Golfing in the French Riviera

Golf is the most-played individual sport by the French, although, according to the Fédération Française de Golf, only 0.61% of the population practices, not quite on par with the United Kingdom (1.9%), Sweden (5.8%), or the United States (9.5%). France will host the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on the outskirts of Versailles, making it the second time in the tournament's history that it will take place on the continent.

Grand Duke Michael of Russia founded the Riviera's first golf course—the Old Course in Cannes-Mandelieu—in 1891. This venerated institution now hosts more than 40 competitions a year and, according to Riviera Golfer's Nick Kent, some 60% of the total rounds are played by English-speakers. Today there are 22 regional golf courses, from Monaco to St-Tropez, and two expat clubs—the Riviera Expatriates Golf Society (REGS) and Landlubbers Golf Club. In September 2013, Cannes Golf Week was introduced and is now a biannual event.