Les Bordes Estate was originally established by Baron Marcel Bich in 1987 with the unveiling of the Old Course. Designed by Robert Von Hagge, and widely considered his masterpiece, the Old Course, like the broader estate, remained the Baron’s private sanctuary where he hosted family and friends and the occasional amateur or professional event. The estate thrived and developed mythical status under the Baron’s stewardship.
Since the Baron’s passing in 1994 and years without clear direction, control of the estate was taken over by the partners of private equity firm RoundShield Partners and a few outside partners in March 2018. Since then, Les Bordes Golf Club was formed as a private club which is accessible exclusively by its Members and their guests. The Club aims to offer the best private club experience in Europe, with a combined 46 holes of golf, two architecturally distinct championship courses, a world class short course and unrivalled supporting facilities. Launched in August 2019, the Founder Member class closed in December 2019 with over 100 Members, representing 12 distinct nationalities. Since closing the Founder class, the Club continues to selectively admit new Members with the aim of maintaining the Club’s geographical diversity and strong golf culture, with current members representing many of the most prestigious clubs around the world.
In addition to establishing the Golf Club, significant improvements have been made to the Club’s golf facilities under the new owners. Gil Hanse was selected to create a second contrasting championship course, the New Course, which opened in July 2021. Like the Old Course, the New Course is accessible exclusively to Members and their guests. Gil is renowned for designing modern masterpieces (including Castle Stuart and Ohoopee Match Club) and restoring many perennial Top 100 Courses (including Merion, Winged Foot and LACC). Gil has also created a 1,557 yard (1,424 meters), 10 hole par 3 course, The Wild Piglet, which was unveiled to members in September 2020 and has already been ranked amongst the Top 25 par 3 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. Material improvements have also been made to the Old Course; overly penal rough and trees encroaching on the lines of play have been removed and the implementation of a new maintenance program is already yielding much firmer conditions that make the length of the course less impactful.
The Clubhouse and Member cottages have also been completely renovated to offer modern comforts and facilities whilst preserving the rustic feel of the fireplaces and vaulted wood beam ceilings as well as the charm of the surrounding Loire Valley architecture.
