniel Conte, Mayor of Mallemort, with the support of Claude Roger Cartier, then President of the French Golf Federation.
Set within the 183-hectare Pont Royal Estate and built on limestone soil, the course was developed under the supervision of project manager David Krause, who later became its first director. Inspired by American “technical layouts“, the design incorporates specialized grass
blends selected for their resilience and suitability to sandy substrates. At Pont Royal, the formula is straightforward: greens and tee boxes are composed of 100% Penncross bentgrass, while fairways consist of 25% ryegrass and 75% fescue.
Initially financed and operated by London Metropolitan, Pont Royal later became part of the Pierre & Vacances Group before being sold in 1998 to the American company Sunchase.
By 2000, the club counted 140 members. On April 3, 2001, at the initiative of H. Fahlbusch, J.-P. Carré, M. O’Shea, C. Sintes, D. Leuba, F. Meyer, and T. Vollalokken, more than 100 members became co-owners, united by a shared commitment to preserving the course and its exceptional natural environment.
2001/2003: The new Club House
From that point onward, the strong performance of the newly formed joint-stock companies, SAS Golf International de Pont Royal (owner) and SAS Golf de Pont Royal en Provence (operator), the operating entity, enabled their boards of directors, chaired by H. Fahlbusch and J.-P. Carré, to inaugurate a 1,200-square-meter clubhouse in May 2002. Opened in the presence of 200 shareholders, the clubhouse features a gourmet restaurant and marked a new phase of continuous improvements to the course, envisioned as a true jewel of Provence.
2009/2010 : The 6-holes course and training center of La Durance
In 2009, faced with the success of the Golf, the design of a second 6 hole course with the help of renowned French architect, Michel Gayon. Opened in 2010, the Golf de la Durance hosts two academies “FlowMotion” and “Leadbetter” and is a unique feature in the region to learn and improve.
2018/2024 : The international vocation
Between Alpilles and Luberon, the Pont Royal International Golf is the sports and tourist destination of the region. It allows the game of golf to be enjoyed in all seasons in great condition thanks to modern equipment and professional maintenance.
Throughout the years, the administrators of various nationalities have worked to position Pont Royal as one of the great European courses.
This orientation is reflected by the various nationalities of the 350 shareholders of the club with a significant representation of European countries.
This desire for openness and excellence was also expressed through hosting the European Challenge Tour “Challenge AGF” in 1994, the Alps Tour “MASTERS 13” from 2003 to 2014 and the “Hopps Open de Provence” tournament, a European Challenge Tour from 2018 to 2023.
